Cheap Apartments for Rent in Santa Cruz County, CA from $600 (23 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Santa Cruz County.

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Sparrow Terrace
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Sparrow Terrace

139-161 Miles LnWatsonville, CA 95076

What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much

Learn the official definition (spending 30% or more of your gross income on housing) and how to calculate your exact rent-to-income ratio. This guide offers expert tips on factoring in total housing costs (including utilities and fees) and budgeting accurately to avoid unnecessary financial strain.

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Garden Hill Apartments
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Garden Hill Apartments

31 Lassen WayWatsonville, CA 95076
  • Utilities Included
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307-309 Raymond St
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

307-309 Raymond St

307-309 Raymond StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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Jefsen Apartments
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

Jefsen Apartments

508 Main StWatsonville, CA 95076
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Seabright Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Seabright Apartments

116 Seabright AveSanta Cruz, CA 95062

Your Guide to Co-Signers: The Risks, Rewards, and Everything in Between

Thinking about getting a co-signer for your rental application? We break down what a co-signer is, the potential benefits, and the serious risks for both parties. Find out if it's the right choice for you.

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The Terrace
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

The Terrace

445 Main StWatsonville, CA 95076
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Shearwater Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Shearwater Apartments

2333 Portola DrSanta Cruz, CA 95062
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Coronado Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Coronado Apartments

133 Morrissey BlvdSanta Cruz, CA 95062
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240 River Street
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

240 River Street

232-240 River StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
  • Utilities Included

Cash or credit? Understanding the Importance of Credit Score in Real Estate and Renting

Discover how your credit score impacts your ability to lease or buy a home. Learn how credit scores are determined, how to check yours, and strategies to improve it for real estate success.

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Showing Results 1-23, Page 1 of 1

Cheapest Available Santa Cruz County Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in Santa Cruz County, CA is a Studio unit found at The Palomar Inn in the Downtown Santa Cruz neighborhood priced from $1,860. St. George Apartments in the Downtown Santa Cruz neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $2,200. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Santa Cruz County apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
The Palomar InnPalomar Inn -SROStudio,1BA$1,860
St. George ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$2,200
The BreakersThe BreakersStudio,1BA$2,295
Six Hundred Park AvenueNon-Remodeled 1 bedroom with LVT flooring1BR,1BA$2,350
Plum Street Garden Apartments 501 Plum St Capitola, CA 95010Plum Street - StudioStudio,1BA$2,495

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Santa Cruz County, CA

As of May 30, 2026 the best value apartment in the Santa Cruz County area is the $3.82 price per square foot Three Bedroom Model at Emerald Bay Apartments in the in the Eastside neighborhood starting from $3,933. The second greatest value Santa Cruz County apartment is the 2/1 Model at Baytree Apartments starting at $3,185 with a $3.10 price per square foot in the Western neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Santa Cruz County apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Emerald Bay ApartmentsThree Bedroom3BR,1.5BA$3.82
Baytree Apartments2/12BR,2BA$3.10
Breakwater ApartmentsC13BR,2BA$4.50
Westmont Townhomes2 Beds, 1 bath2BR,1BA$4.64
1804 Mission StStandard Loft1BR,1.5BA$3.63
5175 Freedom Blvd, Unit 35175 Freedom Blvd3BR,1BA$4.86
150-152 Leibrandt Ave2-Bedroom2BR,1BA$4.92
Six Hundred Park AvenueNon-Remodeled 1 bedroom with LVT flooring1BR,1BA$3.77
Scotts Valley Apartments1x11BR,1BA$4.58
6412 Highway 9, Unit apartment live work space6412 Highway 91BR,1.5BA$4.64

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Santa Cruz County Apartments

What is a cheap apartment in Santa Cruz County?

A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Santa Cruz County is under $2,850.

What is the price of a cheap apartment in Santa Cruz County?

The cheapest apartment in Santa Cruz County is Six Hundred Park Avenue which is listed at $2,350, while the average apartment in Santa Cruz County costs $4,445.

What types of apartments are the cheapest in Santa Cruz County?

Student, low-income, and by-the-bed apartments are typically the cheapest rentals in most cities, though they require qualifying criteria to rent. There are 22 regular apartments in Santa Cruz County that we think qualify as ‘cheap apartments’ that do not have special requirements to apply to rent.

How do the prices of cheap apartments compare to the average apartment in Santa Cruz County?

Cheap apartments in Santa Cruz County have an average cost of $1,001 which is $3,444 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Santa Cruz County.

Expert Rental Resources

The rental experts at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provide you with top advice, tools, and tips for understanding the leasing process and finding the perfect rental. Here are a few helpful rental and leasing articles from our experts to guide you on your search.

Articles, How-To's, and Tips

decorative image for Neighborhood and Market Insights: How to Choose the Right Area to Rent article

Neighborhood and Market Insights: How to Choose the Right Area to Rent

Written by: Robin Stewart

Apartment-hunting can be a gargantuan task. Renters have a wish list of items—some luxuries, some necessities—but finding what you seek in the right place is perhaps the most important part of the journey.

decorative image for A Seasoned Property Manager's Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Deposit Back article

A Seasoned Property Manager's Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Deposit Back

Written by: Lauren Harrington

I’m going to talk with you as a seasoned property manager and friend. So, let’s start with your security deposit. I want you to think about this guide as insider information. You deserve your deposit back.

decorative image for Expert Solutions for Creating the Perfect Work-From-Home Apartment Layouts article

Expert Solutions for Creating the Perfect Work-From-Home Apartment Layouts

Written by: Lauren Harrington

This article is based on first-hand experience managing apartment communities and helping renters adapt to their spaces after moving in.

decorative image for What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much article

What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much

Written by: Lauren Harrington

This article draws from first-hand renter experiences and recurring financial challenges reported after moving in.