Cheap Apartments for Rent in Santa Cruz County, CA from $600 (24 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

Don't Settle: How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

Discover the insider tips from an attorney and real estate agent on how to negotiate your next apartment lease. Find out what's on the table and what's not, so you can save money and get the best terms possible.

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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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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
  • Utilities Included
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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
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Seaside Studios
Studio Apartments

Seaside Studios

108 2nd StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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Scotts Valley Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Scotts Valley Apartments

4110 Scotts Valley DrScotts Valley, CA 95066
  • Utilities Included

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Cheapest Available Santa Cruz County Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in Santa Cruz County, CA is a Studio unit found at 516 Center St in the Escolona neighborhood priced from $1,995. 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
516 Center St516 Center StStudio,1BA$1,995
St. George ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$2,200
Six Hundred Park AvenueNon-remodeled 1 bedroom1BR,1BA$2,250
Copa CabanasS1Studio,1BA$2,550
Hidden Creek Apartments1 Bed Loft1BR,1BA$2,599

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Santa Cruz County, CA

As of September 20, 2025 the best value apartment in the Santa Cruz County area is the $3.58 price per square foot 2BR-2BA Town House Model at Clay Residences in the in the Ocean Street neighborhood starting from $4,578. The second greatest value Santa Cruz County apartment is the 3BR/1.0BA Model at 113 - 119 Gonda Street starting at $3,000 with a $2.88 price per square foot in the Elkhorn Pajaro 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.
Clay Residences2BR-2BA Town House2BR,2BA$3.58
113 - 119 Gonda Street3BR/1.0BA3BR,1BA$2.88
Baytree ApartmentsD2BR,2BA$2.90
Landing at CapitolaPlan 12BR,2BA$3.62
30th Ave Townhomes2x1.5 - Townhome2BR,1.5BA$4.28
1804 Mission StLarger Loft1BR,1.5BA$3.72
Pacific ShoresMitchell`s Cove1BR,1BA$4.03
Six Hundred Park AvenueRemodeled 2 bedroom2BR,1BA$4.00
314 Hillcrest Dr, Unit 314 Hillcrest Drive314 Hillcrest Dr1BR,1BA$3.46
Cypress PointResidence 21BR,1BA$4.35

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 $2,700.

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 $2,250, while the average apartment in Santa Cruz County costs $4,595.

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 12 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 $263 which is $4,332 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Santa Cruz County.

Expert Rental Resources

Helpful Apartment Articles, How-To's and Tips

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.

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How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Everything is a negotiation in real estate! 

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The Rental Move-In Inspection Checklist: A Guide for Renters

Written by: Trey Huguley

The move-in inspection checklist is a crucial tool for both tenants and landlords. This checklist, provided by the team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com, helps document the condition of an apartment at the time of move-in.

decorative image for Your Guide to Co-Signers: The Risks, Rewards, and Everything in Between article

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

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

For many people, obstacles can arise during the rental application process for a variety of issues.

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The Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Hard truth. Moving is never easy. I’ve done it all – from local moves to cross-country relocations From packing to unpacking the last box, I have found moving to be an exhausting, expensive and stressful experience every time.