Cheap Apartments for Rent in Santa Cruz County, CA from $995 (43 Rentals)

How Many Bedrooms?Done
Select your price rangeDone
to
Note: Properties with the Total Monthly Price badge include all required fees. Hover over the badge for details.
Lifestyle Matching SearchDone
Learn more about Lifestyle Search
By AmenitiesDone
By Community TypeDone
Features and AvailabilityDone
Done

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

close
View Me
8787 Highway 9
$995 - $2,800
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$995 - $2,800
Total Monthly Price
$995 - $2,800
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartment Available Now

8787 Highway 9

8787 Highway 9Ben Lomond, CA 95005
Cost Per Sq.Ft.
  • Smoke Free
property at 514 Broadway

$1,295 - $1,695

1 Bedroom Rentals

Available Now

514 Broadway

Santa CruzCA95060

Rent According to Income: A Look at Income-Restricted Rentals

Find income-restricted rentals and housing subsidies. Explore government programs designed to help low-income families secure stable, affordable housing.

Read Article

Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It

From theft to fire to water damage, the unexpected can happen to any renter. Discover why renters insurance is one of the smartest and most affordable investments you can make as a tenant.

Read Article
close
View Me
Sparrow Terrace
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Sparrow Terrace

139-161 Miles LnWatsonville, CA 95076
close
View Me
Garden Hill Apartments
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Garden Hill Apartments

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

307-309 Raymond St

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

Jefsen Apartments

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

Seabright Apartments

116 Seabright AveSanta Cruz, CA 95062

How I Find the Perfect Rental for My Clients: A Real Estate Pro's Guide

Finding the right apartment starts with three things: location, cost, and amenities. Get the insider perspective from a real estate professional on how to nail all three.

Read Article
close
View Me
The Terrace
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

The Terrace

445 Main StWatsonville, CA 95076
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
Shearwater Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Shearwater Apartments

2333 Portola DrSanta Cruz, CA 95062
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
Coronado Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Coronado Apartments

133 Morrissey BlvdSanta Cruz, CA 95062
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
240 River Street
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

240 River Street

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

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.

Read Article
close
View Me
The Palomar Inn
Studio Apartments

The Palomar Inn

1344 Pacific AveSanta Cruz, CA 95060
Student Housing
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
Seaside Studios
Studio Apartments

Seaside Studios

108 2nd StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
close
View Me
Seapines Apartments
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Seapines Apartments

1800-1870 Sumner AveAptos, CA 95003
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
516 Center St
Studio Apartments

516 Center St

516 Center StSanta Cruz, CA 95060

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.

Read Article
close
View Me
803 Laurel St
2 Bedroom Apartments

803 Laurel St

803 Laurel StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
122 Rincon Street
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

122 Rincon Street

122 Rincon StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
Showing Results 1-43, 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 Jefsen Apartments in the Watsonville neighborhood priced from $1,550. Watsonville Royal Apartments in the Watsonville neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $1,800. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Santa Cruz County apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Jefsen Apartments0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$1,550
Watsonville Royal Apartments1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$1,800
The Pines ApartmentsOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$2,200
St. George ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$2,200
The BreakersThe BreakersStudio,1BA$2,295
1804 Mission StJr. 1 BedroomStudio,1BA$2,550
2711 LLC1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$2,550

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Santa Cruz County, CA

As of September 02, 2026 the best value apartment in the Santa Cruz County area is the $3.48 price per square foot TH15Y Model at Wilder Townhomes in the in the Eastside neighborhood starting from $4,250. 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.
Wilder TownhomesTH15Y2BR,1.5BA$3.48
Baytree Apartments2/12BR,2BA$3.10
Thurber ApartmentsThurber Apartments2BR,1.5BA$3.37
Landing at CapitolaPlan 12BR,1.5BA$3.76
129 Grant St, Unit 2129 Grant St2BR,1.5BA$3.39
Emerald Bay ApartmentsTwo Bedroom2BR,1BA$3.98
985 30th Ave2BR/1.0BA2BR,1BA$3.59
The Pines ApartmentsOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$2.93
Watsonville Royal Apartments1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$4.09
8787 Highway 98787 Highway 9Studio ,1BA$3.98

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Santa Cruz County Apartments

What is the Cheapest Studio apartment in Santa Cruz County?

Currently the most affordable Cheap Studio Apartment in Santa Cruz County is at Jefsen Apartments listed at $1,550.

How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom Santa Cruz County Apartment?

The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom Santa Cruz County Apartment is $1,800 at Watsonville Royal Apartments.

What is the lowest price for a Cheap Two Bedroom Santa Cruz County Apartment for rent?

Today's best deal for a Cheap Two Bedroom Apartment in Santa Cruz County is starting from $2,875 at 985 30th Ave.

What is the most affordable Santa Cruz County Three Bedroom Apartment?

The best deal on a cheap Santa Cruz County Three Bedroom Apartment rental is at Breakwater Apartments and starts from $4,202.

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 Rent According to Income: A Look at Income-Restricted Rentals article

Rent According to Income: A Look at Income-Restricted Rentals

Written by: Robin Stewart

The idea of affordable housing can be subjective. Every individual is in a different place financially and vocationally. What one may easily afford could be a struggle for someone else.

decorative image for Practical Tips for Renters: How to Identify a Great Rental and Avoid Red Flags article

Practical Tips for Renters: How to Identify a Great Rental and Avoid Red Flags

Written by: Robin Stewart

Renters want to find a great apartment, the right place for them, one that checks all the boxes of location, rental cost, amenities, safety, and more.

decorative image for First Apartment Regrets: Real Renters Share What They'd Do Differently article

First Apartment Regrets: Real Renters Share What They'd Do Differently

Written by: Robin Stewart

Hindsight is 20/20. Live and Learn. With age comes wisdom. We’re familiar with all those expressions, and all of them apply to lessons first-time renters learn.

decorative image for Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It article

Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It

Written by: Robin Stewart

Insurance seems to be a part of life. In some states, having insurance is the law, as is the case for automobile insurance. Renters are no exception.