
Cheap Homes for Rent in Santa Cruz County, CA from $995 (11 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in Santa Cruz County.


1030 El Dorado Ave

562 Larita Dr

120 Alamo Ave

444 Whispering Pines Dr
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.

18085 CA-9

525 Bethany Dr

14255 CA-9

4497 Highway 9, Unit #A

212 Pacifica Blvd
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.

202 Cherry Ave
Santa Cruz County, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent a home in Santa Cruz County?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Cruz County 2 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $3,588 | $2,800 | $5,245 |
| Santa Cruz County 3 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $4,636 | $3,895 | $6,450 |
| Santa Cruz County 4 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $5,716 | $1,350 | $7,950 |
Browse Homes for Rent in Santa Cruz County
Explore Santa Cruz County
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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jefsen Apartments | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio,1BA | $1,550 |
| Watsonville Royal Apartments | 1BR/1.0BA | 1BR,1BA | $1,800 |
| The Pines Apartments | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2,200 |
| St. George Apartments | Studio | Studio,1BA | $2,200 |
| The Breakers | The Breakers | Studio,1BA | $2,295 |
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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wilder Townhomes | TH15Y | 2BR,1.5BA | $3.48 |
| Baytree Apartments | 2/1 | 2BR,2BA | $3.10 |
| Thurber Apartments | Thurber Apartments | 2BR,1.5BA | $3.37 |
| Landing at Capitola | Plan 1 | 2BR,1.5BA | $3.76 |
| 129 Grant St, Unit 2 | 129 Grant St | 2BR,1.5BA | $3.39 |
| Emerald Bay Apartments | Two Bedroom | 2BR,1BA | $3.98 |
| 985 30th Ave | 2BR/1.0BA | 2BR,1BA | $3.59 |
| The Pines Apartments | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2.93 |
| Watsonville Royal Apartments | 1BR/1.0BA | 1BR,1BA | $4.09 |
| 8787 Highway 9 | 8787 Highway 9 | Studio ,1BA | $3.98 |
Frequently Asked Questions about Santa Cruz County
What type of rentals are currently available in Santa Cruz County?
There are currently 707 Apartments for Rent in Santa Cruz County, CA with pricing that ranges from $995 to $10,000. There are also 85 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Santa Cruz County ranging from $995 to $7,950.
What is the current price range for Rental Homes in Santa Cruz County?
Today's rental pricing for Homes for Rent, Condos and Townhomes in Santa Cruz County ranges from $995 to $7,950 with an average monthly rent of $3,641.
How much are larger Three and Four Bedroom Rentals in Santa Cruz County?
For those who are looking for larger living arrangements, Three Bedroom Apartments in Santa Cruz County range from $2,595 to $10,000, while Three Bedroom Homes, Condos, and Townhomes for rent range from $3,895 to $6,450. Four Bedroom Single-Family rentals are also available starting from $1,350 and Four Bedroom Apartments start at $7,322.
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

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.

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.

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.

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.