
Cheap Homes for Rent in Santa Cruz County, CA from $1,800 (13 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in Santa Cruz County.


1785 Day Valley Rd

4555 Garnet St

10311 California Dr, Unit 9 B

4497 Highway 9, Unit #A

109 Solano Ave
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.

656 E Bronte Ave

1219 Laurel St, Unit 1219B

380 Whippet-Run

237 Pacifica Blvd

375 Clifford Ave

318 Chestnut St, Unit Apt. 5
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.

395 Tabor Dr
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 | $3,727 | $2,500 | $4,950 |
| Santa Cruz County 3 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $4,625 | $3,400 | $7,800 |
| Santa Cruz County 4 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $6,609 | $3,400 | $9,495 |
| Santa Cruz County 5 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $9,600 | $9,600 | $9,600 |
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 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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Palomar Inn | Palomar Inn -SRO | Studio,1BA | $1,860 |
| St. George Apartments | Studio | Studio,1BA | $2,200 |
| The Breakers | The Breakers | Studio,1BA | $2,295 |
| Six Hundred Park Avenue | Non-Remodeled 1 bedroom with LVT flooring | 1BR,1BA | $2,350 |
| Plum Street Garden Apartments 501 Plum St Capitola, CA 95010 | Plum Street - Studio | Studio,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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emerald Bay Apartments | Three Bedroom | 3BR,1.5BA | $3.82 |
| Baytree Apartments | 2/1 | 2BR,2BA | $3.10 |
| Breakwater Apartments | C1 | 3BR,2BA | $4.50 |
| Westmont Townhomes | 2 Beds, 1 bath | 2BR,1BA | $4.64 |
| 1804 Mission St | Standard Loft | 1BR,1.5BA | $3.63 |
| 5175 Freedom Blvd, Unit 3 | 5175 Freedom Blvd | 3BR,1BA | $4.86 |
| 150-152 Leibrandt Ave | 2-Bedroom | 2BR,1BA | $4.92 |
| Six Hundred Park Avenue | Non-Remodeled 1 bedroom with LVT flooring | 1BR,1BA | $3.77 |
| Scotts Valley Apartments | 1x1 | 1BR,1BA | $4.58 |
| 6412 Highway 9, Unit apartment live work space | 6412 Highway 9 | 1BR,1.5BA | $4.64 |
Frequently Asked Questions about Santa Cruz County
What type of rentals are currently available in Santa Cruz County?
There are currently 689 Apartments for Rent in Santa Cruz County, CA with pricing that ranges from $1,000 to $10,000. There are also 74 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Santa Cruz County ranging from $1,800 to $9,600.
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 $1,800 to $9,600 with an average monthly rent of $4,866.
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

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.

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.

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.

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.