Cheap Homes for Rent in Santa Cruz County, CA from $1,200 (10 Rentals)

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

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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property at 504 Cliff St

$2,290

1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Home for Rent

Available May 1

504 Cliff St

Santa CruzCA95060
property at 431 Vista del Mar Dr

$2,350

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$2,350
Total Monthly Price
$2,350

Studio, 1 Bath Home for Rent

Available Jun 1

431 Vista del Mar Dr

AptosCA95003

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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Showing Results 1-10, Page 1 of 1

Cheapest Available Santa Cruz County Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in Santa Cruz County, CA is a 1 Bed unit found at Copa Cabanas in the Escolona neighborhood priced from $1,602. Jefsen Apartments in the Elkhorn Pajaro 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
Copa CabanasA11BR,1BA$1,602
Jefsen Apartments1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$1,800
Pacific View CourtsStudioStudio,1BA$1,995

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Santa Cruz County, CA

As of April 15, 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 1715 42nd Ave Model at 1715 42nd Ave, Unit Apt 3 starting at $3,500 with a $3.06 price per square foot in the Eastside 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
1715 42nd Ave, Unit Apt 31715 42nd Ave2BR,2BA$3.06
Landing at CapitolaPlan 12BR,2BA$3.63
4734 Scotts Valley Dr, Unit C4734 Scotts Valley Dr2BR,1BA$2.79
Copa CabanasB12BR,1BA$3.12
1804 Mission StStandard Loft1BR,1.5BA$3.39
201 Maple St, Unit 2bdrm201 Maple St2BR,1BA$3.50
144 San Lorenzo Ave, Unit #1144 San Lorenzo Ave2BR,1BA$3.34
Jefsen Apartments1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$2.80
Six Hundred Park AvenueNon-Remodeled 1 bedroom with LVT flooring1BR,1BA$3.77

Frequently Asked Questions about Santa Cruz County

What type of rentals are currently available in Santa Cruz County?

There are currently 691 Apartments for Rent in Santa Cruz County, CA with pricing that ranges from $1,000 to $10,000. There are also 77 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Santa Cruz County ranging from $1,250 to $12,950.

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 $1,250 to $12,950 with an average monthly rent of $4,979.

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 $3,000 to $10,000, while Three Bedroom Homes, Condos, and Townhomes for rent range from $3,600 to $8,300. Four Bedroom Single-Family rentals are also available starting from $3,500 and Four Bedroom Apartments start at $4,800.

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 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.

decorative image for Maximizing Your Refund: Essential Tax Tips for Renters article

Maximizing Your Refund: Essential Tax Tips for Renters

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Other than tax professionals, I can’t think of anyone who looks forward to tax season. For everybody else, April is a stressful month to collect information and meet deadlines.

decorative image for 18 Must-Ask Rental Tour Questions That Reveal the Truth about a Property article

18 Must-Ask Rental Tour Questions That Reveal the Truth about a Property

Written by: Lauren Harrington

Renting your next home can feel thrilling and overwhelming at the same time.

decorative image for A Renters Guide for Tips on Writing Your Notice for Not Renewing Your Apartment article

A Renters Guide for Tips on Writing Your Notice for Not Renewing Your Apartment

Written by: Bob Mallory

Packing up everything you own to move is so stressful for many that ending your apartment lease can feel like a small or unimportant task. Ending your lease involves more than simply turning over your keys on the last day.