
Cheap Homes for Rent in Santa Cruz County, CA from $1,100 (10 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in Santa Cruz County.


333 Daken Brook Dr

116 Sycamore St

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.

235 Union St

600 Sand Hill Rd

375 Clifford Ave

1005 Summit Rd

2135 Felt St
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.
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 | $3,578 | $1,125 | $4,950 |
| Santa Cruz County 3 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $4,579 | $3,600 | $7,800 |
| Santa Cruz County 4 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $6,850 | $3,800 | $10,000+ |
| Santa Cruz County 5 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $9,550 | $9,500 | $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 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Santa Cruz County, CA
As of July 17, 2026 the best value apartment in the Santa Cruz County area is the $3.10 price per square foot 2/1 Model at Baytree Apartments in the in the Western neighborhood starting from $3,185. The second greatest value Santa Cruz County apartment is the Plan 1 Model at Landing at Capitola starting at $3,602 with a $3.75 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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baytree Apartments | 2/1 | 2BR,2BA | $3.10 |
| Landing at Capitola | Plan 1 | 2BR,1.5BA | $3.75 |
| 130 Grove St, Unit A | 130 Grove St | 2BR,2BA | $3.19 |
| Westmont Townhomes | 2 Beds, 1 bath | 2BR,1BA | $4.64 |
| Emerald Bay Apartments | Two Bedroom | 2BR,1BA | $3.98 |
| 1804 Mission St | Standard Loft | 1BR,1.5BA | $3.82 |
| Pacific Shores | Mitchell`s Cove | 1BR,1BA | $4.38 |
| Chestnut Street | Plan 1A | 1BR,1BA | $4.52 |
| Six Hundred Park Avenue | 1 Bedroom 1 Bath - 69480 | 1BR,1BA | $3.77 |
| 8003 Harvard Dr, Unit Freshly renovated apartment | 8003 Harvard Dr | 1BR,1BA | $4.42 |
Frequently Asked Questions about Santa Cruz County
What type of rentals are currently available in Santa Cruz County?
There are currently 692 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 $1,125 to $10,500.
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 $1,125 to $10,500 with an average monthly rent of $4,832.
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 $7,800. Four Bedroom Single-Family rentals are also available starting from $3,800 and Four Bedroom Apartments start at $7,085.
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

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.

Apartment Occupancy Rates: Renter Attraction vs Renter Retention
Written by: Robin Stewart
There’s a tenet in marketing about client or customer attraction and retention. Studies and data have consistently shown it costs less to keep a current customer than to attract a new one.

How I Find the Perfect Rental for My Clients: A Real Estate Pro's Guide
Written by: Robin Stewart
Evaluating rental properties for clients draws many parallels to house-hunting. Whether an apartment, loft, townhouse, or other rental, finding the right place means finding “home” for your client.

Pet-Friendly Renting: Everything You Need to Know Before You Move
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
For so many of us, pets are the best companions and a big part of our lives. For this reason, a pet-friendly house or apartment is often a very important - and nonnegotiable - part of a move.