Cheap Homes for Rent in Santa Cruz County, CA from $1,800 (13 Rentals)

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

property at 1785 Day Valley Rd

$2,000

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$2,000

Total Monthly Price
$2,000

Studio, 1 Bath Home for Rent

Available Now

1785 Day Valley Rd

AptosCA95003
property at 4497 Highway 9

$2,200

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$2,200

Total Monthly Price
$2,200

Studio, 1 Bath Home for Rent

Available Now

4497 Highway 9, Unit #A

4497 Highway 9
FeltonCA95018

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.

property at 1219 Laurel St

$2,500

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$2,500

Total Monthly Price
$2,500

1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Home for Rent

Available Jun 1

1219 Laurel St, Unit 1219B

1219 Laurel St
Santa CruzCA95060
property at 375 Clifford Ave

$2,488 - $2,595

2 Bedroom Rentals

Available Now

375 Clifford Ave

WatsonvilleCA95076

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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.

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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
The Palomar InnPalomar Inn -SROStudio,1BA$1,860
St. George ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$2,200
The BreakersThe BreakersStudio,1BA$2,295
Six Hundred Park AvenueNon-Remodeled 1 bedroom with LVT flooring1BR,1BA$2,350
Plum Street Garden Apartments 501 Plum St Capitola, CA 95010Plum Street - StudioStudio,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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Emerald Bay ApartmentsThree Bedroom3BR,1.5BA$3.82
Baytree Apartments2/12BR,2BA$3.10
Breakwater ApartmentsC13BR,2BA$4.50
Westmont Townhomes2 Beds, 1 bath2BR,1BA$4.64
1804 Mission StStandard Loft1BR,1.5BA$3.63
5175 Freedom Blvd, Unit 35175 Freedom Blvd3BR,1BA$4.86
150-152 Leibrandt Ave2-Bedroom2BR,1BA$4.92
Six Hundred Park AvenueNon-Remodeled 1 bedroom with LVT flooring1BR,1BA$3.77
Scotts Valley Apartments1x11BR,1BA$4.58
6412 Highway 9, Unit apartment live work space6412 Highway 91BR,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

decorative image for Neighborhood and Market Insights: How to Choose the Right Area to Rent   article

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.

decorative image for A Seasoned Property Manager's Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Deposit Back article

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.

decorative image for Expert Solutions for Creating the Perfect Work-From-Home Apartment Layouts  article

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.

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.