All Filters
Price
Beds

Select two tiles for min/max range

Baths
Home Type
Home Styles
Specialty Housing

Housing Type

Additional Specialties

Pet Policy
Move-In Date
Popular Amenities
Square Feet
to

Rating
Show Only
Keyword

Searching for student living options?

Select your school and find the perfect place nearby or on-campus.

Pricing Type
Amenities
Nearby
Nearby

Cheap Apartments for Rent in Santa Cruz CA - 321 Rentals

Santa Cruz, CA Cheap Apartments for Rent

Whether you're on a budget or just looking to save, there are plenty of ways to find cheap apartments and affordable rent in Santa Cruz. Start by defining your list of apartment “must-haves.” What features can you not live without? If you want to live within walking distance to your favorite downtown locations, you may find that apartment size and upscale amenities are not as important to you. On the other hand, if you value space, access to community amenities, or high-end appliances, you may be willing to move farther out from Santa Cruz hot spots where you can afford more apartment for less.

How to Find a Cheap Apartment in Santa Cruz, CA

Rent in the city center tends to be more expensive. Try looking for budget-friendly apartments in neighborhoods farther from downtown. These areas offer mid-range prices and can still be close enough to everything you need. Try looking for areas of Santa Cruz that might have more available rental units than others. In places with higher vacancy rates, landlords may be more likely to offer cheaper rent to fill the space.

When Are Apartments in Santa Cruz, CA Cheapest?

If you want to find cheap rent in Santa Cruz, timing can make a big difference. Apartments are usually cheaper during the off-season, typically December through March. During this time, fewer people are looking to move, so landlords are often more willing to offer lower rent to fill empty units. Another good time to search is at the end of the month when leases are up, and landlords want to fill vacancies quickly.

Cheap apartments in Santa Cruz tend to go fast. Keep an eye on timing, neighborhood options, and special deals to score the best rental price.


Santa Cruz, CA Rental Insights

Average Rent Rates

What is the average rent in Santa Cruz, CA?

The average rent in Santa Cruz is $2,592. When you rent an apartment in Santa Cruz, you can expect to pay as little as $2,141 or as much as $3,603, depending on the location and the size of the apartment.

What is the average rent of a Studio apartment in Santa Cruz, CA?

The average rent for a studio apartment in Santa Cruz, CA is $2,141 per month.

What is the average rent of a 1 bedroom apartment in Santa Cruz, CA?

The average rent for a one bedroom apartment in Santa Cruz, CA is $2,586 per month.

What is the average rent of a 2 bedroom apartment in Santa Cruz, CA?

The average rent for a two bedroom apartment in Santa Cruz, CA is $3,603 per month.

What is the average rent of a 3 bedroom apartment in Santa Cruz, CA?

The average rent for a three bedroom apartment in Santa Cruz, CA is $3,299 per month.

Transportation

How transit friendly is Santa Cruz, CA?

Transit options in Santa Cruz vary, but overall, it has a transit score of 36.

Education

What are the top Elementary schools in Santa Cruz, CA?

In Santa Cruz, you’ll find top-ranking elementary schools like Brook Knoll Elementary, Happy Valley Elementary, and De Laveaga Elementary.

What are the top middle schools in Santa Cruz, CA?

Santa Cruz is home to some top-ranking middle schools, including Mission Hill Middle, Shoreline Middle, and Branciforte Middle.

What are the top high schools in Santa Cruz, CA?

Moving is tough for high school students! Look for Santa Cruz apartments near top-ranking high schools like Santa Cruz High, Harbor High, and Santa Cruz County Special Education School.

What colleges and universities are in Santa Cruz, CA?

If you’re a student moving to an apartment in Santa Cruz, you’ll have access to UC Santa Cruz, Cabrillo College, and West Valley College.

Helpful Rental Guides for Santa Cruz, CA

Explore More on the Rentverse

Search Nearby Rentals

Map Options
Map View
Default
Satellite
Nearby Point of Interests
Travel Time
Travel Time

Set a destination, transportation method, and your ideal commute time to see results.

*Please enter your address or point of interest