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The average monthly rent in Santa Cruz is flat compared to last month but down 3.26% year-over-year.
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All rentals
4h ago
Verified
1–2 beds
1–2 baths
$2,829–$4,067
Price drop
Apartment for rent
2d ago
Verified
200 Button St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Garage parking | On-site laundry | Swimming pool
1–2 beds
1 bath
$2,000–$3,795
Price drop
Apartment for rent
2d ago
2 beds
1 bath
$3,795
Apartment for rent
5d+ ago
Verified
127 Pearl St #3, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Garage parking | On-site laundry | Balcony
2 beds
1 bath
$2,995
Apartment for rent
Available Sep 27
5d+ ago
Townhouse for rent in Santa Cruz
1 bed
1 bath
$2,750
House for rent
Available Nov 1
1h ago
House for rent in Santa Cruz
2603 Mattison Ln #NA, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
In-unit laundry | Air conditioning | Assigned parking
2 beds
2 baths
$4,000
House for rent
Available Nov 1
1h ago
House for rent in Santa Cruz
401 15th Ave #NA, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
In-unit laundry | Garage parking | Assigned parking
3 beds
2 baths
$6,800
$6,500
Price drop
House for rent
Available Dec 15
21h ago
704 704 - 718 Broadway / 428 Ocean View, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Garage parking | On-site laundry | Assigned parking
1 bed
1 bath
$2,790
Apartment for rent
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21h ago
1240 Shaffer Rd, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Garage parking | On-site laundry | Assigned parking
1–2 beds
1–2 baths
$3,372–$4,783
Price drop
Apartment for rent
1d ago
Westside house for rent in Santa Cruz
3 beds
2 baths
$5,500
House for rent
Available Nov 1
Outdoor Space
In-Unit Laundry
Dishwasher
Garage Parking
1d ago
Eastside apartment for rent in Santa Cruz
3 beds
1 bath
$3,095
Apartment for rent
Available Oct 30
1d ago
Apartment for rent in Santa Cruz
Hardwood floor | Storage | On-site management
1 bed
1 bath
$2,895
$2,695
Price drop
Apartment for rent
Available Aug 27
1d ago
Westside house for rent in Santa Cruz
2 beds
1 bath
$3,095
$2,895
Price drop
House for rent
Available Oct 13
1d ago
1 bed
1 bath
$2,400
Apartment for rent
1d ago
Westside house for rent in Santa Cruz
3 beds
2 baths
$5,500
House for rent
1d ago
Westside condo for rent in Santa Cruz
1 bed
1 bath
$3,000
$2,750
Price drop
Condo for rent
1d ago
1303 Laurel St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
In-unit laundry | Hardwood floor | Dishwasher
2 beds
1 bath
$3,600
Apartment for rent
1d ago
2 beds
2 baths
$5,200
Apartment for rent
2d ago
1–2 beds
1–2 baths
$2,450–$3,400
Apartment for rent
2d ago
1 bed
1 bath
$2,300
Apartment for rent
2d ago
120 San Lorenzo Blvd, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Garage parking | On-site laundry | Balcony
Studio–2 beds
1 bath
$1,925–$2,600
Apartment for rent
2d ago
Eastside house for rent in Santa Cruz
In-unit laundry | Garage parking | On-site laundry
3 beds
2 baths
$3,795
$3,695
Price drop
House for rent
Available Oct 29
3d ago
Downtown Santa Cruz condo for rent in Santa Cruz
1 bed
1 bath
$1,950
Condo for rent
3d ago
1–2 beds
1–2 baths
$2,944–$4,961
Apartment for rent
Available Nov 1
3d ago
Downtown Santa Cruz house for rent in Santa Cruz
In-unit laundry | Hardwood floor | Storage
3 beds
1 bath
$3,900
House for rent
3d ago
Eastside apartment for rent in Santa Cruz
1 bed
1 bath
$2,800
Apartment for rent
Available Oct 1
3d ago
2500 Soquel Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95065
On-site laundry | Controlled access | Outdoor space
2–3 beds
1 bath
$3,381–$3,933
Apartment for rent
3d ago
2 beds
1 bath
$3,200
Apartment for rent
4d ago
Eastside house for rent in Santa Cruz
626 Windsor St #B, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
In-unit laundry | Garage parking | Hardwood floor
2 beds
2 baths
$4,000
House for rent
4d ago
416 Ocean View Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Assigned parking | Hardwood floor | Oven
1 bed
1 bath
$2,350
Apartment for rent
4d ago
Condo for rent in Santa Cruz
1 bed
1 bath
$2,750
Condo for rent
4d ago
4 beds
2 baths
$4,200
Apartment for rent
5d+ ago
2 beds
1 bath
$3,990
Apartment for rent
5d+ ago
Apartment for rent in Santa Cruz
2 beds
1 bath
$3,000
Apartment for rent
5d+ ago
Eastside house for rent in Santa Cruz
3 beds
2 baths
$3,795
$3,695
Price drop
House for rent
Available Oct 24
5d+ ago
Eastside apartment for rent in Santa Cruz
3 beds
1 bath
$3,500
Apartment for rent
Available Oct 23
5d+ ago
Apartment for rent in Santa Cruz
2 beds
2 baths
$4,495
Apartment for rent
Available Oct 27
5d+ ago
Westside house for rent in Santa Cruz
112 Eucalyptus Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Garage parking | Hardwood floor
3 beds
2 baths
$8,600
House for rent
5d+ ago
Apartment for rent in Santa Cruz
Balcony | Carpet | On-site management
3 beds
1 bath
$3,500
$3,195
Price drop
Apartment for rent
Available Sep 5
5d+ ago
Westside house for rent in Santa Cruz
Garage parking | Hardwood floor | Storage
3 beds
2 baths
$5,000
$4,400
Price drop
House for rent
5d+ ago
Eastside townhouse for rent in Santa Cruz
727 Hanover St #B3, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
In-unit laundry | Air conditioning | Garage parking
3 beds
2 baths
$4,650
House for rent
Available Nov 21
5d+ ago
Apartment for rent in Santa Cruz
In-unit laundry | On-site laundry | On-site management
1 bed
1 bath
$2,195
Apartment for rent
Available Oct 17
5d+ ago
House for rent in Santa Cruz
1 bed
1 bath
$3,150
House for rent
Available Oct 13
5d+ ago
Townhouse for rent in Santa Cruz
2518 Charlene Ln, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
In-unit laundry | Garage parking | Hardwood floor
3 beds
2 baths
$4,295
House for rent
5d+ ago
Westside house for rent in Santa Cruz
3 beds
2 baths
$4,700
$3,995
Price drop
House for rent
5d+ ago
Westside house for rent in Santa Cruz
4 beds
3 baths
$8,200
House for rent
Available Oct 15
5d+ ago
Condo for rent in Santa Cruz
3 beds
1 bath
$3,500
Condo for rent
5d+ ago
Westside apartment for rent in Santa Cruz
2 beds
1 bath
$2,495
Apartment for rent
Available Oct 10
5d+ ago
Condo for rent in Santa Cruz
180 Dakota Ave #52, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
In-unit laundry | On-site laundry | Assigned parking
1 bed
1 bath
$3,400
Condo for rent
Available Oct 17
5d+ ago
Townhouse for rent in Santa Cruz
3 beds
2 baths
$3,850
House for rent
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Santa Cruz is Spanish for “holy cross”, and serves as the county seat of Santa Cruz County on the coastline of Northern California. Its on the north edge of Monterey Bay and includes gorgeous beaches and historic structures that attract both surfers and tourists to the area. Spanish settlers founded the city in 1791, establishing Mission Santa Cruz. The establishment of the mission led to significant settlement growth, although the town was notorious throughout Alta, California, due to its lawlessness.
Santa Cruz was incorporated as a city in the mid-19th century. In 1907, the city raised its beach boardwalk, which helped solidify it as a tourist destination. The University of California educational system built its Santa Cruz campus in 1965, which brought college students to the city. Approximately 63,000 people live in Santa Cruz, and thousands visit the beach community every year.
The presence of the University of California Santa Cruz has a significant influence on the economy. Many neighborhoods surrounding campus cater to college students, and the university is the city's top employer. Other industries that affect the economy include agriculture, technology, and tourism.
The downtown area is known for its unique atmosphere, boasting small shops, local eateries, and nightclubs. Many performers and musicians also work the streets, while Pacific Avenue features the work of local artists on display.
This beachfront city has something for everyone, including amusement rides on the boardwalk and annual festivals.
Santa Cruz rent data for:
As of today, you'll find 75 apartments for rent in Santa Cruz, with a median rent price of $3,350 per month. Santa Cruz has seen a 3%—or $124—decrease in median rent price compared to the previous year.Average Rent
$3,350Year Over Year Change
-3%
$124
Rentals available, last 30 days
75
The average rent in Santa Cruz, CA, for rentals of all sizes and types, is $3,350, which is a 3.26% decrease year-over-year.
The monthly rent for 1-bedroom apartments in Santa Cruz, CA is about $2,495. The average rent for 2-bedroom apartments in Santa Cruz, CA is $3,500, and studios are about $1,850 per month.
See more Santa Cruz, CA rent data on our rent research page.
About Niche: Niche compiles and analyzes the latest data from public sources like the US Census Bureau and the Department of Education to generate rankings for schools and neighborhoods across the US.
Disclaimer: School ratings from Niche are intended for informational purposes only. Check with the nearby schools to verify eligibility and zoning criteria before using this data to decide on your next home.
840 n branciforte ave
santa cruz, CA, 95062
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results
Age Range
0-19
24%
20-34
33%
35-44
10%
45-64
20%
65+
12%
Language
English
73%
Spanish
14%
Indo Euro
4%
Asia Pac
6%
Other
0%
Education
No HS
4%
High School
32%
Bachelor's
35%
Master's
17%
Prof Degree
4%
Doctorate
4%
Household Income
0-25k
20%
25-50k
15%
50-75k
8%
75-100k
10%
100-150k
14%
150k+
29%
Santa Cruz locals spend about 23 minutes commuting, and most drive to get to work. The best way to fly in or out of Santa Cruz is through Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport, 27.32 miles away.
Scores for Santa Cruz are calculated based on the proximity to and amount of infrastructure supporting each method of transportation.
Santa Cruz, CA offers residents a blend of coastal charm and vibrant culture, with a strong emphasis on outdoor activities like surfing and hiking. Many appreciate the laid-back atmosphere, highlighting the nearby beaches and local parks as key benefits of living here. The downtown area is celebrated for its eclectic mix of shops and restaurants. However, some residents express concerns over the high cost of living and limited parking options, which can be frustrating for renters trying to navigate daily life. Overall, the balance of natural beauty and community engagement makes Santa Cruz a unique place to live, albeit with its challenges.
As of 2025, the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Santa Cruz is $2,594, while a 2-bedroom apartment averages $3,628 per month.
Rents in Santa Cruz have generally decreased, with the average rent dropping by about 3%. Specifically, 1-bedroom rents decreased by 5%, and 2-bedroom rents dropped by 7%.
The best time to look for an apartment in Santa Cruz is in October or December when rents are lower and competition is less intense compared to the peak in April.
The best neighborhoods for renting in Santa Cruz include Beach Hill, Downtown Santa Cruz, Eastside, and Westside, known for their vibrant culture and community atmosphere.
For budget-conscious renters, the Eastside neighborhood is a great option, with 1-bedroom rents averaging 10% lower than the city median.
Yes, Santa Cruz has a good number of pet-friendly apartments, with about 42% of listings accommodating pets.
Utilities are included in approximately 30% of rental listings in Santa Cruz.
Zumper’s proprietary rental data fuels our analysis. Rent and market trends, availability, neighborhood popularity, and lifestyle scores are all calculated using real-time and 2024 rental inventory and prices.
Our Lifestyle Categories ("great for eco-living," "great for social life," "great for pet owners," etc.) are determined by set criteria, against which we score each listing and its available features. At the neighborhood level, we calculate the listing count for each category to determine which lifestyles best fit each area.
Zumper, founded in 2012, is North America’s largest privately-owned rental platform, offering over 1 million listings across the U.S. and Canada. Stay informed on the latest trends and shifts in the rental market with our monthly National Rent Report, your go-to resource for key insights into the evolving rental landscape.
| 🔑Available apartment rentals | 116 |
|---|---|
| 💰Best rent deal | 120 San Lorenzo Blvd |
| ✨Popular amenities | , , |
| 🧦In-unit laundry | |
| 🍽With dishwasher | |
| 🏠With photos |