Zumper

Apartments for Rent in Santa Cruz, CA

All rentals

River Row - Photo 1 of 1
Rent special

45m ago

8.5

Very good

Our team has verified this company

Verified

River Row

444 Front St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

In-unit laundry | Garage parking | Balcony

Studio–2 beds

1–2 baths

$3,325–$7,500

Call

Hidden Creek Apartments - Photo 1 of 1

1h ago

9.9

Excellent

Our team has verified this company

Verified

Hidden Creek Apartments

200 Button St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Garage parking | On-site laundry | Swimming pool

1–2 beds

1 bath

$2,000–$3,210

Call

Chestnut Street - Photo 1 of 1
Rent special

2d ago

9.6

Excellent

Our team has verified this company

Verified

Chestnut Street

143 Chestnut St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Balcony | Central heat | Hardwood floor

1–2 beds

1 bath

$2,807–$3,637

Call

1 Berkeley Ct - Photo 1 of 1

1d ago

Eastside house for rent in Santa Cruz

1 Berkeley Ct, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

In-unit laundry | Dishwasher

3 beds

2.5 baths

$4,500

2-2525 2-2525 E Cliff - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

House for rent in Santa Cruz

2-2525 2-2525 E Cliff, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

In-unit laundry | Dishwasher | Oven

4 beds

3 baths

$5,750

911 35th Ave - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Apartment for rent in Santa Cruz

Find the right neighborhood for you

430 San Juan Avenue - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Our team has verified this company

Verified

430 San Juan Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

In-unit laundry | Air conditioning | Balcony

2 beds

1.5 baths

$4,950

249 Arroyo Seco - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Westside house for rent in Santa Cruz

Studio Apartment Near UCSC

249 Arroyo Seco, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

In-unit laundry | On-site management | Outdoor space

Studio

1 bath

$1,995

The best of Zumper, delivered

Be the first to hear about new listings matching your search.

Email
By clicking submit, I accept Zumper's Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Community Values.
901 River St - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

House for rent in Santa Cruz

A Light-Filled Home with Room to Work in the Heart of Santa Cruz

901 River St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

In-unit laundry | Garage parking | On-site laundry

1 bed

1.5 baths

$2,495

Breakwater Apartments - Photo 1 of 1

28m ago

8.6

Very good

Breakwater Apartments

1630 Merrill St, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

In-unit laundry | On-site laundry

1–3 beds

1–2 baths

$2,890–$4,785

Price drop

Advertisement

Find rentals with popular amenities

Dishwasher

Outdoor Space

Garage Parking

In-Unit Laundry

800 24th Ave #29 - Photo 1 of 1

2h ago

Apartment for rent in Santa Cruz

In-unit laundry | Swimming pool | Deck

2 beds

1 bath

$2,495

$2,395

Price drop

SCZ T 231 Blackburn - Photo 1 of 1

8h ago

8.6

Very good

SCZ T 231 Blackburn

231 Blackburn St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

In-unit laundry

1 bed

1 bath

$2,350

San Lorenzo Apartments - Photo 1 of 1

13h ago

8.8

Very good

San Lorenzo Apartments

120 San Lorenzo Blvd, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Garage parking | On-site laundry | Balcony

Studio–2 beds

1 bath

$1,925–$3,205

1203 Mission St - Photo 1 of 1

20h ago

9.1

Excellent

1203 Mission St

1203 Mission St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

In-unit laundry | Balcony | Assigned parking

2 beds

2 baths

$4,000

237 Darwin St - Photo 1 of 1

20h ago

8.8

Very good

237 Darwin St

237 Darwin St, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

In-unit laundry | Garage parking | Hardwood floor

3 beds

2 baths

$4,595

336 Wilkes Cir - Photo 1 of 1

20h ago

Westside house for rent in Santa Cruz

Updated 3BR Westside Retreat Near Beaches & West Cliff

336 Wilkes Cir, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

In-unit laundry | Balcony | Hardwood floor

3 beds

2 baths

$5,795

$5,395

Price drop

2349 Harper St - Photo 1 of 1

20h ago

House for rent in Santa Cruz

In-unit laundry | On-site laundry | Fitness center

2 beds

1 bath

$4,000

221 Broadway #C - Photo 1 of 1

20h ago

Condo for rent in Santa Cruz

221 Broadway #C, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

On-site laundry | Assigned parking | Hardwood floor

1 bed

1 bath

$2,395

Advertisement
2395 Delaware Ave - Photo 1 of 1

23h ago

Westside house for rent in Santa Cruz

2395 Delaware Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

In-unit laundry | Furnished | Assigned parking

3 beds

2 baths

$4,400

Emerald Bay Apartments - Photo 1 of 1
Income restricted

23h ago

Apartment for rent in Santa Cruz

Emerald Bay Apartments

2500 Soquel Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95065

On-site laundry | Controlled access | Outdoor space

1–3 beds

1 bath

$2,706–$3,933

2222 Mission St - Photo 1 of 1

1d ago

Westside house for rent in Santa Cruz

2222 Mission St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Dishwasher | Microwave | Oven

3 beds

2 baths

$4,500

$4,200

Price drop

2226 Mission St - Photo 1 of 1

1d ago

Westside house for rent in Santa Cruz

3 beds

1 bath

$4,500

$3,950

Price drop

HV - Photo 1 of 1

1d ago

8.3

Very good

HV

1129 Happy Valley Rd, Santa Cruz, CA 95065

1 bed

1 bath

$2,550

2726 Hampton Ln - Photo 1 of 1

1d ago

Townhouse for rent in Santa Cruz

2726 Hampton Ln, Santa Cruz, CA 95065

Garage parking | Balcony | Walk-in closets

3 beds

2.5 baths

$4,500

$4,395

Price drop

SCZ T 318 Laurel Street - Photo 1 of 1

1d ago

8.8

Very good

SCZ T 318 Laurel Street

318 Laurel St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

In-unit laundry | Garage parking | Oven

2 beds

1 bath

$2,950

2021 Felt St #NA - Photo 1 of 1

1d ago

House for rent in Santa Cruz

$5,000 - 3 Bedroom 2 Bathroom House In Santa Cruz With Great Amenities

2021 Felt St #NA, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

In-unit laundry | Garage parking | Assigned parking

3 beds

2 baths

$5,000

Advertisement
140 Spaten Way - Photo 1 of 1

1d ago

House for rent in Santa Cruz

140 Spaten Way, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

In-unit laundry | Garage parking | On-site laundry

3 beds

2 baths

$4,500

$4,200

Price drop

426 Swift St - Photo 1 of 1

1d ago

Westside house for rent in Santa Cruz

426 Swift St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

In-unit laundry | Garage parking | On-site laundry

3 beds

1.5 baths

$5,000

219 Fern - Photo 1 of 1
Income restricted

2d ago

8.3

Very good

219 Fern

219 Fern St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Studio

1 bath

$1,750

435 Ocean View Ave. - Photo 1 of 1

2d ago

8.3

Very good

435 Ocean View Ave.

435 Ocean View Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

2 beds

1 bath

$3,200

2711 LLC - Photo 1 of 1

2d ago

8.3

Very good

2711 LLC

2711 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

1 bed

1 bath

$2,450

Broadway 514 (Rooms 1-5) - Photo 1 of 1

2d ago

7.2

Very good

Broadway 514 (Rooms 1-5)

514 Broadway, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

1 bed

1–2 baths

$1,095–$1,495

320 - 328 California Street - Photo 1 of 1

2d ago

8.5

Very good

320 - 328 California Street

320 320 - 328 California Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

In-unit laundry | Dishwasher

2 beds

1 bath

$3,000

Price drop

300 Plateau Ave - Photo 1 of 1

2d ago

8.8

Very good

300 Plateau Ave

300 Plateau Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

In-unit laundry | Garage parking | Balcony

3 beds

2 baths

$5,495

Advertisement
234 High St - Photo 1 of 1

3d ago

8.3

Very good

234 High St

234 High St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

2 beds

1 bath

$2,650

313 Village Cir - Photo 1 of 1

3d ago

Westside townhouse for rent in Santa Cruz

Bright & Spacious 3-Bed, 2.5-Bath Santa Cruz Home Near UCSC with Tranquil Rose Garden Backyard, Bonus Room & 2-Car Garage

313 Village Cir, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

In-unit laundry | Walk-in closets | High ceilings

3 beds

2.5 baths

$5,500

$5,400

Price drop

531 Dufour - Photo 1 of 1

3d ago

8.1

Very good

531 Dufour

531 Dufour St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

3 beds

2 baths

$5,500

Price drop

106 Surfside Ave - Photo 1 of 1

3d ago

Westside townhouse for rent in Santa Cruz

Stokley Properties Presents 106 Surfside in Santa Cruz!

106 Surfside Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

On-site laundry | Hardwood floor | Package service

2 beds

1.5 baths

$4,495

203 Seaview Ave - Photo 1 of 1
3D tour

4d ago

Eastside house for rent in Santa Cruz

203 Seaview Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

In-unit laundry | Garage parking | Microwave

2 beds

1 bath

$3,700

3304 Winkle Ave - Photo 1 of 1

4d ago

House for rent in Santa Cruz

3304 Winkle Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95065

In-unit laundry | Dishwasher | Wi-fi

4 beds

3.5 baths

$7,900

1798 Halterman Ave - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Condo for rent in Santa Cruz

1798 Halterman Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

In-unit laundry | Garage parking | On-site laundry

2 beds

1 bath

$3,595

$3,495

Price drop

135 May Avenue - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

8.4

Very good

135 May Avenue

135 May Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

3 beds

2 baths

$4,250

Advertisement
144 Everson Dr - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Westside condo for rent in Santa Cruz

Mariner’s Cove Complex

144 Everson Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

In-unit laundry | Garage parking | Swimming pool

1 bed

1 bath

$3,000

1472 Chanticleer Ave - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

House for rent in Santa Cruz

1 bed

1 bath

$2,600

611 Soquel Ave #4 - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Eastside apartment for rent in Santa Cruz

In-unit laundry | On-site management | Business center

1 bed

1 bath

$2,650

224 Laurel St #A204 - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Downtown Santa Cruz condo for rent in Santa Cruz

224 Laurel St #A204, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

In-unit laundry | Storage | Dishwasher

Studio

1 bath

$2,250

2435 Felt St #1 - Photo 1 of 1
Age restricted

5d+ ago

House for rent in Santa Cruz

FELT - 1

2435 Felt St #1, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Ceiling fan | Storage | High ceilings

2 beds

2 baths

$3,600

630 Water St - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Eastside apartment for rent in Santa Cruz

292 S Pippin Ln #1240 - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Apartment for rent in Santa Cruz

HV - 1240

292 S Pippin Ln #1240, Santa Cruz, CA 95065

1 bed

1 bath

$2,550

2100 Chanticleer Ave - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

House for rent in Santa Cruz

Advertisement
Showing 1 - 50 of 78 results
Home > Apartments in Santa Cruz
Updated: September 25, 2026

Are you a rental professional?

Try our tenant screening, or post rental listings to Zumper, Craigslist Santa Cruz, and more.

Santa Cruz, CA apartments for rent

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.

Renting in Santa Cruz, CA at a glance

As of today, Santa Cruz's median rent price is $3,297 per month, which is down 3%, or $102, compared to last year.

Median rent

$3,297

YoY change

−3%

−$102/mo

Rentals, last 30 days

81

Rent by unit type
SizeValueYoY
All bedrooms$3,297−3%
1 bedroom$2,495N/A
2 bedroom$3,559−2%
Not sure what you can afford? Try our rent calculator

Local insights: What it's like to live in Santa Cruz, CA

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.

Frequently asked questions

How much is the average rent in Santa Cruz, CA for 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom apartments?

Based on Zumper's July 2026 data, one-bedroom apartments in Santa Cruz average around $2,660/month and two-bedrooms approximately $3,670/month, both relatively stable year over year.

When is the best time to look for an apartment in Santa Cruz, CA?

December offers the best rental deals in Santa Cruz, with rents running 17% lower than April's peak prices. November also provides good opportunities with the least competitive market conditions compared to the high-demand spring months of March and May.

What are the best neighborhoods to rent an apartment in Santa Cruz, CA?

Downtown Santa Cruz draws the highest renter interest at around $2,850/month for one-bedrooms, while Westside offers the largest inventory with 30% of available listings. Beach Hill and Eastside round out the top neighborhoods, all featuring excellent walkability and vibrant social scenes.

What areas of Santa Cruz, CA are best for budget-conscious renters?

Eastside offers the best value for budget-conscious renters, with one-bedroom apartments averaging around $2,240/month, running 11% below the city median. Looking at our current data, Eastside also provides a median rent of approximately $3,320 compared to Westside's $3,940.

Are there pet-friendly apartments in Santa Cruz, CA?

Based on our current listings, roughly 26% of Santa Cruz rentals are pet-friendly, with excellent options across Westside, Downtown, Beach Hill, and Eastside neighborhoods. These areas feature pet amenities like dedicated spaces, nearby dog parks, and pet waste stations.

Are utilities usually included in rent in Santa Cruz, CA?

In our current listings, utilities-included rentals are rare in Santa Cruz, showing up in under 0.1% of units. Studios lead at 0.18% of listings, while one-bedrooms and two-bedrooms each show around 0.06%.

Methodology: How we got this data

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 2026 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.

Looking for apartments in Santa Cruz, CA near you?

Santa Cruz, CA rental availability
🔑Available apartment rentals133
💰Best rent deal514 Broadway
✨Popular amenities, ,
🧦In-unit laundry
🍽With dishwasher
🏠With photos