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Apartments for Rent in Santa Cruz, CA

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River Row - Photo 1 of 1
Rent special

47m ago

9.1

Excellent

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River Row

444 Front St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

In-unit laundry | Garage parking | Balcony

Studio–2 beds

1–2 baths

$3,100–$7,500

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Chestnut Street - Photo 1 of 1
Rent special

18h ago

9.6

Excellent

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Verified

Chestnut Street

143 Chestnut St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Balcony | Central heat | Hardwood floor

1–2 beds

1–2 baths

$2,807–$3,839

Price drop

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Hidden Creek Apartments - Photo 1 of 1

2d ago

9.9

Excellent

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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–$3,845

Call

911 35th Ave - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Apartment for rent in Santa Cruz

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

$5,800

870 30th Ave - Photo 1 of 1
3D tour

3d ago

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Verified

870 30th Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

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

2 beds

1 bath

$3,570

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430 San Juan Avenue - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

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Verified

430 San Juan Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

In-unit laundry | Air conditioning | Balcony

2 beds

1.5 baths

$4,950

San Lorenzo Apartments - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

8.2

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–$3,250

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800 24th Ave #18 - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Apartment for rent in Santa Cruz

In-unit laundry | Swimming pool | On-site management

1 bed

1 bath

$1,995

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

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Garage Parking

Dishwasher

In-Unit Laundry

Outdoor Space

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

$2,095

224 Laurel St #A304 - Photo 1 of 1

6h ago

Downtown Santa Cruz condo for rent in Santa Cruz

224 Laurel St #A304, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

In-unit laundry | Air conditioning | Balcony

1 bed

1 bath

$1,950

237 Darwin St - Photo 1 of 1

6h ago

8.5

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

Price drop

1203 Mission St - Photo 1 of 1

6h 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

Price drop

Breakwater Apartments - Photo 1 of 1

7h ago

8.4

Very good

Breakwater Apartments

1630 Merrill St, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

In-unit laundry | On-site laundry

1–3 beds

1–2 baths

$2,895–$5,717

Price drop

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

15h 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

15h ago

Eastside apartment for rent in Santa Cruz

292 S Pippin Ln #1240 - Photo 1 of 1

15h ago

Apartment for rent in Santa Cruz

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

1 bed

1 bath

$2,550

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2100 Chanticleer Ave - Photo 1 of 1

18h ago

House for rent in Santa Cruz

HV - Photo 1 of 1

19h ago

Apartment for rent in Santa Cruz

HV

1129 Happy Valley Rd, Santa Cruz, CA 95065

1 bed

1 bath

$2,550

2711 LLC - Photo 1 of 1

20h ago

8.3

Very good

2711 LLC

2711 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

1 bed

1 bath

$2,550

2727 Smith Grade - Photo 1 of 1

1d ago

8.8

Very good

2727 Smith Grade

2727 Smith Grade, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

In-unit laundry | Balcony | Central heat

4 beds

4 baths

$8,000

Caledonia - Photo 1 of 1

1d ago

8.6

Very good

Caledonia

100 Caledonia St, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

On-site laundry | Walk-in closets | Ceiling fan

2 beds

2 baths

$3,295

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

$3,050

1584 Chanticleer Ave - Photo 1 of 1

1d ago

Townhouse for rent in Santa Cruz

1584 Chanticleer Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Garage parking | Balcony | Fireplace

2 beds

1 bath

$3,700

435 Ocean View Ave. - Photo 1 of 1

1d ago

8.3

Very good

435 Ocean View Ave.

435 Ocean View Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

2 beds

1 bath

$3,200

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

1d 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

1d 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

144 Everson Dr - Photo 1 of 1

2d ago

Westside condo for rent in Santa Cruz

144 Everson Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

In-unit laundry | Garage parking | Swimming pool

1 bed

1 bath

$2,900

234 High St - Photo 1 of 1

2d ago

7.7

Very good

234 High St

234 High St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

2 beds

1 bath

$2,650

531 Dufour - Photo 1 of 1

2d ago

8.4

Very good

531 Dufour

531 Dufour St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

3 beds

2 baths

$5,500

Price drop

755 14th Ave #214 - Photo 1 of 1

2d ago

Condo for rent in Santa Cruz

755 14th Ave #214, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Balcony | Swimming pool | Fitness center

2 beds

1 bath

$3,400

103 La Pluma Ct - Photo 1 of 1

2d ago

Condo for rent in Santa Cruz

103 La Pluma Ct, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

In-unit laundry | On-site laundry | Dishwasher

Studio

1 bath

$2,650

$2,450

Price drop

2021 Felt St #NA - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

House for rent in Santa Cruz

$5,500 - 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

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21245 E Cliff Dr #D - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Apartment for rent in Santa Cruz

Pelican Point - (D)

21245 E Cliff Dr #D, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Studio

0 baths

$2,450

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

336 Wilkes Cir - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ 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

$5,549

Price drop

2226 Mission St - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Westside house for rent in Santa Cruz

3 beds

1 bath

$4,500

$4,200

Price drop

116 Maple St #1 - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Downtown Santa Cruz apartment for rent in Santa Cruz

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

1 bed

1 bath

$2,350

112 Canfield Ave #C - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Condo for rent in Santa Cruz

112 Canfield Ave #C, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

In-unit laundry | Dishwasher | Oven

2 beds

2 baths

$4,000

$3,600

Price drop

SCZ T 231 Blackburn - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ 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

510 Lincoln St #3 - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Westside house for rent in Santa Cruz

510 Lincoln St #3, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

In-unit laundry | Assigned parking | Walk-in closets

1 bed

1 bath

$3,395

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2895 Capitola Rd #17 - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Apartment for rent in Santa Cruz

On-site management | Business center

3 beds

1 bath

$3,795

$3,050

Price drop

426 Swift St - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ 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

$5,200

$5,000

Price drop

319 Lincoln St Apt C #C - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Downtown Santa Cruz apartment for rent in Santa Cruz

LIN - C

319 Lincoln St Apt C #C, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

1 bed

1 bath

$2,900

224 Center St #14 - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Condo for rent in Santa Cruz

1 bed

1 bath

$2,150

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

1140 E Cliff Dr #06 - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Eastside apartment for rent in Santa Cruz

204 Castillion Ter - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Westside condo for rent in Santa Cruz

2 beds

1.5 baths

$3,500

$3,300

Price drop

3387 Mission Dr - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Townhouse for rent in Santa Cruz

3387 Mission Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95065

On-site laundry | Hardwood floor | Deck

2 beds

1.5 baths

$3,150

$3,050

Price drop

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Showing 1 - 50 of 79 results
Home > Apartments in Santa Cruz
Updated: September 17, 2026

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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 $3,300 per month, which is down 6%, or $200, compared to last year.

Median rent

$3,300

YoY change

−6%

−$200/mo

Rentals, last 30 days

91

Rent by unit type
SizeValueYoY
All bedrooms$3,300−6%
1 bedroom$2,5500%
2 bedroom$3,500−3%
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 rentals141
💰Best rent deal514 Broadway
Popular amenities, ,
🧦In-unit laundry
🍽With dishwasher
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