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Apartments for Rent in Downtown Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA

Average rent

$3,100
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ELM2 - Photo 1 of 1

4d ago

8

Very good

ELM2

210 Elm Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Studio

1 bath

$2,315

Apartment for rent

SCZ T 318 Laurel Street - Photo 1 of 1

4d ago

8.8

Very good

SCZ T 318 Laurel Street

318 Laurel Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

2 beds

1 bath

$2,850

Apartment for rent

Undisclosed Address #297 - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Downtown Santa Cruz apartment for rent in Santa Cruz

3 BR, 2 BA in Bonny Doon

Undisclosed Address #297, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Outdoor space

3 beds

2 baths

$3,895

Apartment for rent

Available Nov 6

Description

$3,895 /month Long-Term Tenancy Preferred Private -3 Bed | 2 Bath | Approx. Bonny Doone 15 Minutes to UCSC Enjoy serene living on a private acre in Santa Cruz in this newly built home. Thoughtfully designed for comfort and convenience, this brand-new 3-bedroom, 2-bath residence offers: - Spacious bedrooms with ample natural light - Modern bathrooms with updated fixtures - Open-concept kitchen and living area - Expansive outdoor space for gardening, pets, or relaxation

333 Locust Street #3 - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Downtown Santa Cruz apartment for rent in Santa Cruz

On-site laundry | Oven

1 bed

1 bath

$2,100

Apartment for rent

318 Chestnut St #4 - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Downtown Santa Cruz condo for rent in Santa Cruz

Modern 1 Bed 1 Bath Apartment in Santa Cruz

318 Chestnut St #4, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

On-site laundry | Assigned parking | Carpet

1 bed

1 bath

$2,500

Condo for rent

Available Oct 1

Chestnut Street - Photo 1 of 1
Rent special

2d ago

9.6

Excellent

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Chestnut Street

143 Chestnut Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Balcony | Central heat | Hardwood floor

1–2 beds

1–2 baths

$2,829–$4,087

Apartment for rent

Call

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On-Site Laundry

Assigned Parking

Outdoor Space

609 Pacific Avenue - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Apartment for rent in Santa Cruz

1BR/1.0BA

609 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Dishwasher

1 bed

1 bath

$2,500

Apartment for rent

708 Riverside Avenue #F - Photo 1 of 1

21h ago

Apartment for rent in Santa Cruz

3 beds

2 baths

$3,950

Apartment for rent

Available Dec 15

Description

***Move-in special: 50% off first month!*** Be the first to call this newly built 3-bedroom, 2-bath unit with Solar - Home! Privately set back from the street behind a fourplex on Riverside Avenue, this duplex-style home combines modern design and comfort with an ideal Santa Cruz location. Inside, you’ll find an open floor plan with brand-new finishes throughout, including a fully equipped kitchen with new appliances, in-unit washer and dryer, and mini-split systems providing efficient heating and air conditioning. Spacious bedrooms and two full bathrooms create a comfort

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708 Riverside Avenue #E - Photo 1 of 1

21h ago

Townhouse for rent in Santa Cruz

3 beds

2 baths

$3,950

House for rent

Available Dec 15

Description

Limited-Time Move-In Special: 50% Off First Month’s Rent! Be the first to live in this brand-new 3-bedroom, 2-bath home. This newly constructed Townhome offers modern finishes, thoughtful design, and a location that provides easy access to UCSC, Downtown Santa Cruz, beaches, and West Cliff Drive. The home features an open and functional floor plan well-suited for shared living, remote work, or anyone seeking comfort and efficiency in a low-maintenance home. With water and garbage included, and the advantage of solar power to keep your utility costs down INTERIOR FEATURE

708 Riverside Avenue #Apt A - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Apartment for rent in Santa Cruz

708 Riverside Avenue #Apt A, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Assigned parking | On-site management

2 beds

1 bath

$2,900

Apartment for rent

Available Nov 15

Description

***Move-in special: 50% off first month!***Welcome to 708 Riverside Avenue, Unit A – a bright and beautifully renovated upstairs unit, with Solar, offering the perfect blend of comfort, charm, and convenience. This inviting home is filled with natural light and features stylish finishes throughout, including an updated, functional kitchen designed for modern living. Enjoy the ease of being just a six-minute drive to the University of California, Santa Cruz, and moments from downtown shops, restaurants, beaches, and scenic river paths. Whether you’re a student, professional

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19 Mary Case Lane - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Westside house for rent in Santa Cruz

3 beds

2 baths

$3,850

$3,750

Price drop

House for rent

Description

Charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home in the Seaside Cottages enclave near the beach, Neary Lagoon, and downtown Santa Cruz. Features include hardwood floors on the main level, new carpet and paint upstairs, two potential primary suites, and updated appliances. Includes a private yard, back deck, one-car garage with opener, and washer/dryer hookups. Part of a quiet, well-maintained 8-unit PUD built in 1998. No pets allowed. Call Bailey Property Management For showings 831-685-8588 ex 621 Rachel Shaffer, calbre#00902682

High St. - Photo 1 of 1

1h ago

8.3

Very good

High St.

404 High St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Dishwasher

2 beds

1 bath

$3,990

Apartment for rent

Description

Bright and airy 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom duplex featuring stainless steel appliances and abundant natural light. Conveniently located near UC Santa Cruz. Rental Criteria: Gross monthly income must be at least 3x the rent Minimum credit score of 700 No history of bankruptcy or eviction Utilities: Renter’s Insurance: $100,000 liability coverage required Electricity: Resident sets up and pays TV/Internet: Resident sets up and pays Water, Trash, Sewer: Set up by Millennium Property Management, paid by the resident Parking: Street parking available Assigned parking available f

320 - 328 California Street - Photo 1 of 1

3d ago

8.6

Very good

320 - 328 California Street

328 California Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Dishwasher

1–4 beds

1–2 baths

$2,400–$4,200

Apartment for rent

Description

This is a newer 1+br/1ba ADU located on a multi-unit property. There is vinyl flooring throughout the unit, stainless steel electric appliances. Conveniently located on the lower west side of Santa Cruz. Centrally located between Pacific Avenue & Mission Street you are close to grocery stores, dining, and a short bike ride to the beach. There is no parking and we do not guarantee that you can get a permit for parking with the City of Santa Cruz. No utilities are included, Month to Month Lease. No Smoking No Utilities Included No Parking Pets Negotiable Washer & Dryer in

251 High Street A-J - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

9.2

Excellent

251 High Street A-J

251 High St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

In-unit laundry | Dishwasher

2 beds

1 bath

$3,200

Apartment for rent

Description

Contemporary 2 bedroom downstairs apartment close to UCSC, Downtown, & local transit. Modern finishes, natural gas fireplace, and dual pane windows. In home laundry (washer/dryer included), high ceilings, and private patio. Fully loaded kitchen with maple cabinets, quartz counters, & stainless steel appliances. Designated off street covered parking garage, secure garbage enclosure, and monthly landscaping provided. Small pets accepted 1 year lease Co-Signers accepted No Utilities Included

Hidden Creek Apartments - Photo 1 of 1

1d ago

9.9

Excellent

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Verified

Hidden Creek Apartments

200 Button Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Garage parking | On-site laundry | Swimming pool

1–2 beds

1 bath

$2,000–$3,955

Apartment for rent

Call

1302 Delaware Avenue #1302 - Photo 1 of 1

3d ago

Westside apartment for rent in Santa Cruz

1 BR, 1 BA in Lower Westside

1302 Delaware Avenue #1302, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Furnished | High ceilings

1 bed

1 bath

$2,950

Apartment for rent

Available Jan 1

Description

Wonderful Westside location! The ideal and flexible launch pad for your quintessential Santa Cruz life. West Cliff & Mitchells Cove Beach are a lovely, 5-minute greenbelt-stroll away on "Bethanys Curve". Just a mile from the Boardwalk, Main Beach and Downtown in one direction, and Natural Bridges, North Coast trails and Swift Street eateries a short stroll away the other direction. The unit is attached to the main home with its own separate private entrance, super cool with high ceilings, living room, like new kitchen, separate bath, large bedroom with extra loft area! Mod

Find sweet deals near Downtown Santa Cruz

These rentals are 10%-30% cheaper than the local average price for similar rentals.

630 Water Street - Photo 1 of 1

3d ago

Eastside apartment for rent in Santa Cruz

Apartment for rent

Description

Welcome to The Breakers, Santa Cruz's charming rental community near downtown Santa Cruz, where quiet suburban life and urban convenience meet. Our studio, one, and two bedroom homes are spacious and well-appointed with quality finishes, and our pet-friendly community invites you to get to know your neighbors and make the most of our convenient location off Water Street near the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

630 Water Street - Photo 1 of 1

3d ago

Eastside apartment for rent in Santa Cruz

Apartment for rent

Description

Welcome to The Breakers, Santa Cruz's charming rental community near downtown Santa Cruz, where quiet suburban life and urban convenience meet. Our studio, one, and two bedroom homes are spacious and well-appointed with quality finishes, and our pet-friendly community invites you to get to know your neighbors and make the most of our convenient location off Water Street near the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

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1302 Delaware Avenue - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Westside house for rent in Santa Cruz

House for Rent - SANTA CRUZ, CA

1302 Delaware Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Furnished | High ceilings

1 bed

1 bath

$2,950

House for rent

Description

Property Status: Active Wonderful Westside location! The ideal and flexible launch pad for your quintessential Santa Cruz life. West Cliff & Mitchells Cove Beach are a lovely, 5-minute greenbelt-stroll away on "Bethanys Curve". Just a mile from the Boardwalk, Main Beach and Downtown in one direction, and Natural Bridges, North Coast trails and Swift Street eateries a short stroll away the other direction. The unit is attached to the main home with its own separate private entrance, super cool with high ceilings, living room, like new kitchen, separate bath, large bedroom w

1140 East Cliff Drive #08 - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Eastside apartment for rent in Santa Cruz

Apartment for rent

Description

Ocean views, sunsets and fresh air: this is an Ocean front top floor unit located in a small, 9 unit complex on East Cliff Drive. The property is located four houses down from the beach, and a stone's throw away from Seabright beach. Step inside to uncover a spacious layout designed for comfort and functionality. The kitchen has a large fridge, dishwasher, in addition to the built- in oven and glass cooktop. It also offers an abundance of cabinet space and beautiful granite countertops. There are two bedrooms and two full bathrooms. Both bedrooms are very good sized and

206 Pennsylvania Avenue - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Eastside house for rent in Santa Cruz

206 Pennsylvania Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

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

2 beds

1 bath

$3,395

House for rent

Available Nov 27

Description

This newly upgraded 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath home offers fresh updates throughout, including carpet in bedrooms/main living areas, vinyl flooring in kitchen/bathrooms, blinds, and fresh interior paint. Located on a corner lot, the property features a spacious back patio and access to a shared common-area yard. The home is in an excellent location as it is set back from main street traffic yet conveniently close to Downtown, entertainment, parks, schools, and Seabright shopping. Parking is plentiful with an attached garage, driveway space, and additional street parking This p

63 South Branciforte Avenue - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Eastside house for rent in Santa Cruz

63 South Branciforte Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

In-unit laundry | Garage parking | Central heat

2 beds

3 baths

$5,000

$4,800

Price drop

House for rent

Available Nov 21

Description

Welcome to this inviting 2-bedroom, 3-bath home located in the heart of Santa Cruz. Offering comfort, convenience, and a well-designed layout, this residence provides an ideal living experience close to coastal amenities and urban conveniences. The home features central heating for year-round comfort, and comes fully equipped with a washer, dryer, refrigerator, stove, oven, and dishwasher, making move-in effortless. Enjoy the convenience of an attached 2-car garage, providing secure parking and additional storage options. With spacious living areas and a location that pla

416 Ocean View Ave #B - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Eastside apartment for rent in Santa Cruz

Assigned parking | Hardwood floor | Oven

1 bed

1 bath

$2,350

Apartment for rent

Description

Welcome to your new home in the heart of Seabright, CA! This one-bedroom, one-bathroom triplex unit is a gem, boasting multiple skylights that flood the space with natural light, enhancing the beauty of the hardwood flooring. The home comes with a fully equipped kitchen, including a refrigerator/freezer, microwave, stove/oven. The spacious rooms provide ample space for relaxation and entertainment. Hardwood flooring throughout the apartment. The private back patio is perfect for enjoying the California sunshine. The bedroom features a spacious closet, providing plenty of

114 Fairbanks Street - Photo 1 of 1

4d ago

Eastside house for rent in Santa Cruz

Wonderful 3 bed 2.5 bath in Riverwalk neighborhood

114 Fairbanks Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

In-unit laundry | Assigned parking | Hardwood floor

3 beds

2 baths

$5,200

House for rent

Description

**home is unfurnished** Experience classic charm and contemporary comfort in this beautifully updated home! Built in 1927 and thoughtfully remodeled in the early 2000s, this light-filled residence boasts 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and 2,000 square feet of spacious living. Enjoy modern upgrades complemented by original wood floors, trim, and built-in cabinetry for extra character. Relax in separate living and family rooms, featuring a cozy river rock gas fireplace in the family area. Entertain in style with an expansive backyard deck offering scenic views and a private mini-red

Showing 1 - 25 of 25 results
Home > Apartments in Santa Cruz > Downtown Santa Cruz Apartments For Rent
Updated: December 14, 2025

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Learn more about renting in Downtown Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA

Downtown Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz apartment availability

Downtown Santa Cruz offers a good selection of rental listings, with an average of 19 listings available each month in 2024. The majority of rentals in this neighborhood are 1-bedroom apartments, followed by studios and 2-bedroom apartments. Many of these apartments offer convenient amenities, including in-unit laundry, elevators, and on-site laundry facilities, which are available in approximately 50-60% of the apartments. With its central location and range of amenities, Downtown Santa Cruz is a popular choice for renters in Santa Cruz, accounting for nearly 16% of the city's total listings.

Downtown Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz rental market trends

The Downtown Santa Cruz rental market experienced a significant shift in 2024, with average monthly rents (all bed counts and property types) reaching $3,144.73, a substantial decrease from the previous year. 1-bedrooms averaged $2,720.83 per month, 2-bedrooms $3,948.46, and studios $2,638.80, all reflecting a similar downward trend.

Rents in Downtown Santa Cruz tend to fluctuate throughout the year, with July typically seeing the highest prices, 38.3% higher than December, the month with the lowest rents. This suggests that summer is the peak season for rentals in the area. If you're looking for a new apartment, December may be a good time to find a deal, as prices are significantly lower than in the summer months. However, keep in mind that the rental market can be unpredictable, and prices may vary based on various factors.

Why Downtown Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz is a great place to live

Downtown Santa Cruz stands out for its strong focus on social living and environmental sustainability. The neighborhood's commitment to eco-friendliness is evident in its use of non-toxic paint, waste recycling and composting programs, rainwater harvesting, and community solar projects. Residents can also enjoy easy access to parks and recreation areas, further enhancing the area's green credentials. A high walk score and excellent transit links make it simple for residents to get around without relying on cars. This combination of sustainability and accessibility also contributes to a thriving social scene, with a variety of restaurants and a strong sense of safety, making Downtown Santa Cruz an attractive choice for renters who value both their social life and the environment.

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 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.

Downtown Santa Cruz Apartments for rent FAQ

What is the average size of an apartment in Downtown Santa Cruz, CA?

The average size of a 1 bedroom apartment rental in Downtown Santa Cruz is 532 square feet. The average size of a 2 bedroom apartment rental in Downtown Santa Cruz is 807 square feet. The average size of a 3 bedroom apartment rental in Downtown Santa Cruz is 911 square feet.

Can I afford an apartment for rent in Downtown Santa Cruz, CA?

To help you better understand how much rent you can afford, check out Zumper's rent calculator. Our rent calculator can help you learn more about Downtown Santa Cruz average rent prices.

What type of apartment rental is most common in Downtown Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA?

1 bedroom apartments are the most common type of rentals in Downtown Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA right now.

What type of apartment rental is least common in Downtown Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA?

Studio apartments are the least common type of rentals in Downtown Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA right now.

Looking for apartments in Downtown Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA near you?

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💰Best rent deal200 Button Street
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