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

Average rent

$3,400
increased by31%

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SCZ T 314 Laurel Street - Photo 1 of 1

2d ago

8.3

Very good

SCZ T 314 Laurel Street

314 Laurel St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

In-unit laundry | On-site laundry | Oven

3 beds

1 bath

$3,800

Apartment for rent

114 Maple St #3 - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Downtown Santa Cruz apartment for rent in Santa Cruz

114 Maple St #3, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

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

1 bed

1 bath

$2,675

Apartment for rent

Available Jan 11

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 Jan 22

Chestnut Street - Photo 1 of 1
Rent special

1d ago

9.4

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

$2,757–$3,999

Apartment for rent

Call

143 Market St #143 - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Eastside house for rent in Santa Cruz

MRKT - 143

143 Market St #143, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

In-unit laundry | Central heat | Hardwood floor

3 beds

2 baths

$4,825

House for rent

Available Mar 14

Description

Post-Victorian Bungalow with Irresistible Charm! This stunning home combines timeless character with modern elegance. The beautifully updated kitchen features sleek stainless steel appliances, warm butcher block countertops, and gorgeous hickory flooring that flows seamlessly throughout the entire home. The spacious master bath offers a one-of-a-kind Japanese soaking tub, creating the perfect retreat for relaxing evenings. Step outside to the expansive redwood deck, where you can enjoy the lush garden and delightful outdoor dining areas. Whether you're unwinding or enter

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 bath

$3,195

House for rent

Description

Discover a light-filled home with a unique, non-traditional layout at 901 River Street in Santa Cruz. This spacious one-bedroom home with an additional flex room offers over 1,000 sq ft of adaptable space, ideal for those seeking a live/work setup, creative studio space, or a home that breaks away from a typical residential floor plan. The propertys residential and community commercial zoning supports a more versatile lifestyle, making it especially appealing for creatives, remote workers, or commuters looking for extra functional space beyond a standard bedroom layout.

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Assigned Parking

In-Unit Laundry

On-Site Laundry

331 Mission St - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Westside condo for rent in Santa Cruz

In-unit laundry | On-site laundry | Hardwood floor

Studio

1 bath

$2,200

Condo for rent

Available Jan 15

Description

Nicely updated studio with separate sleeping area. Newer hardwood floors, high end kitchen and bath, updated fixtures, cabinets, etc. The unit is within a historic victorian, in a great west side location at Mission and Chestnut, near downtown and within 1 block from UCSC bus line. On-site washer & dryer. Water and garbage included in the rent, tenant pays all other utilities. 1 parking spot included. Please do not disturb other occupants.

FIRST - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

8.3

Very good

FIRST

208 1st St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

2 beds

1 bath

$3,290

Apartment for rent

Description

Brightly lit two bedroom apartment with ceramic tile kitchen, gas oven/range, one car garage, shared laundry, water and garbage included. Access to ROOFTOP DECK with expansive usable space and great views!!. 1 Block to the sand and short walk to Downtown Santa Cruz's shopping, restaurants and entertainment directly across from the new La Bahia Hotel and restaurants. One off street parking spot in garage.

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High St. - Photo 1 of 1

3d 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

Hidden Creek Apartments - Photo 1 of 1

19h 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–$3,955

Apartment for rent

Call

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Nearby rental good for wellness

515 Cayuga St - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Eastside house for rent in Santa Cruz

515 Cayuga St, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

In-unit laundry | On-site laundry | Hardwood floor

2 beds

1 bath

$3,400

House for rent

Available Feb 1

Description

Located in the heart of Seabright, this classic 2BR/1BA duplex unit is light and airy with hardwood floors throughout. The kitchen has a fun retro fridge, electric oven/range, lots of cabinet space, and room for a small dining table. There is a pass-through dining bar open to the living area that features a sliding glass door to be backyard. Both bedrooms are good sized with ample closet space, and the hall bath features a shower/tub combo. The front yard is lush and artfully landscaped, and the fenced backyard is serene and sunny. The unit has its own tankless water heate

630 Water St - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ 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.

63 S Branciforte Ave - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Eastside house for rent in Santa Cruz

63 S Branciforte Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

In-unit laundry | Garage parking | Balcony

2 beds

3 baths

$4,800

House for rent

Available Nov 21

Description

Coastal Living in Santa Cruz – 2 Bed / 3 Bath with Ocean Views & Resort-Style Amenities Welcome to this inviting 2-bedroom, 3-bath home located in the heart of Santa Cruz, offering the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and coastal lifestyle. This residence is nestled in a unique gated complex of only 25 units, providing a private and peaceful living environment with exclusive adjacent access to Ocean View Park and beautiful ocean views. Enjoy resort-style amenities including a pool, jacuzzi, and racquetball court, all just steps from your door. You’ll also love the

127 Mason St - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Westside house for rent in Santa Cruz

House for rent

Description

Welcome to the 3 bed 2 bath house on the westside Santa Cruz, a gem nestled in the heart of Santa Cruz. This home boasts three spacious bedrooms and two fully remodeled bathrooms, offering a perfect blend of comfort and modern style. The new VPL flooring throughout the house adds a touch of elegance, while the fresh paint gives it a clean, updated look. The attached two-car garage provides ample space for parking and storage. Step outside to the large backyard, a perfect spot for outdoor activities or simply enjoying the California sunshine. The westside location is a bonu

1401 Laurent St - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Westside house for rent in Santa Cruz

1401 Laurent St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

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

3 beds

2 baths

$5,500

House for rent

Available Jan 20

Description

Bright and spacious home in a prime Westside Santa Cruz location—close to UCSC, bus lines, shopping, dining, parks, and the beach. Recently refreshed with newly refinished hardwood floors and brand-new carpet in the bedrooms, this home offers a large, sunlit living room with a cozy fireplace. All bedrooms are generously sized with closets; the primary suite includes a private bathroom with a shower, while the hall bath features a tub/shower combo. Enjoy a fenced yard, a large two-car garage for parking or extra storage, and the convenience of an in-home washer and dryer. L

218 Highland Ct - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Westside house for rent in Santa Cruz

218 Highland Ct, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

In-unit laundry | Furnished | Garage parking

3 beds

2 baths

$8,000

House for rent

Available Aug 11

Description

218 Highland Ct 3 Bedrooms/2 Bathrooms $8000 per mo This stunning executive home, located in the highly desirable Upper West Side, is more than just a place to live—it’s a dream come true. Fully furnished and thoughtfully designed, every detail has been carefully curated to create a luxurious and welcoming living experience. Step inside to a warm and inviting family room featuring a beautiful coffered ceiling, cozy fireplace, large-screen TV, and charming French doors that open to a private backyard retreat. The outdoor space is ideal for entertaining or unwinding, comple

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

214 South Branciforte Avenue, Unit 4 - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

8.1

Very good

214 South Branciforte Avenue, Unit 4

214 S Branciforte Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

2 beds

1 bath

$3,895

Condo for rent

Available Feb 1

Description

Tranquility in the heart of Seabright! Join a lovely community and enjoy this newly renovated space with premium finishes and brand new appliances. The building was completely upgraded in 2025. We're solar-powered, which means your electric bill might even be zero. Chill in the shared landscaped garden and patio area featuring BBQ, outdoor sofa, dining set, and fruit trees. Walking distance to Seabright Beach and the Boardwalk. Near Ocean View Park. Easy bike to the Wharf, Downtown, and the Harbor. This unit is on the 2nd floor up a flight of stairs. It includes a

SROR - Photo 1 of 1

1d ago

8

Very good

SROR

1008 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Studio

1 bath

$1,900

Apartment for rent

Description

This newer, thoughtfully designed studio features a sleek modern kitchen with ample maple cabinetry, Corian countertops, gas oven and range, microwave hood, and garbage disposal. Enjoy the convenience of on-site laundry, extra storage, and dedicated parking. The downstairs unit opens to a private patio with views of the courtyard. A great Seabright location with contemporary finishes throughout.

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128 Bixby St - Photo 1 of 1

12h ago

8.4

Very good

128 Bixby St

128 Bixby St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

On-site laundry | Assigned parking | On-site management

2 beds

2 baths

$2,995–$3,005

Apartment for rent

Description

Freshly Updated 2BD/2BA First-Floor Apartment at 128 Bixby Street, Santa Cruz Welcome to this beautifully refreshed 2-bedroom, 2-bath first-floor apartment in Santa Cruz. Thoughtfully updated for modern living, this home features brand-new flooring, new interior paint, new kitchen cabinets, new countertops, new appliances, a completely updated bathroom with new fixtures throughout, assigned parking for tenants, and shared laundry facilities on site. Sunlight pours in through large windows, highlighting the refreshed interior and open living space a perfect blend of com

Broadway - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

8.5

Very good

Broadway

518 Broadway, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

High ceilings | Dishwasher | Microwave

Studio

1 bath

$2,195

Apartment for rent

Description

To view this property, please visit our public showing schedule on our website for available days and times. No appointment needed. - Gorgeous Studio, 1 Bath Completely Remodeled First Floor Apartment | Private Entrances - Unit Features Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring, Remodeled Kitchen & Bathroom - Remodeled Eat-In Kitchen Features Shaker Cabinets, Sleek Quartz Counters, Refrigerator, Gas Range/Oven, New Dishwasher, New Built-In Microwave & Garbage Disposal - Remodeled Bathroom Includes Quartz Surround Shower - Utilities Included: Water, Garbage, Gas, Electric - One-Unassign

San Lorenzo Apartments - Photo 1 of 1
Rent special

4h 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–$2,955

Apartment for rent

Description

*Floor plans vary by unit

Listings within 5 miles
1704 Bay St - Photo 1 of 1

2d ago

Westside apartment for rent in Santa Cruz

Studio

1 bath

$2,200

$1,895

Price drop

Apartment for rent

Description

Enjoy coastal Santa Cruz living in this light-filled upstairs studio apartment with a private entrance and charming details. Attached to the main house, this studio offers privacy, natural light, and a highly walkable Westside location close to beaches, transit, and UCSC. Unit Features Upstairs studio with private entrance from foyer New wood flooring and fresh interior paint Bright, open layout with stained glass window Large window leading to a railed deck with a peek of the ocean Spacious bathroom with marble countertops and marble flooring Large walk-in shower

1302 Delaware Ave - Photo 1 of 1

2d ago

Westside house for rent in Santa Cruz

House for Rent - SANTA CRUZ, CA

1302 Delaware Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Furnished | High ceilings

1 bed

1 bath

$2,850

$2,750

Price drop

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

204 Alhambra Avenue - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Eastside house for rent in Santa Cruz

West Side Charmer! 3x2 - Available 4/1/25

204 Alhambra Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Furnished | Garage parking | Storage

3 beds

2 baths

$7,795

House for rent

Description

Welcome to 204 Alhambra Avenue Your Coastal Haven in Santa Cruz! This charming home offers the quintessential Santa Cruz lifestyle, located just moments from the sparkling Pacific Ocean. With its inviting design and prime location, 204 Alhambra Avenue is perfect for anyone seeking comfort and convenience by the coast. Inside, you'll find a bright and spacious layout, ideal for relaxing or entertaining. The home features updated finishes, ample natural light, and thoughtful details throughout. The kitchen is well-equipped for culinary adventures, while the living spa

1330 1330 - 1332 Mission Street - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Westside apartment for rent in Santa Cruz

2BR/1.0BA

1330 1330 - 1332 Mission Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

In-unit laundry | On-site laundry | Balcony

2 beds

1 bath

$2,895

$2,850

Price drop

Apartment for rent

Showing 1 - 25 of 25 results
Home > Apartments in Santa Cruz > Downtown Santa Cruz Apartments For Rent
Updated: January 29, 2026

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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 362 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?

3 bedroom 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 deal1008 Soquel Ave
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