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Apartments for Rent in Santa Cruz, CA

162 rentals available

630 Water St - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Eastside apartment for rent in Santa Cruz

Apartment for rent

2-bed apartment near Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Apartment in Eastside, this 2-bed, 1-bath unit offers 660 sqft of spacious living with quality finishes. Located off Water Street near downtown Santa Cruz and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, the pet-friendly community combines quiet suburban life with urban convenience for easy access to local attractions.

113 Jacobs Ln - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Eastside townhouse for rent in Santa Cruz

113 Jacobs Ln, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

In-unit laundry | Garage parking | Dishwasher

3 beds

3.5 baths

$4,950

House for rent

3-bed townhouse near Seabright with 2-car garage

This dog-friendly townhouse in Eastside offers 3 beds and 3.5 baths across three tri-level floors, with each bedroom featuring a private bathroom. The 1,522 sqft layout includes an open-concept kitchen with stainless appliances, cathedral ceilings, and a 2-car garage with ample storage. A short walk to Seabright restaurants and beach access makes it ideal for social life and pet owners.

200 5th Ave - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Condo for rent in Santa Cruz

APARTMENT - SANTA CRUZ, CA

200 5th Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Ceiling fan

2 beds

2 baths

$4,700

Condo for rent

2-bed oceanfront condo steps from Twin Lakes

This 2-bed, 2-bath condo in Santa Cruz sits steps from Twin Lakes Beach and the harbor with ocean and marina views. The 1,091 sqft ground-floor layout offers walk-out beach access, three parking spaces including visitor spots, and forced air heating. Walking distance to harbor shops and oceanside amenities makes this ideal for beach lovers.

Pine & Clinton St - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Eastside apartment for rent in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz Living at Its Best – 1 Bed, 1 Bath Loft with Bonus Room

Pine & Clinton St, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

In-unit laundry | Garage parking | Assigned parking

1 bed

1 bath

$3,250

Apartment for rent

Available Jul 1

1-bed loft apartment with bonus room & garage

A 1-bed apartment in Santa Cruz, CA's Eastside neighborhood, this loft-style unit includes a bonus room and private 1-car garage. The bonus room works as an office, media room, or hobby space, while in-unit laundry, dishwasher, and full appliances add convenience. Located near shopping and dining with lawn care included.

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

House for rent

Renovated 1-bed Westside house with patio

Set in Westside, this renovated 1-bed, 1-bath house spans 726 sqft with Caesar stone counters, stainless appliances, and wide plank floors throughout. The upstairs bedroom includes a walk-in closet, while downstairs flows from living area to open kitchen. Private patio, in-unit laundry, assigned parking, and fiber internet complete the unit.

212 Everson Dr - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Westside apartment for rent in Santa Cruz

212 Everson Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

In-unit laundry | Swimming pool | Dishwasher

1 bed

1 bath

$2,800

Apartment for rent

1-bed Westside apartment with pool and parking

Set in Westside, this 1-bed, 1-bath apartment features hardwood floors and an open layout with plenty of natural light. The 700 sqft unit includes in-unit laundry, a private patio, and modern appliances including dishwasher and microwave. Water and garbage are included in rent, plus you get off-street parking and access to a community pool and spa - a fit for social and fitness-focused renters with downtown Santa Cruz nearby.

4207 Portola Dr - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

House for rent in Santa Cruz

Beautifully Remodeled 1 Bedroom Apartment in Pleasure Point

4207 Portola Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

In-unit laundry | On-site laundry | Storage

1 bed

1 bath

$2,800

House for rent

Dog-friendly 1-bed house near Pleasure Point

Set in Santa Cruz, CA, this dog-friendly 1-bed, 1-bath house sits near Pleasure Point's surf spots and dining scene. The recently remodeled 400 sqft layout includes modern appliances, in-unit laundry, and a private landscaped yard with outdoor shower. Storage shed and proximity to 120 restaurants within a mile make it a fit for social renters and pet owners.

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

$2,249

House for rent

Studio house with private yard near UC Santa Cruz

House with studio beds in Westside, this 300 sqft studio offers a private retreat at the back of the property with modern finishes and an open floor plan. In-unit washer/dryer and a sun-filled private yard add convenience and outdoor space. Located just minutes from UC Santa Cruz, beaches, and local shops - ideal for students or professionals.

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318 Chestnut St #5 - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Downtown Santa Cruz apartment for rent in Santa Cruz

Lease Pending 318 Chestnut St Apt. 5

318 Chestnut St #5, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

On-site laundry

1 bed

1 bath

$2,600

Apartment for rent

Available May 29

1-bed unit near UCSC with utilities included

Located in Downtown Santa Cruz, this 1-bed, 1-bath unit in a quiet 6-plex offers 500 sqft with a large living room and good natural light. Water, sewage, and garbage are included, plus off-street parking and on-site laundry. A fit for students and remote workers with close proximity to UCSC, Santa Cruz Beach (1.1 miles), and downtown restaurants and shopping within walking distance.

2524 Charlene Ln #NA - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

House for rent in Santa Cruz

$5,800 - 3 Bedroom 2 Bathroom House In Santa Cruz Near Beaches and Great Schools.

2524 Charlene Ln #NA, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

In-unit laundry | Garage parking | Balcony

3 beds

2 baths

$5,800

House for rent

Available Jul 1

3-bed Santa Cruz house with greenbelt views

Set in Santa Cruz, CA, this 3-bed, 2-bath house sits on a quiet cul-de-sac overlooking a lush greenbelt. The 1,153 sqft two-story layout features vaulted ceilings, oversized bedrooms, and views from the kitchen, living areas, and deck. Water, garbage, and sewage included in rent, plus washer/dryer provided and garage parking.

1320 River St - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

House for rent in Santa Cruz

2 beds

2 baths

$4,400

House for rent

Brand new 2-bed house near UCSC and trails

Located in Santa Cruz, CA, this brand new 2-bed, 2-bath house offers 800 sqft of never-lived-in space with all new appliances and in-unit laundry. Positioned on the river's edge near UCSC, the house sits close to mountain biking trails, hiking paths, and parks with public pools. Top-rated schools within half a mile and convenient bus access round out this west-side location.

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121 Coulson Ave - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Eastside house for rent in Santa Cruz

4 beds

2 baths

$7,900

House for rent

4-bed Santa Cruz house near campus with garage

Quietly set in Eastside, this 4-bed, 2-bath house sits on a peaceful cul-de-sac close to campus with a newly renovated city park next door. The 1,324 sqft layout includes a large living room, dining room, and in-unit washer and dryer. A 2-car garage plus driveway parking, mature fruit trees, and included gardener service make it a fit for students and social renters near downtown restaurants and cultural venues.

630 Water St - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Eastside apartment for rent in Santa Cruz

Apartment for rent

Studio apartment near Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

A studio apartment in Santa Cruz, CA's Eastside neighborhood, this 310 sqft unit sits in The Breakers community near downtown and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. The pet-friendly building offers quality finishes and a convenient Water Street location that blends quiet suburban living with urban access.

124 Torrey Pine Ter - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Westside condo for rent in Santa Cruz

3 beds

2 baths

$7,400

Condo for rent

3-bed condo near UC Santa Cruz with carport

Located in Westside, this recently remodeled 3-bed, 2-bath end unit condo sits walking distance to UC Santa Cruz at Bay and Nobel. The 1,220 sqft layout includes a fireplace, in-unit laundry, dishwasher, and two patios plus off-street parking with carport. Close to shopping, parks, tennis courts, and bus stops with a top-rated elementary school just over a quarter-mile away.

119 Donna Ct - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Westside house for rent in Santa Cruz

119 Donna Ct, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

In-unit laundry | Dishwasher

5 beds

3 baths

$9,600

House for rent

5-bed house near UC with canyon views & garage

In Westside, this 5-bed, 3-bath house offers 1,705 sqft with canyon views and no direct rear neighbors on a quiet cul-de-sac. Recently remodeled kitchen and bathrooms pair with newer flooring throughout, plus in-unit laundry and garage parking. Walking distance to UC Santa Cruz, parks, tennis courts, and bike trails.

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

Furnished 3-bed house near UCSC with gas firepit

This 3-bed, 2-bath furnished house in Westside offers 1,655 sqft with quartz countertops, gas fireplace, and in-unit laundry. The private backyard features a gazebo, BBQ area, and stone gas fire pit for entertaining. Located 5 minutes from UCSC campus and 10 minutes from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, with garage parking and keyless entry included.

Showing 51 - 66 of 66 results
Home > Apartments in Santa Cruz
Updated: June 19, 2026

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Learn more about renting in Santa Cruz, CA

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.

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.

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

Santa Cruz 1-bedroom apartments averaged around $2,600 per month in 2025, while 2-bedroom units averaged around $3,600 monthly. These figures reflect the current rental market across the city's various neighborhoods.

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

December offers the best rental prices in Santa Cruz, with rents approximately 17% lower than April, which sees the highest prices of the year. November provides the least competitive rental market with lower overall demand, while March and May experience higher competition among renters.

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

Downtown Santa Cruz leads as the most in-demand neighborhood with exceptional walkability and transit access, generating 1.2 times more consumer interest than average. Beach Hill, Eastside, and Westside also offer vibrant restaurant scenes and pedestrian-friendly environments that foster strong community connections.

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

Eastside offers the best value for budget-conscious renters with 1-bedroom apartments at around $2,350 per month, representing 6% savings below the city median. The neighborhood maintains access to quality amenities and social infrastructure while providing more affordable rental options compared to premium downtown locations.

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

Santa Cruz offers excellent pet accommodations throughout Eastside, Downtown, and Westside neighborhoods. These areas feature apartments with pet flooring, outdoor spaces, dog parks, pet waste stations, and no breed restrictions, along with pet hospitals and regular community events for animal lovers.

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

Utilities are rarely included in Santa Cruz rental prices, appearing in less than 1% of all listings across the city. Studios have the highest rate at approximately 0.2% of units, while other bedroom types include utilities in fewer than 0.1% of available apartments.

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?

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💰Best rent deal249 Arroyo Seco
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🧦In-unit laundry
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