Nearby rentals
Renter hub
Property management
Filters
119 rentals
5d+ ago
Apartment for rent in Santa Cruz
1 bed
1 bath
$2,500
Apartment for rent
5d+ ago
Westside house for rent in Santa Cruz
3 beds
2 baths
$3,850
$3,750
Price drop
House for rent
5d+ ago
Condo for rent in Santa Cruz
260 Lake Avenue #260-1, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
In-unit laundry | Furnished | Balcony
2 beds
2 baths
$3,800
Condo for rent
Available Nov 19
5d+ ago
Westside house for rent in Santa Cruz
4 beds
3 baths
$7,900
House for rent
Available Nov 21
5d+ ago
Downtown Santa Cruz apartment for rent in Santa Cruz
On-site laundry | Oven
1 bed
1 bath
$2,100
Apartment for rent
5d+ ago
Townhouse for rent in Santa Cruz
2 beds
2 baths
$3,990
House for rent
5d+ ago
Eastside apartment for rent in Santa Cruz
Assigned parking | Hardwood floor | Oven
1 bed
1 bath
$2,350
Apartment for rent
5d+ ago
Apartment for rent in Santa Cruz
708 Riverside Ave #A, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Assigned parking
2 beds
1 bath
$2,900
Apartment for rent
Available Nov 15
Be the first to hear about new listings matching your search.
5d+ ago
Downtown Santa Cruz condo for rent 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
5d+ ago
Westside house for rent in Santa Cruz
3 beds
2 baths
$3,895
House for rent
5d+ ago
Condo for rent in Santa Cruz
2 beds
1 bath
$4,500
Condo for rent
5d+ ago
Eastside house for rent in Santa Cruz
204 Alhambra Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Furnished | Garage parking | Storage
3 beds
2 baths
$7,795
House for rent
5d+ ago
Westside house for rent in Santa Cruz
3 beds
2 baths
$5,500
House for rent
Available Dec 1
5d+ ago
Westside house for rent in Santa Cruz
3 beds
2 baths
$5,500
House for rent
5d+ ago
Condo for rent in Santa Cruz
2 beds
1 bath
$3,300
Condo for rent
5d+ ago
Westside house for rent in Santa Cruz
2302 W Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
In-unit laundry | Furnished | Garage parking
4 beds
3 baths
$8,649
House for rent
5d+ ago
Condo for rent in Santa Cruz
1 bed
1 bath
$2,800
Condo for rent
Available Dec 1
5d+ ago
Westside house for rent in Santa Cruz
3 beds
2 baths
$8,000
House for rent
Available Aug 11
5d+ ago
Condo for rent in Santa Cruz
3 beds
1 bath
$3,200
$3,000
Price drop
Condo for rent
5d+ ago
Townhouse for rent in Santa Cruz
2 beds
2 baths
$3,770
House for rent
Available Dec 15
Are you a rental professional?
26 rentals
67 rentals
40 rentals
29 rentals
23 rentals
75 rentals
27 rentals
36 rentals
788 rentals
237 rentals
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.
7
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.
As of 2025, the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Santa Cruz is $2,594, while a 2-bedroom apartment averages $3,628 per month.
Rents in Santa Cruz have generally decreased, with the average rent dropping by about 3%. Specifically, 1-bedroom rents decreased by 5%, and 2-bedroom rents dropped by 7%.
The best time to look for an apartment in Santa Cruz is in October or December when rents are lower and competition is less intense compared to the peak in April.
The best neighborhoods for renting in Santa Cruz include Beach Hill, Downtown Santa Cruz, Eastside, and Westside, known for their vibrant culture and community atmosphere.
For budget-conscious renters, the Eastside neighborhood is a great option, with 1-bedroom rents averaging 10% lower than the city median.
Yes, Santa Cruz has a good number of pet-friendly apartments, with about 42% of listings accommodating pets.
Utilities are included in approximately 30% of rental listings in Santa Cruz.
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.
| 🔑Available apartment rentals | 119 |
|---|---|
| 💰Best rent deal | 333 Locust Street #3 |
| ✨Popular amenities | , , |
| 🧦In-unit laundry | |
| 🍽With dishwasher | |
| 🏠With photos |