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Apartments for Rent in Santa Cruz, CA

142 rentals available

2400 Capitola Rd #B - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Apartment for rent in Santa Cruz

Amazing Jem in Capitola with Large Yard and parking for 2

2400 Capitola Rd #B, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Outdoor space

2 beds

1 bath

$3,200

184 Cypress Park - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Westside house for rent in Santa Cruz

184 Cypress Park, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Fireplace | Dishwasher | Oven

3 beds

3 baths

$4,900

131 Cedar St #2 - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Condo for rent in Santa Cruz

1 bed

1 bath

$2,100

4211 Portola Dr - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Apartment for rent in Santa Cruz

Remodeled Bungalow in Pleasure Point w Ample Storage!

4211 Portola Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

In-unit laundry | On-site laundry | Storage

Studio

1 bath

$2,800

125 Dake Ave #A - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Eastside house for rent in Santa Cruz

Luxurious Mediterranean Modern Home

125 Dake Ave #A, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

In-unit laundry | Hardwood floor | Dishwasher

2 beds

2 baths

$3,500

308 River St Unit B11 #B11 - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Condo for rent in Santa Cruz

308 River St Unit B11 #B11, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

In-unit laundry | Garage parking | Balcony

2 beds

1 bath

$3,195

800 24th Ave #29 - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Apartment for rent in Santa Cruz

In-unit laundry | Swimming pool | Deck

2 beds

1 bath

$2,495

200 5th Ave #4 - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Condo for rent in Santa Cruz

2 beds

2 baths

$3,800

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1841 Alice St #B - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Apartment for rent in Santa Cruz

1841 Alice St #B, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

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

1 bed

1 bath

$2,450

140 Spaten Way - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

House for rent in Santa Cruz

140 Spaten Way, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

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

3 beds

2 baths

$4,500

313 Village Cir - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Westside townhouse for rent in Santa Cruz

Bright & Spacious 3-Bed, 2.5-Bath Santa Cruz Home Near UCSC with Tranquil Rose Garden Backyard, Bonus Room & 2-Car Garage

313 Village Cir, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

In-unit laundry | Walk-in closets | High ceilings

3 beds

2.5 baths

$5,500

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1010 Pacific Ave - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Downtown Santa Cruz apartment for rent in Santa Cruz

1 bed

1 bath

$2,922

1010 Pacific Ave - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Downtown Santa Cruz apartment for rent in Santa Cruz

2 beds

2 baths

$4,349

1010 Pacific Ave - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Downtown Santa Cruz apartment for rent in Santa Cruz

Studio

1 bath

$2,829

2726 Hampton Ln - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Townhouse for rent in Santa Cruz

2726 Hampton Ln, Santa Cruz, CA 95065

Garage parking | Balcony | Walk-in closets

3 beds

2.5 baths

$4,500

209 National St - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Westside house for rent in Santa Cruz

Stokley Properties Presents 209 National Street in Santa Cruz!

209 National St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Garage parking | Fireplace | Package service

2 beds

1 bath

$4,000

1240 Shaffer Rd - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Westside apartment for rent in Santa Cruz

Outdoor space

2 beds

2 baths

$4,860

1240 Shaffer Rd - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Westside apartment for rent in Santa Cruz

Outdoor space

1 bed

1 bath

$3,831

617 Water St #B - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Eastside apartment for rent in Santa Cruz

617 Water St #B, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

On-site management | Business center

3 beds

1 bath

$2,595

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2040 Alice St #2 - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Apartment for rent in Santa Cruz

In-unit laundry | Deck | On-site management

2 beds

1 bath

$2,395

912 Soquel Ave - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Eastside apartment for rent in Santa Cruz

1BR/1.0BA

912 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

1 bed

1 bath

$2,400

203 Seaview Ave - Photo 1 of 1
3D tour

5d+ ago

Eastside house for rent in Santa Cruz

203 Seaview Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

In-unit laundry | Garage parking | Microwave

2 beds

1 bath

$3,850

103 Jacobs Ln - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Eastside townhouse for rent in Santa Cruz

103 Jacobs Ln, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

In-unit laundry | Garage parking | Dishwasher

3 beds

3.5 baths

$4,850

511 Walnut Ave #A - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Westside apartment for rent in Santa Cruz

511 Walnut Ave #A, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

In-unit laundry

2 beds

1 bath

$3,600

132 Clay St - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Apartment for rent in Santa Cruz

In-unit laundry | Fireplace

Studio

1 bath

$2,995

1744 Foster Ct - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

House for rent in Santa Cruz

Rooms for rent in quite safe neighborhood house

1744 Foster Ct, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

In-unit laundry | Furnished | Garage parking

5 beds

2.5 baths

$1,200

2d ago

8

Very good

LIN

315 Lincoln St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

1 bed

1 bath

$2,900

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2d ago

7.7

Very good

108 Sycamore Street

108 Sycamore St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Storage

Studio

1 bath

$2,150

5d+ ago

8.3

Very good

RT

101 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

1 bed

1 bath

$3,999

Showing 51 - 79 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 rentals142
💰Best rent deal1744 Foster Ct
Popular amenities, ,
🧦In-unit laundry
🍽With dishwasher
🏠With photos