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Apartments for Rent in Santa Cruz, CA

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River Row - Photo 1 of 1
Rent special

20h ago

9.1

Excellent

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Verified

River Row

444 Front St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

In-unit laundry | Garage parking | Balcony

Studio–2 beds

1–2 baths

$3,275–$7,500

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Chestnut Street - Photo 1 of 1

11h ago

9.4

Excellent

Our team has verified this company

Verified

Chestnut Street

143 Chestnut St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Balcony | Central heat | Hardwood floor

1–2 beds

1–2 baths

$2,677–$3,859

Call

Hidden Creek Apartments - Photo 1 of 1

1d 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–$3,265

Call

531 Dufour - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

8.4

Very good

531 Dufour

531 Dufour St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

3 beds

2 baths

$5,000

Price drop

911 35th Ave - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Apartment for rent in Santa Cruz

911 35th Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

In-unit laundry | Outdoor space

3 beds

2 baths

$4,895

$4,695

Price drop

1 Berkeley Ct - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Eastside house for rent in Santa Cruz

1 Berkeley Ct, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

In-unit laundry | Dishwasher

3 beds

2.5 baths

$4,500

Find the right neighborhood for you

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

$1,995

Emerald Bay Apartments - Photo 1 of 1
Income restricted

1h ago

8.5

Very good

Emerald Bay Apartments

2500 Soquel Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95065

On-site laundry | Controlled access | Outdoor space

3 beds

1 bath

$3,933

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108 Sycamore Street - Photo 1 of 1

3h ago

7.7

Very good

108 Sycamore Street

108 Sycamore St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Storage

Studio

1 bath

$2,050

460 8th Ave #A - Photo 1 of 1

4h ago

Townhouse for rent in Santa Cruz

In-unit laundry | On-site management

2 beds

2 baths

$3,095

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Find rentals with popular amenities

Garage Parking

Outdoor Space

In-Unit Laundry

Dishwasher

617 Water St #B - Photo 1 of 1

5h 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

$2,495

$2,395

Price drop

122 Rincon St - Photo 1 of 1

5h ago

Westside apartment for rent in Santa Cruz

122 Rincon St

122 Rincon St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

On-site laundry | Storage

2 beds

1 bath

$2,850

1140 E Cliff Dr #06 - Photo 1 of 1

7h ago

Eastside apartment for rent in Santa Cruz

1240 Shaffer Rd - Photo 1 of 1

7h ago

Westside apartment for rent in Santa Cruz

Outdoor space

2 beds

2 baths

$4,350

$4,195

Price drop

Breakwater Apartments - Photo 1 of 1

7h ago

8.3

Very good

Breakwater Apartments

1630 Merrill St, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

In-unit laundry | On-site laundry

1–3 beds

1–2 baths

$2,895–$4,908

Price drop

HV - Photo 1 of 1

10h ago

8.3

Very good

HV

1129 Happy Valley Rd, Santa Cruz, CA 95065

1 bed

1 bath

$2,550

230 Felix St ##L - Photo 1 of 1

11h ago

Westside apartment for rent in Santa Cruz

230 Felix St ##L, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

On-site laundry | Assigned parking | Central heat

2 beds

1 bath

$3,150

FIRST - Photo 1 of 1

11h ago

8.3

Very good

FIRST

208 1st St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

1 bed

1 bath

$2,200

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SCZ T 318 Laurel Street - Photo 1 of 1

16h ago

8.8

Very good

SCZ T 318 Laurel Street

318 Laurel St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

In-unit laundry | Garage parking | Oven

2 beds

1 bath

$2,950

SCZ T 206 Ocean - Photo 1 of 1

1d ago

Eastside apartment for rent in Santa Cruz

SCZ T 206 Ocean

206 Ocean St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Assigned parking | Outdoor space

1 bed

1 bath

$1,850

150 Canfield Avenue - Photo 1 of 1

1d ago

Apartment for rent in Santa Cruz

150 Canfield Avenue

150 Canfield Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

1 bed

1 bath

$2,100

320 - 328 California Street - Photo 1 of 1

1d ago

7.9

Very good

320 - 328 California Street

320 320 - 328 California Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

In-unit laundry | Dishwasher

2 beds

1 bath

$2,700

219 Fern - Photo 1 of 1
Income restricted

1d ago

7.1

Very good

219 Fern

219 Fern St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Studio

1 bath

$1,750

435 Ocean View Ave. - Photo 1 of 1

1d ago

8.3

Very good

435 Ocean View Ave.

435 Ocean View Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

2 beds

1 bath

$3,200

Broadway 514 (Rooms 1-5) - Photo 1 of 1

1d ago

7.2

Very good

Broadway 514 (Rooms 1-5)

514 Broadway, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

1 bed

1–2 baths

$1,095–$1,495

1010 Pacific Ave - Photo 1 of 1

1d ago

Downtown Santa Cruz apartment for rent in Santa Cruz

1 bed

1 bath

$2,401

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1010 Pacific Ave - Photo 1 of 1

1d ago

Downtown Santa Cruz apartment for rent in Santa Cruz

2 beds

2 baths

$4,181

313 Village Cir - Photo 1 of 1

1d 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

$5,400

$5,200

Price drop

San Lorenzo Apartments - Photo 1 of 1

1d ago

8.2

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–$2,999

300 Plateau Ave - Photo 1 of 1

1d ago

8.5

Very good

300 Plateau Ave

300 Plateau Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

In-unit laundry | Garage parking | Balcony

3 beds

2 baths

$5,495

721 37th Ave - Photo 1 of 1

2d ago

Apartment for rent in Santa Cruz

2BR/1.0BA

721 37th Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

In-unit laundry | Dishwasher

2 beds

1 bath

$3,950

221 Blackpoint Ln - Photo 1 of 1

3d ago

House for rent in Santa Cruz

3 beds

2 baths

$5,900

499 Vine Hill Rd - Photo 1 of 1

3d ago

House for rent in Santa Cruz

499 Vine Hill Rd, Santa Cruz, CA 95065

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

5 beds

3 baths

$6,000

221 Broadway #C - Photo 1 of 1

3d ago

Condo for rent in Santa Cruz

221 Broadway #C, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

On-site laundry | Assigned parking | Hardwood floor

1 bed

1 bath

$2,395

$2,195

Price drop

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515 Cayuga St - Photo 1 of 1

3d ago

Eastside condo for rent in Santa Cruz

515 Cayuga St, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

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

2 beds

1 bath

$3,450

1240 Shaffer Rd - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Westside apartment for rent in Santa Cruz

Outdoor space

1 bed

1 bath

$3,595

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

$2,200

1411 Seabright - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

7.5

Very good

1411 Seabright

1411 Seabright Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

2 beds

2 baths

$5,200

611 Soquel Ave #9 - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Eastside apartment for rent in Santa Cruz

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

1 bed

1 bath

$2,495

610 Pacific Ave #5 - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Apartment for rent in Santa Cruz

On-site management | Business center

1 bed

1 bath

$2,495

SCZ T 231 Blackburn - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

8.6

Very good

SCZ T 231 Blackburn

231 Blackburn St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

In-unit laundry

1 bed

1 bath

$2,350

1203 Mission St - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

9.1

Excellent

1203 Mission St

1203 Mission St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

In-unit laundry | Balcony | Assigned parking

2 beds

2 baths

$4,000

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1472 Chanticleer Ave - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

House for rent in Santa Cruz

1 bed

1 bath

$2,600

$2,450

Price drop

710 Pacheco Ave - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Eastside house for rent in Santa Cruz

120 S Morrissey Ave - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Eastside apartment for rent in Santa Cruz

$2445/mo. 1 BD, 1 Bath, S. Cruz Seabright convenience, 4-way views, privacy

120 S Morrissey Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Assigned parking | Fitness center | Hardwood floor

1 bed

1 bath

$2,445

2100 Chanticleer Ave - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

House for rent in Santa Cruz

3 beds

1 bath

$4,200

$3,950

Price drop

233 4th Ave - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Eastside house for rent in Santa Cruz

233 4th Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

In-unit laundry | Garage parking | Dishwasher

3 beds

2 baths

$6,250

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

$3,650

630 Water St - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Eastside apartment for rent in Santa Cruz

Studio

1 bath

$2,554

$2,405

Price drop

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

$2,395

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Showing 1 - 50 of 77 results
Home > Apartments in Santa Cruz
Updated: October 8, 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 $3,197 per month, which is down 6%, or $203, compared to last year.

Median rent

$3,197

YoY change

−6%

−$203/mo

Rentals, last 30 days

79

Rent by unit type
SizeValueYoY
All bedrooms$3,197−6%
1 bedroom$2,450N/A
2 bedroom$3,570N/A
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 rentals132
💰Best rent deal514 Broadway
✨Popular amenities, ,
🧦In-unit laundry
🍽With dishwasher
🏠With photos