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

Average rent

$3,175
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Great for

Social life
Wellness
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River Row - Photo 1 of 1
Rent special

1d ago

9.1

Excellent

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River Row

444 Front St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

In-unit laundry | Garage parking | Balcony

Studio–2 beds

1–2 baths

$3,150–$7,500

Apartment for rent

Call

2030 N Pacific Ave - Photo 1 of 1

2d ago

Downtown Santa Cruz condo for rent in Santa Cruz

On-site laundry | Balcony | Swimming pool

1 bed

1 bath

$2,150

Condo for rent

Available Apr 30

Description

Enjoy a refined urban retreat just steps from the best of downtown living. Located in a secure, well-appointed building with resort-style amenities, including a sparkling pool, this residence offers both comfort and convenience. Gated underground parking provides effortless arrivals and added peace of mind. Inside this second-floor unit, a spacious entry opens to a bright, open-concept layout designed for modern living. The sleek kitchen features granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, a built-in microwave, and a generous breakfast bar perfect for hosting friends

Chestnut Street - Photo 1 of 1

1d ago

9.4

Excellent

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Chestnut Street

143 Chestnut St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Balcony | Central heat | Hardwood floor

1–2 beds

1–2 baths

$2,809–$3,817

Apartment for rent

Call

126 Walti St #126 - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Westside townhouse for rent in Santa Cruz

124, 126 & 128 Walti - 126

126 Walti St #126, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

3 beds

2 baths

$4,700

House for rent

Available Sep 8

Description

Perfect location off of Laurel Street! Downtown Santa Cruz is just right down the street and Main Beach is 5-10 minutes as well! UCSC bus stop on Laurel street is about a block away for easy access to campus or up to Mission Street. So many amenities and shopping, recreation are within blocks of this great spot! This townhouse is 3 bedrooms, 2 full bath with an inverted layout with the kitchen and large living room upstairs. There is a one car garage for parking or storage. Laundry hookups in the garage as well and one off street parking space next to the garage. T

108 Myrtle St #108 - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Westside house for rent in Santa Cruz

104, 108 & 112 Myrtle - 108

108 Myrtle St #108, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

5 beds

2 baths

$7,850

House for rent

Available Jun 24

Description

Beautiful, 5 bedroom, 2 bath home on a great street just blocks from downtown amenities. Big living room with lots of natural light! Comes with washer/dryer and single car garage. Santa Cruz Main Beach is within 10 minutes or get downtown to all the action in less than 5 minutes. This location is central and offers easy access to UCSC via the Laurel Street bus lines. Please email me if interested! Thank you, Kristi Torkos Lighthouse Realty Quaint newer home in Downtown Santa Cruz

610 Pacific Ave #3 - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Apartment for rent in Santa Cruz

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

1 bed

1 bath

$2,350

$2,250

Price drop

Apartment for rent

Available Mar 18

Description

Available now is a charming 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom apartment located in Santa Cruz, Ca. This home is situated in the heart of downtown Santa Cruz and offers convenient access to some of the city’s most popular destinations. Enjoy being within walking distance to shopping, dining, Downtown Santa Cruz, local beaches, the Boardwalk, the Wharf, and nearby public transportation. This Home Features: ***Open Layout ***Prime Downtown Location ***Private Deck ***Hardwood Floors ***Vaulted Ceilings ***Ground Floor Unit Tenant Pays: Water, Pg&e, $25 Monthly Home Assistant Landlord P

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Walk-In Closets

Storage

Elevator

Balcony

901 River St - Photo 1 of 1

3d 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

1.5 baths

$2,849

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 property's 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.

803 Laurel St #7 - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Westside apartment for rent in Santa Cruz

803 Laurel St #7, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

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

2 beds

1 bath

$2,395

Apartment for rent

Available Mar 15

Description

Available now! Discover this bright and well-maintained 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom unit in the heart of Santa Cruz. This unbeatable location puts you just minutes from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, the Wharf, Downtown Santa Cruz, Seabright Beach, Ucsc, and more. Enjoy the best of coastal living with easy access to top-rated schools, public transportation, shopping, dining, and scenic hiking and biking trails. Perfect for those seeking both convenience and comfort. This Home Features: *** Spacious Floor Plan *** Fresh Paint *** 1 Assigned Parking Space *** Shared On-Site La

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308 River St #C12 - Photo 1 of 1

2d ago

Condo for rent in Santa Cruz

$3,700 - 2 Bed / 1 Bath Condo With Garage In Santa Cruz & Gorgeous Amenities

308 River St #C12, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

In-unit laundry | Garage parking | Balcony

2 beds

1 bath

$3,700

Condo for rent

Available Apr 10

Description

Welcome to this beautifully updated 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom condo, offering a blend of modern finishes, comfort, and convenience. Available for move-in now, this home is ideal for those seeking a clean, move-in-ready space with thoughtful upgrades throughout. Interior Features: Brand new flooring throughout (durable vinyl plank in main areas, plush carpet in bedrooms) Bright living room with sliding glass doors opening to a private patio Updated kitchen with range and induction cooktop Cozy gas fireplace with remote start Primary bedroom includes mounted smart TV Stylishly r

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

Description

Beautiful 4 bedroom 2 bath house close to campus. Newly renovated city park next door. Peaceful end of street cul-de-sac home. Gardener included, close to shopping and bus lines. Includes washer and dryer (not coin-op). 2 car garage, room for 2 cars in the driveway. Large living room and dining room. Mature fruit trees on the property. Close to restaurants, downtown, bus lines. Good commute location. At time of lease signing first months rent and deposit (deposit equals one months rent) are due. Credit check will be run. If student, co-signer required and credit check wi

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331 Mission St - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Westside condo for rent in Santa Cruz

On-site laundry | Assigned parking | Hardwood floor

Studio

1 bath

$2,000

Condo for rent

Available Apr 1

Description

Charming and updated studio with a defined sleeping area, blending modern upgrades with classic Victorian character. Enjoy. hardwood floors, a stylish kitchen and bath, and thoughtful finishes throughout. Ideally located on the Westside at Mission & Chestnut—close to downtown, beaches, and just one block from the UCSC bus line. On-site laundry and one dedicated parking space included. Water and garbage are covered; tenant pays other utilities. Please respect current residents and do not disturb occupants.

122 Rincon Street - Photo 1 of 1

3d ago

8.5

Very good

122 Rincon Street

122 Rincon St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

On-site laundry | Storage

1 bed

1 bath

$2,200

Apartment for rent

Description

Experience the charm of coastal living in this 1-bedroom apartment located near downtown Santa Cruz, CA. This apartment offers a perfect blend of comfort and convenience, featuring a spacious bedroom, a full bathroom, and ample storage space to accommodate your needs. The property also includes an on-site coin-operated laundry facility, eliminating the hassle of off-site laundry trips. Additionally, the apartment comes with a covered carport, providing a secure and convenient parking solution. With its prime location, you'll have easy access to the vibrant downtown area, m

High St. - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ 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 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 for $50

Hidden Creek Apartments - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

9.3

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

611 Soquel Ave #2 - 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

$2,350

$2,250

Price drop

Apartment for rent

Available Mar 21

Description

Available now is a charming 1 bedroom 1 bath apartment in Santa Cruz. This home is located within walking distance to shopping, dining, Downtown Santa Cruz, beaches, Boardwalk, Wharf and public transportation. This Home Features: ***New Floors ***Fresh Paint ***Updated Kitchen ***Great Location ***Washer/Dryer in Unit ***Designated Parking Spot Tenant Pays: Pge & Water, $25 monthly home assistant fee, plus garbage and sewer are include with a $135/mo utility fee. Applications available online at ccrentalpro. com We comply with all Fair Housing laws and provide equal

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

$3,450

House for rent

Available Apr 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

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

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.

630 Water St - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Eastside apartment for rent in Santa Cruz

2 beds

1 bath

$4,500

$4,295

Price drop

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.

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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 Apr 1

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

Listings within 5 miles
1912 Mission St - Photo 1 of 1

14h ago

Westside house for rent in Santa Cruz

Westside Santa Cruz 2BR | Near UCSC, Transit & Downtown

1912 Mission St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

In-unit laundry | Outdoor space

2 beds

1 bath

$4,000

House for rent

Description

This classic home offers a functional layout with spacious bedrooms, a comfortable living area, and a dedicated dining space, creating a great balance between study and relaxation. With its vintage charm and practical design, it’s an ideal setup for shared living. Located just minutes from the University of California, Santa Cruz, this home makes commuting easy—whether by bike, car, or bus. The property sits right along Mission Street, one of Santa Cruz’s main corridors, providing quick access to campus, downtown, and local beaches. Enjoy the best of Santa Cruz living wi

357 Lee St - Photo 1 of 1

3d ago

Eastside house for rent in Santa Cruz

House for rent

Description

4 Bedroom 2.5 Bath Loft Office Living Room Family Room Large deck Sauna Outdoor Shower Storage Two car garage Easy access to HWY 1. Quiet location. Creek view Clean and spacious. Email for appointment. Cypress Property Management. Must have good credit and references.

115 Ortalon Cir - Photo 1 of 1

4d ago

Westside house for rent in Santa Cruz

Upper Westside 4 Bdrm House with large yard near UCSC & Pogonip

115 Ortalon Cir, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

In-unit laundry | Air conditioning | On-site laundry

4 beds

3 baths

$7,500

House for rent

Available May 1

Description

Property Id: 1288252 Are you looking for a spacious and stylish home in a quiet, prime location? Look no further than this stunning 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom property in the heart of the Upper Westside. This single-family home features a mid-century vibe (built-in cabinetry, storage galore, tile floors w/radiant heat, vaulted mahogany ceilings), and a huge park-like yard. This home is conveniently located on one of the most coveted Upper Westside cul-de-sacs, close to Pogonip open space trails, Westlake pond, UCSC, downtown and beaches. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to

141 Toledo St - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Westside townhouse for rent in Santa Cruz

Holy Toledo - 141 Toledo

141 Toledo St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

5 beds

2 baths

$8,000

House for rent

Available Sep 5

Description

5BR / 2Ba 1600ft2 available 09/05/2026 EV charging air conditioning townhouse w/d in unit no smoking off-street parking rent period: yearly This townhome is located near the Westside CVS, Tatoro, Safeway and Cafe Brazil. Within one block of main bus route to UCSC and across the street from bike shuttle to UCSC. 7-8 occupants would fit comfortably. All electric with solar, EV charging stations, big living area, wash/dry inside. Great kitchen with stainless appliances, bar and quartz counters. Deposit of $12,000.00. Available for a year lease. 2 off street parking spots per

1320 River St - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

House for rent in Santa Cruz

2 beds

2 baths

$4,700

House for rent

Description

Welcome to this brand new, never lived in 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom home located on the west side of Santa Cruz, CA. This home boasts all new appliances, ensuring a modern and efficient living experience. The location is a dream for outdoor enthusiasts, being in close proximity to UCSC, mountain biking and hiking trails. It's also conveniently located near parks with public pool and downtown, offering a perfect blend of nature and city life. Plus, the property is right on the river, providing a serene and picturesque setting. Experience the best of Santa Cruz living in this pr

316 Fair Ave #A - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Westside house for rent in Santa Cruz

316 Fair Ave #A, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Air conditioning | Microwave

Studio

1 bath

$2,200

House for rent

Description

This beautifully rebuilt stand-alone studio offers a fresh, private living space in one of Santa Cruz’s most desirable coastal neighborhoods-the Lower Westside. Located just moments from West Cliff Drive, you’ll enjoy easy access to scenic ocean walks, bike paths, and stunning sunsets, all just outside your door. The studio has been fully reconstructed from the ground up, offering a clean, modern interior with thoughtful finishes throughout. Inside, you’ll find a well-appointed kitchen, full bathroom with a convenient defrost feature, and a comfortable living space design

Showing 1 - 25 of 25 results
Home > Apartments in Santa Cruz > Downtown Santa Cruz Apartments For Rent
Updated: April 13, 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 733 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?

2 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?

🔑Available apartment rentals25
💰Best rent deal200 Button St
Popular amenities, ,
🍽With dishwasher
🏠With photos