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

Average rent

$3,125
increased by9%

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224 Laurel St - Photo 1 of 1

1d ago

Downtown Santa Cruz condo for rent in Santa Cruz

224 Laurel St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Air conditioning | On-site laundry | Balcony

1 bed

1 bath

$1,950

Condo for rent

Description

This beautiful, light-filled one-bedroom loft offers a serene retreat in downtown SantaCruz, perfectly blending sophistication with coastal charm. Nestled on the third floor, it features soaring ceilings and oversized windows overlooking a tranquil, tree-lined street. The open-concept living space flows seamlessly into a modern kitchen equipped with granite countertops, updated glass stovetop and oven, and dishwasher ideal for both culinary adventures and casual entertaining. The loft-style bedroom perches above the living area, illuminated by natural light, while the spac

330 Chestnut St - Photo 1 of 1

1d ago

Downtown Santa Cruz house for rent in Santa Cruz

In-unit laundry | Hardwood floor | Storage

3 beds

1 bath

$3,900

House for rent

Description

Welcome to this charming Victorian home located in the heart of downtown Santa Cruz, CA. This delightful residence boasts three bedrooms, one bathroom, and a spacious living room, all adorned with beautiful hardwood floors throughout. The fully equipped kitchen, conveniently adjacent to the dining room, is perfect for all your culinary adventures. The home also features a unique loft area, adding an extra dimension to the living space. One of the bedrooms comes with built-in closets, providing ample storage space. Additionally, a storage dresser is included in the living

121 Sylvar Street - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

8.7

Very good

121 Sylvar Street

121 Sylvar St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

1 bed

1 bath

$2,400

Apartment for rent

318 Chestnut St #4 - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Downtown Santa Cruz condo for rent in Santa Cruz

Modern 1 Bed 1 Bath Apartment in Santa Cruz

318 Chestnut St #4, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

On-site laundry | Assigned parking | Carpet

1 bed

1 bath

$2,550

Condo for rent

Available Oct 1

318 Chestnut St #1 - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Downtown Santa Cruz condo for rent in Santa Cruz

COSIGNERS ACCEPTED: Stylish 1BR Apartment | Prime Santa Cruz Location

318 Chestnut St #1, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

On-site laundry | Assigned parking | Carpet

1 bed

1 bath

$2,550

Condo for rent

Available Oct 1

Chestnut Street - Photo 1 of 1
Rent special

5d+ 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

2 beds

1–2 baths

$3,797–$4,067

Price drop

Apartment for rent

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Find rentals with popular amenities

Storage

Assigned Parking

Dishwasher

On-Site Laundry

137 Clay St #1 - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Apartment for rent in Santa Cruz

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

1 bed

1 bath

$2,195

Apartment for rent

Available Oct 17

Description

Available now is a beautiful 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom unit located on Clay Street in the highly sought-after Seabright neighborhood of Santa Cruz. Enjoy being just minutes from top-rated schools, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, the Wharf, Downtown Santa Cruz, and popular Seabright Beach. This central location also offers quick access to Ucsc, shopping, dining, public transportation, and scenic hiking and biking trails. This Home Features: ***Spacious Floor plan ***Fresh Paint ***Designated Parking ***Additional Street Parking ***Shared Laundry ***Quiet 4-Plex Community Setti

1114 Laurel St - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Westside house for rent in Santa Cruz

Garage parking | Hardwood floor | Storage

3 beds

2 baths

$5,000

$4,400

Price drop

House for rent

Description

RENT SPECIAL: 50% off 1st months rent if the lease is signed by November 15th! Welcome to this charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home located in the vibrant city of Santa Cruz, CA. This property boasts a unique blend of modern amenities and timeless vintage character. The interior features hardwood floors in the main living areas, with cozy carpeting in the bedrooms for added comfort. The spacious rooms throughout the house provide ample space for various activities, including an extra room downstairs that can be utilized as an office or hobby room. The living room, complet

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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 laundry | Assigned parking

2 beds

1 bath

$2,495

Apartment for rent

Available Oct 10

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

180 Dakota Ave #52 - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Condo for rent in Santa Cruz

Welcome Home to Villa Nueva — Coastal Living at Its Finest

180 Dakota Ave #52, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

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

1 bed

1 bath

$3,400

Condo for rent

Available Oct 17

Description

Step into this beautifully updated 1-bedroom condo in the highly desirable, gated Villa Nueva community. Perched on the upper level, this light-filled home combines modern elegance with coastal charm. The custom-painted interiors and built-in cabinetry create a refined and functional space. Enjoy a fully remodeled kitchen featuring stainless-steel appliances, sleek countertops, and contemporary cabinetry. The spa-inspired bathroom has been completely renovated, showcasing a custom walk-in shower and stylish fixtures. Real hardwood floors flow throughout, adding warmth and

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708 Riverside Ave #F - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Apartment for rent in Santa Cruz

708 Riverside Ave #F, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

In-unit laundry | Air conditioning

3 beds

2 baths

$4,300

Apartment for rent

Available Oct 3

Description

Be the first to call this newly built 3-bedroom, 2-bath unit - Home! Privately set back from the street behind a fourplex on Riverside Avenue, this duplex-style home combines modern design and comfort with an ideal Santa Cruz location. Inside, you’ll find an open floor plan with brand-new finishes throughout, including a fully equipped kitchen with new appliances, in-unit washer and dryer, and mini-split systems providing efficient heating and air conditioning. Spacious bedrooms and two full bathrooms create a comfortable layout perfect for today’s lifestyle. Located on t

708 Riverside Ave #E - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Apartment for rent in Santa Cruz

708 Riverside Ave #E, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

In-unit laundry | Air conditioning

3 beds

2 baths

$4,300

Apartment for rent

Available Oct 3

Description

Be the first to call this newly built 3-bedroom, 2-bath unit - Home! Privately set back from the street behind a fourplex on Riverside Avenue, this duplex-style home combines modern design and comfort with an ideal Santa Cruz location. Inside, you’ll find an open floor plan with brand-new finishes throughout, including a fully equipped kitchen with new appliances, in-unit washer and dryer, and mini-split systems providing efficient heating and air conditioning. Spacious bedrooms and two full bathrooms create a comfortable layout perfect for today’s lifestyle. Located on t

448 May Ave #1 - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Eastside townhouse for rent in Santa Cruz

448 May Ave #1, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

In-unit laundry | Garage parking | Balcony

3 beds

2 baths

$3,900

$3,500

Price drop

House for rent

Description

This new and spacious 3 bedroom plus office/den and 2 bathroom home is a renter's dream come true. While a short drive to Whole Foods, Staff of Life, The Buttery, and Santa Cruz downtown, it provides fast access to all freeways should you have to commute to work. It is one of a total of four townhouse-style homes, all located off May Avenue near Market and the Branciforte Creek The home features a reversed floorplan. One large bedroom, a full bathroom with walk-in shower and the home office are located downstairs off a spacious lobby with a coat closet. Upstairs are two m

124 Shelter Lagoon Dr - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Westside townhouse for rent in Santa Cruz

124 Shelter Lagoon Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

In-unit laundry | Assigned parking | Swimming pool

2 beds

1 bath

$3,500

House for rent

Description

This quiet and bright two-bedroom, two-bathroom home is conveniently located walking distance to downtown Santa Cruz, the Boardwalk, Depot Park and the Nearly Lagoon Wildlife Refuge. These highly sought-after townhomes rarely come onto the market, so this is your opportunity to enjoy all the amenities including tennis courts and a pool while living in a nice, quiet community surrounded by mature trees and wildlife. The best of both worlds! This is a two story townhome with tall, beautifully stained vaulted wood ceilings. The kitchen is nicely laid out with lots of cabinet

708 Riverside Ave Apt A #Apt A - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Apartment for rent in Santa Cruz

On-site management

2 beds

1 bath

$3,000

Apartment for rent

Available Sep 9

Description

Welcome to 708 Riverside Avenue, Unit A – a bright and beautifully renovated upstairs unit offering the perfect blend of comfort, charm, and convenience. This inviting home is filled with natural light and features stylish finishes throughout, including an updated, functional kitchen designed for modern living. Enjoy the ease of being just a six-minute drive to the University of California, Santa Cruz, and moments from downtown shops, restaurants, beaches, and scenic river paths. Whether you’re a student, professional, or simply looking to enjoy the vibrant Santa Cruz life

156 Everson Dr - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Westside condo for rent in Santa Cruz

156 Everson Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

In-unit laundry | Swimming pool | Dishwasher

1 bed

1 bath

$3,200

$3,000

Price drop

Condo for rent

Description

This ground floor, bi-level condo is located in walking distance to the boardwalk, downtown, and Wharf. It has recently been significantly upgraded and offers hardwood floors on the downstairs area and newer carpet on the upstairs level. There is a good-sized bedroom located upstairs with an adjoining bathroom. The unit has a washer/dryer in the unit and tons of storage: the bathroom has a large closet, there is a linen closet in the hallway as well as additional storage above the side-by-side W/D, which are located in a hallway closet and there is storage space on the pa

Find sweet deals near Downtown Santa Cruz

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

19 Mary Case Ln - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Westside house for rent in Santa Cruz

3 beds

2 baths

$4,700

$3,995

Price drop

House for rent

Description

Charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home in the Seaside Cottages enclave near the beach, Neary Lagoon, and downtown Santa Cruz. Features include hardwood floors on the main level, new carpet and paint upstairs, two potential primary suites, and updated appliances. Includes a private yard, back deck, one-car garage with opener, and washer/dryer hookups. Part of a quiet, well-maintained 8-unit PUD built in 1998. No pets allowed. For showings, drive by first, then contact Bailey Property Management at (831) 685-8588.

321 2nd Street - Photo 1 of 1

1d ago

8.3

Very good

321 2nd Street

321 2nd St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

1 bed

1 bath

$2,400

Apartment for rent

Description

Here’s your chance to live just steps from the beach in this charming downstairs one-bedroom, one-bath apartment. Enjoy a spacious private deck with peek-a-boo views of the ocean, perfect for relaxing, or just listening to the waves. Inside, you’ll find a clean kitchen, a generous living room, a large closet, and a cozy bathroom. The property also includes one off-street parking space, onsite coin-operated laundry, and secure shared bike storage. This apartment combines the best of coastal living with everyday convenience. Located only moments from the sand and close to

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High St. - Photo 1 of 1

3d 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 duplex 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 f

320 - 328 California Street - Photo 1 of 1

2d ago

8.6

Very good

320 - 328 California Street

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

4 beds

2 baths

$4,200

Apartment for rent

Description

This 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home is located right on California Street — just minutes from everything, and packed with personality. It’s not a luxury home, but it’s got charm, space, and all the essentials for comfortable student living. Think: an old-school Santa Cruz vibe, a cute bonus loft tucked upstairs — accessible via a spiral staircase (a favorite hangout spot for past tenants). It's a great setup for a group of people looking for a functional, well-located place to call home. The layout includes four full bedrooms, two bathrooms, a shared kitchen with updated cou

251 High Street A-J - Photo 1 of 1

1d ago

9.2

Excellent

251 High Street A-J

251 High St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

In-unit laundry | Dishwasher

2 beds

1 bath

$3,200

Apartment for rent

Description

Contemporary 2 bedroom downstairs apartment close to UCSC, Downtown, & local transit. Modern finishes, natural gas fireplace, and dual pane windows. In home laundry (washer/dryer included), high ceilings, and private patio. Fully loaded kitchen with maple cabinets, quartz counters, & stainless steel appliances. Designated off street covered parking garage, secure garbage enclosure, and monthly landscaping provided. Small pets accepted 1 year lease Co-Signers accepted No Utilities Included

612 Mission St - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Westside house for rent in Santa Cruz

612 Mission St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Garage parking | On-site management | Business center

2 beds

1 bath

$3,095

House for rent

Available Oct 13

Description

Discover this charming 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom home located in the heart of Santa Cruz. Just minutes from downtown, the beach, and West Cliff Drive, this well-maintained home offers comfort, convenience, and a true coastal lifestyle. Enjoy easy access to Santa Cruz’s top destinations, including the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Ucsc, Mission Hill Middle School, and Bay View Elementary. Commuters will appreciate quick connections to Highway 1 and Highway 17. Home Highlights: *** Stainless Steel Appliances – Modern and stylish kitchen *** Open Floor Plan – Bright and welcoming

Hidden Creek Apartments - Photo 1 of 1

10h 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–$3,795

Apartment for rent

Call

127 Pearl St #3 - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Our team has verified this company

Verified

Santa Cruz apartment Near Boardwalk, 2 Bedroom 1 Bathroom, balcony, laundry, garage.

127 Pearl St #3, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Garage parking | On-site laundry | Balcony

2 beds

1 bath

$3,550

$2,995

Price drop

Apartment for rent

Available Sep 27

Description

2 Br 1 ba near Boardwalk, balcony, dishwasher, ceiling fan, laundry, Pet on approval. Private garage. Near beach, downtown, bus. Utilities not included

Showing 1 - 25 of 25 results
Home > Apartments in Santa Cruz > Downtown Santa Cruz Apartments For Rent
Updated: October 30, 2025

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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 rent for 1 bedroom apartments for rent in Downtown Santa Cruz, CA?

The average rent for 1 bedroom apartments for rent in Downtown Santa Cruz is $2550 per month. There are 3 1 bedroom apartments for rent in Downtown Santa Cruz, CA.

What is the average rent for 2 bedroom apartments for rent in Downtown Santa Cruz, CA?

The average rent for 2 bedroom apartments for rent in Downtown Santa Cruz is $3699 per month.

How expensive is it to rent an apartment in Downtown Santa Cruz, CA?

The average rent price in Downtown Santa Cruz, CA for a 2 bedroom apartment is $3699 per month. Downtown Santa Cruz average rent price is above the average national apartment rent price which is $1750 per month for a 2 bedroom apartment. Aside from rent price, the cost of living in Downtown Santa Cruz is also important to know. Cost of living includes but is not limited to: groceries, gas, utilities, water, and electric.

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 564 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?

1 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 deal224 Laurel St
Popular amenities, ,
🍽With dishwasher
🏠With photos