Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Santa Cruz, CA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Santa Cruz are Central Santa Cruz, Seabright, and Beach Hill. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Santa Cruz, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of March 30, 2025, the average rent in Santa Cruz is $2,592, which is 0.7% higher than last year. However, it's important to remember that rental prices can vary significantly based on factors such as location, amenities, and floor plans.
Central Santa Cruz
Average Rent
$3,264/Month
TransitScore® Rating
33/100
Units Available
19 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Santa Cruz, Central Santa Cruz might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $3,264, while the city’s average stands at $2,592. Central Santa Cruz is near Water Street Center, Arana Gulch, and Downtown Campbell Station.
Seabright
Average Rent
$3,333/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.1%
TransitScore® Rating
39/100
Units Available
12 Rentals
Seabright is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Seabright is $3,333 while the city average is $2,592. This is a 1.1% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Snell Station, West Valley College, and Monterey Regional. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 87.
Beach Hill
Average Rent
$3,422/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.3%
TransitScore® Rating
47/100
Units Available
11 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Santa Cruz neighborhood on a budget, check out Beach Hill. The average rent is $3,422, compared to the city average of $2,592. Rent prices have decreased by 1.3%. Beach Hill is convenient to De Anza College, Downtown Campbell Station, and Snell Station. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 89.
Downtown Santa Cruz
Average Rent
$3,560/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.3%
TransitScore® Rating
50/100
Units Available
95 Rentals
Downtown Santa Cruz is an affordable neighborhood in Santa Cruz with an average rent price of $3,560. Compare this to the city average of $2,592. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 2.3%. Downtown Santa Cruz provides easy access to River Walk Plaza, Arana Gulch, and Blossom Hill Station. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 98.
Riverwalk
Average Rent
$3,571/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
5.8%
TransitScore® Rating
47/100
Units Available
75 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Santa Cruz, Riverwalk might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $3,571, while the city’s average stands at $2,592. In the last year, prices have decreased by 5.8%. Riverwalk is near Norman Y Mineta San Jose International, Arana Gulch, and Ohlone/Chynoweth Station.
Westside
Average Rent
$3,615/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.7%
TransitScore® Rating
35/100
Units Available
136 Rentals
Westside is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Westside is $3,615 while the city average is $2,592. This is a 3.7% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Roaring Camp Railroads, Norman Y Mineta San Jose International, and Loch Lomond. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 78.
Eastside
Average Rent
$3,847/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.6%
TransitScore® Rating
14/100
Units Available
16 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Santa Cruz neighborhood on a budget, check out Eastside. The average rent is $3,847, compared to the city average of $2,592. Rent prices have increased by 1.6%. Eastside is convenient to Arana Gulch, DeLaveaga Park, and Ohlone/Chynoweth Station. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 79.
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Methodology
Transit Score measures access to public transit. Scores range from 0 (minimal transit) to 100 (rider’s paradise). Learn more about the Transit Score methodology. Rental data is sourced from CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As a leading authority in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar performs in-depth research to build and sustain an extensive database of commercial real estate insights.
We've combined this data with public records to provide the most current rental information available.