Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Santa Cruz, CA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Santa Cruz are Central Santa Cruz, Beach Hill, and Seabright. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Santa Cruz, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of February 27, 2025, the average rent in Santa Cruz is $2,595, which is 0.8% 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
$3,159/Month
TransitScore® Rating
33/100
Units Available
21 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Santa Cruz neighborhood on a budget, check out Central Santa Cruz. The average rent is $3,159, compared to the city average of $2,595. Central Santa Cruz is convenient to West Valley College, UC Santa Cruz, and UCSC Arboretum. The community is somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 65.
Beach Hill
Average Rent
$3,342/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.3%
TransitScore® Rating
47/100
Units Available
13 Rentals
Beach Hill is an affordable neighborhood in Santa Cruz with an average rent price of $3,342. Compare this to the city average of $2,595. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 1.3%. Beach Hill provides easy access to Norman Y Mineta San Jose International, Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park, and Ohlone/Chynoweth Station. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 89.
Seabright
Average Rent
$3,388/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.1%
TransitScore® Rating
39/100
Units Available
13 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Santa Cruz, Seabright might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $3,388, while the city’s average stands at $2,595. In the last year, prices have increased by 1.1%. Seabright is near Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park, Cottle Station, and Monterey Regional.
Riverwalk
Average Rent
$3,576/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
5%
TransitScore® Rating
47/100
Units Available
85 Rentals
Riverwalk is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Riverwalk is $3,576 while the city average is $2,595. This is a 5% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Downtown Campbell Station, Snell Station, and Norman Y Mineta San Jose International. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 88.
Eastside
Average Rent
$3,592/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.9%
TransitScore® Rating
14/100
Units Available
22 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Santa Cruz neighborhood on a budget, check out Eastside. The average rent is $3,592, compared to the city average of $2,595. Rent prices have increased by 1.9%. Eastside is convenient to Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, New Brighton State Beach, and DeLaveaga Park. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 79.
Westside
Average Rent
$3,639/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.9%
TransitScore® Rating
35/100
Units Available
129 Rentals
Westside is an affordable neighborhood in Santa Cruz with an average rent price of $3,639. Compare this to the city average of $2,595. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 2.9%. Westside provides easy access to Cabrillo College, Norman Y Mineta San Jose International, and Bascom Station. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 78.
Downtown Santa Cruz
Average Rent
$3,641/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.7%
TransitScore® Rating
50/100
Units Available
96 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Santa Cruz, Downtown Santa Cruz might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $3,641, while the city’s average stands at $2,595. In the last year, prices have decreased by 1.7%. Downtown Santa Cruz is near Neary Lagoon, Winchester Station, and Cabrillo College.
Ready to make your move to Santa Cruz? Check out the rent specials, price drops, and great deals on ApartmentFinder.com!
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.