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 March 17, 2025, the average rent in Santa Cruz is $2,578, which is 0.2% 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
$3,223/Month
TransitScore® Rating
33/100
Units Available
21 Rentals
Central Santa Cruz is an affordable neighborhood in Santa Cruz with an average rent price of $3,223. Compare this to the city average of $2,578. Central Santa Cruz provides easy access to Blossom Hill Station, West Valley College, and Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park. It’s a somewhat walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 65.
Beach Hill
Average Rent
$3,440/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.3%
TransitScore® Rating
47/100
Units Available
11 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Santa Cruz, Beach Hill might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $3,440, while the city’s average stands at $2,578. In the last year, prices have decreased by 1.3%. Beach Hill is near Monterey Regional, Pacific Square, and West Valley College.
Seabright
Average Rent
$3,463/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.1%
TransitScore® Rating
39/100
Units Available
11 Rentals
Seabright is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Seabright is $3,463 while the city average is $2,578. This is a 1.1% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park, Soquel Avenue Shopping Center, and Arana Gulch. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 87.
Downtown Santa Cruz
Average Rent
$3,603/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.5%
TransitScore® Rating
50/100
Units Available
98 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Santa Cruz neighborhood on a budget, check out Downtown Santa Cruz. The average rent is $3,603, compared to the city average of $2,578. Rent prices have decreased by 2.5%. Downtown Santa Cruz is convenient to UC Santa Cruz, Lighthouse Field State Beach, and Monterey Regional. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 98.
Westside
Average Rent
$3,605/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.9%
TransitScore® Rating
35/100
Units Available
137 Rentals
Westside is an affordable neighborhood in Santa Cruz with an average rent price of $3,605. Compare this to the city average of $2,578. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 2.9%. Westside provides easy access to Bascom Station, UCSC Arboretum, and Loch Lomond. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 78.
Riverwalk
Average Rent
$3,640/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.6%
TransitScore® Rating
47/100
Units Available
76 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 $3,640, while the city’s average stands at $2,578. In the last year, prices have decreased by 2.6%. Riverwalk is near Norman Y Mineta San Jose International, Ohlone/Chynoweth Station, and Winchester Station.
Eastside
Average Rent
$3,901/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.9%
TransitScore® Rating
14/100
Units Available
16 Rentals
Eastside is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Eastside is $3,901 while the city average is $2,578. This is a 1.9% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Snell Station, New Brighton State Beach, and Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History. The neighborhood is considered 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.