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 16, 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
When you’re looking for a great Santa Cruz neighborhood on a budget, check out Central Santa Cruz. The average rent is $3,223, compared to the city average of $2,578. Central Santa Cruz is convenient to UCSC Arboretum, Ohlone/Chynoweth Station, and Gateway Plaza. The community is somewhat walkable 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
Beach Hill is an affordable neighborhood in Santa Cruz with an average rent price of $3,440. Compare this to the city average of $2,578. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 1.3%. Beach Hill provides easy access to Downtown Campbell Station, West Valley College, and River Walk Plaza. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 89.
Seabright
Average Rent
$3,463/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.1%
TransitScore® Rating
39/100
Units Available
11 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 $3,463, while the city’s average stands at $2,578. In the last year, prices have increased by 1.1%. Seabright is near Blossom Hill Station, Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, and Norman Y Mineta San Jose International.
Downtown Santa Cruz
Average Rent
$3,603/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.5%
TransitScore® Rating
50/100
Units Available
98 Rentals
Downtown Santa Cruz is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Downtown Santa Cruz is $3,603 while the city average is $2,578. This is a -2.5% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to West Valley College, Lighthouse Field State Beach, and UC Santa Cruz. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 98.
Westside
Average Rent
$3,605/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3%
TransitScore® Rating
35/100
Units Available
137 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Santa Cruz neighborhood on a budget, check out Westside. The average rent is $3,605, compared to the city average of $2,578. Rent prices have increased by 3%. Westside is convenient to Downtown Campbell Station, Scotts Valley Square Shopping Center, and Cabrillo College. The community is walkable 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
Riverwalk is an affordable neighborhood in Santa Cruz with an average rent price of $3,640. Compare this to the city average of $2,578. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 2.6%. Riverwalk provides easy access to De Anza College, Norman Y Mineta San Jose International, and Ohlone/Chynoweth Station. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 88.
Eastside
Average Rent
$3,901/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.9%
TransitScore® Rating
14/100
Units Available
16 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Santa Cruz, Eastside might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $3,901, while the city’s average stands at $2,578. In the last year, prices have increased by 1.9%. Eastside is near Blossom Hill Station, Cabrillo College, and Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History.
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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.