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 April 19, 2025, the average rent in Santa Cruz is $2,569, which is 3.1% lower 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
$3,115/Month
TransitScore® Rating
33/100
Units Available
21 Rentals
Central Santa Cruz is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Central Santa Cruz is $3,115 while the city average is $2,569. Residents enjoy convenient access to DeLaveaga Park, Monterey Regional, and Old Sash Mill. The neighborhood is considered somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 65.
Seabright
Average Rent
$3,241/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.1%
TransitScore® Rating
39/100
Units Available
12 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Santa Cruz neighborhood on a budget, check out Seabright. The average rent is $3,241, compared to the city average of $2,569. Rent prices have increased by 1.1%. Seabright is convenient to Hilltop Center, UC Santa Cruz, and West Valley College. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 87.
Beach Hill
Average Rent
$3,252/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.8%
TransitScore® Rating
47/100
Units Available
14 Rentals
Beach Hill is an affordable neighborhood in Santa Cruz with an average rent price of $3,252. Compare this to the city average of $2,569. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 0.8%. Beach Hill provides easy access to River Walk Plaza, Monterey Regional, and Cabrillo College. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 89.
Riverwalk
Average Rent
$3,489/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
4.5%
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 $3,489, while the city’s average stands at $2,569. In the last year, prices have decreased by 4.5%. Riverwalk is near Downtown Campbell Station, Soquel Ocean Center, and DeLaveaga Park.
Downtown Santa Cruz
Average Rent
$3,535/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
4.4%
TransitScore® Rating
50/100
Units Available
93 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 $3,535 while the city average is $2,569. This is a -4.4% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Downtown Campbell Station, Cabrillo College, and Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 98.
Westside
Average Rent
$3,582/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
4.3%
TransitScore® Rating
35/100
Units Available
131 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Santa Cruz neighborhood on a budget, check out Westside. The average rent is $3,582, compared to the city average of $2,569. Rent prices have decreased by 4.3%. Westside is convenient to Hamilton Station, Felton Fair Shopping Center, and Cabrillo College. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 78.
Eastside
Average Rent
$3,749/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.5%
TransitScore® Rating
14/100
Units Available
18 Rentals
Eastside is an affordable neighborhood in Santa Cruz with an average rent price of $3,749. Compare this to the city average of $2,569. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 0.5%. Eastside provides easy access to Ohlone/Chynoweth Station, Norman Y Mineta San Jose International, and Monterey Regional. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 79.
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.