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.