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
Central Santa Cruz is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Central Santa Cruz is $3,223 while the city average is $2,578. Residents enjoy convenient access to Arana Gulch, Blossom Hill Station, and Monterey Regional. The neighborhood is considered 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
When you’re looking for a great Santa Cruz neighborhood on a budget, check out Beach Hill. The average rent is $3,440, compared to the city average of $2,578. Rent prices have decreased by 1.3%. Beach Hill is convenient to Monterey Regional, Pacific Square, and Snell Station. The community is walkable 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
Seabright is an affordable neighborhood in Santa Cruz with an average rent price of $3,463. Compare this to the city average of $2,578. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 1.1%. Seabright provides easy access to Arana Gulch, Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park, and UC Santa Cruz. It’s a walkable neighborhood 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
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 $3,603, while the city’s average stands at $2,578. In the last year, prices have decreased by 2.5%. Downtown Santa Cruz is near Soquel Ocean Center, Ohlone/Chynoweth Station, and Pacific Square.
Westside
Average Rent
$3,605/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.9%
TransitScore® Rating
35/100
Units Available
137 Rentals
Westside is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Westside is $3,605 while the city average is $2,578. This is a 2.9% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to De Anza College, Norman Y Mineta San Jose International, and West Valley College. The neighborhood is considered 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
When you’re looking for a great Santa Cruz neighborhood on a budget, check out Riverwalk. The average rent is $3,640, compared to the city average of $2,578. Rent prices have decreased by 2.6%. Riverwalk is convenient to De Anza College, UC Santa Cruz, and Water Street Center. The community is walkable 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
Eastside is an affordable neighborhood in Santa Cruz with an average rent price of $3,901. Compare this to the city average of $2,578. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 1.9%. Eastside provides easy access to Snell Station, Begonia Plaza, and West Valley College. It’s a walkable neighborhood 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.