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 March 30, 2025, the average rent in Santa Cruz is $2,592, which is 0.7% 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

$3,264/Month

TransitScore® Rating

33/100

Units Available

19 Rentals

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Santa Cruz, Central Santa Cruz might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $3,264, while the city’s average stands at $2,592. Central Santa Cruz is near Water Street Center, Arana Gulch, and Downtown Campbell Station.

Seabright

Average Rent

$3,333/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.1%

TransitScore® Rating

39/100

Units Available

12 Rentals

Seabright is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Seabright is $3,333 while the city average is $2,592. This is a 1.1% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Snell Station, West Valley College, and Monterey Regional. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 87.

Beach Hill

Average Rent

$3,422/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 $3,422, compared to the city average of $2,592. Rent prices have decreased by 1.3%. Beach Hill is convenient to De Anza College, Downtown Campbell Station, and Snell Station. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 89.

Downtown Santa Cruz

Average Rent

$3,560/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

2.3%

TransitScore® Rating

50/100

Units Available

95 Rentals

Downtown Santa Cruz is an affordable neighborhood in Santa Cruz with an average rent price of $3,560. Compare this to the city average of $2,592. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 2.3%. Downtown Santa Cruz provides easy access to River Walk Plaza, Arana Gulch, and Blossom Hill Station. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 98.

Riverwalk

Average Rent

$3,571/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

5.8%

TransitScore® Rating

47/100

Units Available

75 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 $3,571, while the city’s average stands at $2,592. In the last year, prices have decreased by 5.8%. Riverwalk is near Norman Y Mineta San Jose International, Arana Gulch, and Ohlone/Chynoweth Station.

Westside

Average Rent

$3,615/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

3.7%

TransitScore® Rating

35/100

Units Available

136 Rentals

Westside is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Westside is $3,615 while the city average is $2,592. This is a 3.7% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Roaring Camp Railroads, Norman Y Mineta San Jose International, and Loch Lomond. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 78.

Eastside

Average Rent

$3,847/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.6%

TransitScore® Rating

14/100

Units Available

16 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Santa Cruz neighborhood on a budget, check out Eastside. The average rent is $3,847, compared to the city average of $2,592. Rent prices have increased by 1.6%. Eastside is convenient to Arana Gulch, DeLaveaga Park, and Ohlone/Chynoweth Station. The community is walkable 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.