Apartments for Rent in Santa Cruz CA - 240 Rentals
Find the Perfect Santa Cruz, CA Apartment
Santa Cruz, CA Apartments for Rent
Renting an a Santa Cruz apartment means a laid-back coastal lifestyle with a mix of surf culture, history, and modern living. If you’re searching for apartments for rent in Santa Cruz, you’ll find beachfront rentals near the Boardwalk, charming units in older Victorian homes downtown, and newer apartment communities on the west side close to UC Santa Cruz. The Seabright and Capitola areas are also popular for those who want to live near the beach while enjoying local dining and nightlife.
Commuting from Santa Cruz often means heading north toward the Bay Area. Highway 17 connects the city to San Jose in about 40 to 50 minutes, though traffic can extend travel times during peak hours. Local bus service is available through Santa Cruz METRO, and the nearby Highway 1 makes it easy to explore Monterey Bay communities. For frequent travelers, San Jose International Airport is the closest major option, roughly 45 minutes away.
Life in Santa Cruz is all about balancing outdoor fun with city conveniences. Residents enjoy surfing, hiking in redwood forests, and biking along coastal paths, while downtown offers a mix of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The city also hosts festivals, farmers’ markets, and live music year-round. Whether you’re looking for a beachfront apartment, a student-friendly rental near campus, or a quieter spot tucked into the hills, there a wide range of Santa Cruz apartments for renters seeking a coastal lifestyle.
Santa Cruz, CA Rental Insights
Average Rent Rates
The average rent in Santa Cruz is $2,587. When you rent an apartment in Santa Cruz, you can expect to pay as little as $2,252 or as much as $3,536, depending on the location and the size of the apartment.
The average rent for a studio apartment in Santa Cruz, CA is $2,252 per month.
The average rent for a one bedroom apartment in Santa Cruz, CA is $2,587 per month.
The average rent for a two bedroom apartment in Santa Cruz, CA is $3,536 per month.
The average rent for a three bedroom apartment in Santa Cruz, CA is $3,220 per month.
Education
If you’re a student moving to an apartment in Santa Cruz, you’ll have access to UC Santa Cruz, Cabrillo College, and West Valley College.