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Area Guide

University of California, Santa Cruz Santa Cruz, CA

Root for the Banana Slugs in your blue and gold

UCSC UC Santa Cruz Banana Slugs

The University of California, Santa Cruz has earned international recognition as a university with high-impact research and a strong commitment to teaching and public service since its establishment in 1965. Rigorous academic programs and cutting-edge research opportunities in world-class facilities distinguish UC Santa Cruz, teaching students how to think as opposed to what to think. Redwood forests surround the UCSC campus, adding a serene atmosphere and a reminder of the importance of sustainable efforts. Various styles of apartments, condos, and houses are available for rent near UC Santa Cruz. Nearby neighborhoods include the Westside, Downtown, and Midtown. A wide range of student clubs, NCAA Division III Slugs athletic teams, and rotating cultural events add to the vibrancy of the UCSC campus. Several state parks and beaches are easily accessible from campus, lending a host of possibilities for outdoor recreation. San Francisco, San Jose, and Monterey are all less than a two-hour drive away as well.

Rent Trends

As of July 2026, the average apartment rent in Santa Cruz, CA is $2,316 for a studio, $2,749 for one bedroom, $3,786 for two bedrooms, and $3,632 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in Santa Cruz has increased by 1.3% in the past year.

  • Studio

  • 361 sq ft

    Average Sq Ft

  • $2,316/month

    Average Rent

  • 1 BR

  • 584 sq ft

    Average Sq Ft

  • $2,749/month

    Average Rent

  • 2 BR

  • 838 sq ft

    Average Sq Ft

  • $3,786/month

    Average Rent

  • 3 BR

  • 811 sq ft

    Average Sq Ft

  • $3,632/month

    Average Rent

Learn More About University of California, Santa Cruz

Getting Around

Somewhat Walkable

Walkability

20 / 100

Strong Public Transit

Transit

80 / 100

Exceptionally Drivable

Drivability

90 / 100

Fairly Bikeable

Bikeability

50 / 100

Daily Essentials

Supermarket Within a 15 Minute Walk

Groceries

60 / 100

Fair Restaurant Variety Nearby

Restaurants

50 / 100

Limited Café Variety Nearby

Cafes

30 / 100

Fair Variety of Shops Nearby

Shopping

40 / 100

Local Vibe

Calm Atmosphere

Vibrancy

10 / 100

Fair Nightlife Variety Nearby

Nightlife

40 / 100

Not Noisy

Quiet Score

100 / 100

Schools

Westlake Elementary

Public

Grades K-5

453 Students

Westlake Elementary School

Public

Grades K-5

453 Students

De Laveaga Elementary School

Public

Grades K-5

481 Students

De Laveaga Elementary

Public

Grades K-5

481 Students

Bay View Elementary

Public

Grades K-5

394 Students

Pacific Collegiate Charter School

Public

Grades 6-12

536 Students

Mission Hill Middle School

Public

Grades 6-8

510 Students

Mission Hill Middle

Public

Grades 6-8

510 Students

Branciforte Middle

Public

Grades 6-8

409 Students

Branciforte Middle School

Public

Grades 6-8

409 Students

Santa Cruz High School

Public

Grades 9-12

1,093 Students

Santa Cruz High

Public

Grades 9-12

1,093 Students

Pacific Collegiate Charter School

Public

Grades 6-12

536 Students

Pacific Collegiate Charter

Public

Grades 6-12

536 Students

Harbor High

Public

Grades 9-12

1,013 Students

Points of Interest

Parks and Recreation

  • UCSC Arboretum
  • Moore Creek Preserve
  • Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park
  • Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
  • Wilder Ranch State Park

Airports

  • Norman Y Mineta San Jose International
  • Monterey Regional

Top Apartments Near University of California, Santa Cruz

Houses Near University of California, Santa Cruz

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Methodology

† Our analysis of utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, home prices, and other goods and services is sourced from the Cost of Living Index, a respected benchmark published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) that provides a thorough overview of living expenses across different regions.

Rent data is provided by CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As the industry leader in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar conducts extensive research to produce and maintain a comprehensive database of commercial real estate information. We combine this data with public record to provide the most up-to-date rental information available.

Consumer goods, services, and home prices are sourced from the Cost of Living Index published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). The data on this page is updated quarterly. It was last published in June 2026.

Demographic information comes from Neustar and combines detailed address data with U.S. Census and American Community Survey statistics to produce reliable local estimates.