Santa Cruz

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Santa Cruz, CA

Area Guide

California’s playground for beach lovers and wine connoisseurs.

University of California Santa Cruz Pacific California Beaches Wine Resorts Boardwalk

On the coast of California, shoring up the Pacific Ocean, is the beautiful seaside landscape of Santa Cruz, California. Home to the distinguished University of California, Santa Cruz, this city is a rare mix of sun-kissed oasis and cultural hotbed. Located at the base of the San Francisco Peninsula, Santa Cruz is a rare treat and a wonderful getaway from the noise and congestion of its tech-centric counterpart cities to the north. This area is an epicenter for university students, surf lovers, and family fun. The residential architecture is a picturesque blend of vintage and new-age homes, with an eclectic feel and a hip vibe all its own.

Santa Cruz is known for its fantastic wine resorts and scenic boardwalks, the high cliffs with breathtaking vista views and the beach life, which attracts everyone from surfers to touring families. Appreciate the lighthouse views or check out the boardwalk vendors and fairs. Santa Cruz, California, has the cool, diverse, and laid-back vibe that you’ve been looking for, so hang your beach sandals here and come home happy.

Rent Trends

As of August 2025, the average apartment rent in Santa Cruz, CA is $2,253 for a studio, $2,591 for one bedroom, $3,521 for two bedrooms, and $3,195 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in Santa Cruz has increased by 0.4% in the past year.

Property Type
Average Rent
Average Sq Ft
Apartment
$2,591/month
563 Sq Ft
House
$5,724/month
1,166 Sq Ft
See Rental Market Trends in Santa Cruz, CA

Transportation

81

Very Walkable

out of 100 WalkScore® Rating

If you enjoy walking, you’ll enjoy renting in this area! It’s a very walkable neighborhood.

36

Some Transit

out of 100 TransitScore® Rating

You'll likely want a car when living in this area since it has few transit options.

93

Biker's Paradise

out of 100 BikeScore® Rating

Do you prefer to get around on two wheels? You’ll love living in this neighborhood, which is considered a biker’s paradise.

Schools

De Laveaga Elementary

Public

Grades K-5

488 Students

Happy Valley Elementary

Public

Grades K-6

120 Students

Westlake Elementary

Public

Grades K-5

472 Students

Brook Knoll Elementary

Public

Grades K-5

464 Students

Santa Cruz Gardens Elementary

Public

Grades K-5

232 Students

Mission Hill Middle

Public

Grades 6-8

544 Students

Shoreline Middle

Public

Grades 6-8

441 Students

Branciforte Middle

Public

Grades 6-8

389 Students

Santa Cruz County Special Education School

Public

Grades K-12

100 Students

Santa Cruz High

Public

Grades 9-12

1,092 Students

Harbor High

Public

Grades 9-12

1,023 Students

Santa Cruz County Special Education School

Public

Grades K-12

100 Students

Santa Cruz County ROP

Public

Grades 10-12

Points of Interest

Parks and Recreation

  • Moore Creek Preserve
  • UCSC Arboretum
  • Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park
  • Neary Lagoon
  • Natural Bridges State Beach

Airports

  • Norman Y Mineta San Jose International
  • Monterey Regional

Top Apartments in Santa Cruz

Houses for Rent in Santa Cruz

Property Management Companies in Santa Cruz, CA

Search Nearby Rentals

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 2025.