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Santa Cruz, CA Homes for Rent

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  • /113

    Starting at $2,699 Per Month

    • 1 - 2 Beds

    200 Button St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

    Welcome home to Hidden Creek in sunny Santa Cruz, California. You will find our beautiful community centrally located just minutes away from the major freeways and walking distance to shopping centers and restaurants. We are an easy commute to Silicon Valley and major schools such as UCSC and Cabrillo College. Whether it is going downtown, relaxing at one of the sunny beaches in Santa Cruz or

    Hidden Creek Apartments

    200 Button St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
  • /41

    Starting at $2,200 Per Month

    • Studio

    833 Front St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

    *Availability and applications can be found on our website here: stgeorgeapartmentssc .comWelcome to St. George Apartments, located at 833 Front Street in downtown Santa Cruz. Enjoy the convenience of our prime location, steps away from shops, dining, UC Santa Cruz, and more.Experience the best of downtown Santa Cruz living at St. George Apartments. Choose from our studio, one,

    St. George Apartments

    833 Front St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
  • /114

    Starting at $3,395 Per Month

    • 1 - 2 Beds

    222 Columbia St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

    LIVE STEPS FROM THE SAND! Discover a restful retreat at Oceanview Apartments, a peaceful beach-side Community located just moments from everything that Santa Cruz has to offer. Oceanview offers beautifully remodeled one and two bedroom apartment homes and is conveniently situated near scenic Santa Cruz beaches, famous surf spot, Steamer Lane, and is adjacent to the beautiful

    Oceanview

    222 Columbia St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
  • /41

    Starting at $3,000 Per Month

    • Studio - 1 Bed

    555 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

    Five55 is a brand new beachside apartment community offering luxury living in the heart of Santa Cruz. We offer a collection of well-designed residences sure to please even those with the most discriminating tastes. Whether you want to host a dinner party at the outdoor kitchen and pizza ovens, catch a sunset from the rooftop deck or walk into downtown or along the beach, Five55 is the perfect

    Five55

    555 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
  • /40

    Starting at $3,100 Per Month

    • Studio - 2 Beds

    414 Front St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

    Opening in January 2026RiverRow is a new mixed-use community along the San Lorenzo River that brings modern living to the heart of Santa Cruz. Featuring 175 studio, one-, and two-bedroom apartmentsincluding affordable homesRiverRow blends contemporary and traditional design to support a diverse and vibrant downtown neighborhood. Ground-floor shops and restaurants activate the street, creating a

    River Row

    414 Front St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
  • /69

    Starting at $3,225 Per Month

    • Studio - 2 Beds

    1547 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

    Kick back, relax and enjoy the good life at Nanda on Pacific. Our studio, 1 & 2 bedroom apartments in Santa Cruz, California, come in a variety of floor plans so you can choose your ideal living space. This thoughtfully designed living space offers a unique blend of sophistication and comfort, ideal for those seeking a lifestyle of luxury and convenience. Discover the perfect blend of modern

    NANDA ON PACIFIC

    1547 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
  • /60

    Starting at $2,295 Per Month

    • Studio - 2 Beds

    630 Water St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

    The Breakers offers apartments in Santa Cruz, CA with the finest amenities. Visit our website for more information.

    The Breakers

    630 Water St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
  • /23

    Starting at $2,550 Per Month

    • Studio - 1 Bed

    1804 Mission St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

    18 unit, secure access building located on Santa Cruz's west side. Conveniently located near UC Santa Cruz campus, downtown, and boardwalk. We have cozy Jr. One Bedroom units as well as Grand Loft one bedroom unit. Please inquire for more details.

    1804 Mission St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
  • /24

    Starting at $2,702

    Total Monthly Price

    • Studio - 2 Beds

    101 Felix St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

    Located just a few short blocks from downtown Santa Cruz, Cypress Point offers a superbly convenient location close to all the best the area has to offer! The nearby University of Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, along with popular attractions and amazing beaches, make this location central to an abundance of educational and recreational opportunities – all within a beautifully maintained

    Cypress Point

    101 Felix St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
  • /21

    Starting at $2,400 Per Month

    • 1 - 2 Beds

    316-324 Lincoln St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

    Discover the convenience of Santa Cruz living at Lincoln Apartments, ideally located just a short walk to downtown shopping, cafés, restaurants, and local entertainment. Our renovated one-bedroom and two-bedroom residences feature stylish and comfortable living spaces designed to feel like home.Photos are representative of the unit type and may not depict the actual available unit.

    Lincoln Apartments

    316-324 Lincoln St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
  • /2

    Call for Price

    • Studio - 3 Beds

    820 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

    Pacific Station South Apartments features seventy (70) Units designated for Family Housing, where income restrictions, live / work preferences and occupancy standards apply Temporary office Located at: 324 Front St Suite 212, Santa Cruz CA, 95060, the property is located in a prime location near downtown Santa Cruz, Transit Bus Service, Grocery Stores, Pharmacy, Banking and restaurants

    Pacific Station South

    820 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
  • /25

    Starting at $2,829 Per Month

    • Studio - 3 Beds

    1010 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

    Live your own unique beach town dream at 1010 Pacific in the vibrant heart of downtown Santa Cruz. Our one, two, and three bedroom apartment homes embody laid-back urban chic within a contemporary mid-rise community—placing you right in the center of downtown energy.? Perfectly positioned along Pacific Avenue, you’re just one mile from the iconic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Santa Cruz Wharf,

    1010 Pacific

    1010 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
  • /20

    Starting at $3,831 Per Month

    • 1 - 2 Beds

    1240 Shaffer Rd, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

    Immerse yourself in the views at Pacific Shores. 1 & 2 bedroom apartments for rent in beautiful Santa Cruz, CA, bring the California dream to you with garden-style elegance set adjacent to Natural Bridges Beach, Wilder Ranch, and Antonelli Pond Nature Preserve with views of the sea overlooking the Pacific Ocean in this iconic, historic city. Close to University of California Santa Cruz and the

    Pacific Shores

    1240 Shaffer Rd, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
  • /19

    Starting at $3,300 Per Month

    • 2 Beds

    3141-3151 Thurber Ln, Santa Cruz, CA 95065

    Welcome to Thurber Apartments where comfortable living meets everyday convenience. Our spacious two-bedroom, two-story apartment homes feature updated interiors with luxury vinyl plank flooring, bright living spaces, and functional layouts designed for modern living.Residents enjoy beautifully maintained landscaping, an open lawn area, a community picnic space, on-site laundry facilities,

    Thurber Apartments

    3141-3151 Thurber Ln, Santa Cruz, CA 95065
  • /35

    Starting at $2,706 Per Month

    • 1 - 3 Beds

    2500 Soquel Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95065

    Welcome to Emerald Bay Apartments in well located mid-county Santa Cruz California offering One, Two and Three-Bedroom apartment homes. Section 8 voucher accepted. Non-smoking community. Well maintained and professionally managed. APARTMENT AMENITIESDouble-pane energy efficient windowsCeiling fans, Microwave ovenUtilities included: water, garbage, custom window

    Emerald Bay Apartments

    2500 Soquel Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95065
  • /31

    Starting at $4,275 Per Month

    • 2 Beds

    801 Nobel Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

    Townhome Living in Upper West Side – the best of Santa Cruz! •Westmont Place is a charming, established residential neighborhood with gorgeous tree-lined streets •A tranquil setting - adjacent to UCSC and University Terrace Park - close enough to enjoy all the downtown amenities but just far enough from the hustle and bustle•Our community offers quaint 2-story townhomes with two

    Westmont Townhomes

    801 Nobel Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
  • /31

    Starting at $2,847 Per Month

    • 1 - 2 Beds

    525 Laurel St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

    We offer Self-Guided Tours by Appointment Only. Experience the essence of Santa Cruz living at Chestnut Street apartments in Santa Cruz, CA. Choose from our selection of one- and two-bedroom apartment homes for rent including multilevel, townhome-style floor plans. Our charming, seaside-inspired exteriors welcome you home to comfortable residences that feature efficient layouts and ample storage

    Chestnut Street

    525 Laurel St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
  • /29

    Starting at $2,479 Per Month

    • 1 Bed

    201 River St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

    Discover modern coastal living in the heart of Santa Cruz at 201 River Street Apartments. This brand-new, 12-unit community features four one-bedroom and eight studio apartments designed for comfort, style, and convenience. Each apartment offers an open-concept layout that maximizes every square foot, with sleek finishes, expansive windows that fill the space with natural light, and private

    201 River Street Apartments

    201 River St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
  • /15

    Starting at $2,390 Per Month

    • 1 - 2 Beds

    306 Cliff St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

    These recently remodeled, sunny corner apartments are available now. Choose to end the lease on June 15th, 2027 or August 31st, 2027. Leases are renewable. The building is a four minute walk to the Main Beach, a ten-minute walk downtown and a six-minute walk to the #19 bus to UCSC!One cat allowed.* 2BRS have hammock and chairs outside on the balcony* The gated building and

    306 Cliff St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
  • /20

    $7,322

    Total Monthly Price

    • 4 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 2,421 Sq Ft
    • Condo for Rent

    3665 Tiffani Ct Unit SI ID1573481P, Santa Cruz, CA 95065

    The advertised rate of $7,322/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of January 2, 2027. Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can be

    3665 Tiffani Ct Unit SI ID1573481P, Santa Cruz, CA 95065
  • /17

    $3,250

    Total Monthly Price

    • 2 Beds
    • 1.5 Baths
    • 960 Sq Ft
    • Condo for Rent

    129 Grant St Unit 2, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

    Spacious 2-Bedroom, 1.5-Bathroom Apartment in Santa Cruz Newly Renovated!Price: $3,250/monthDeposit: $3,250Available: NowLocated in the heart of Santa Cruz, this beautifully renovated 2-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom apartment offers 960 sq. ft. of modern living space. With sleek laminate flooring throughout, quartz countertops, and brand-new cabinets, this apartment has been updated with

    129 Grant St Unit 2, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
  • /13

    $1,350

    Total Monthly Price

    • 4 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,900 Sq Ft
    • House for Rent

    120 Alamo Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

    This is a very large 4 bedroom house with very large rooms. Each room is a double. It comes with a fully equipped kitchen, a large living room, 2 decks and yes a view of the oceon as well. Attached 2 car garage and plenty of street parking. Very close to the University on upper west side Santa Cruz. I have the master bedroom still available for 1350.

    120 Alamo Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
  • /10

    $4,150

    Total Monthly Price

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,300 Sq Ft
    • House for Rent

    312 Spruce St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

    Well appointed 2 Bed / 2 Bath (plus bonus room / loft) for rent starting Oct 23rd, 2026. Details are as follows:- Washer / Dryer in-unit.- Off street, dedicated parking for 4 cars.- Internet, water / trash (SCMU) and monthly gardening included, you pay PG&E- Forced-air central heating. Wood burning fireplace too.- Large, private, fenced front and back yard.- Spacious,

    312 Spruce St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
  • /8

    $995

    Total Monthly Price

    • 1 Bed
    • 1 Bath
    • 144 Sq Ft
    • House for Rent

    1030 El Dorado Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

    Your Cozy Ocean Hideaway with Private Entrance117 sq. ft. BR with separate entrance and beautiful Italian glazed tile floor in 5 BR house with 4 BA from where you can hear the Ocean in 1030 El Dorado Ave, Santa Cruz CA 95062. Bathroom and country style kitchen across the hall. Furniture negotiable. Ideal for busy student or trades person. No pets. - Excellent location in Live Oak with onsite

    1030 El Dorado Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
  • /6

    $1,850 Per Month

    • 1 Bed
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,870 Sq Ft
    • House for Rent

    427 Locust St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

    ROOM FOR RENT-Bright, comfortable room available in a beautifully updated home in Downtown Santa Cruz. Ideally located near downtown, restaurants, coffee shops, shopping, and everything Santa Cruz has to offer. The home features a spacious shared kitchen and living area, updated finishes throughout, and a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere. Perfect for a working professional, graduate student, or

    Angel Lax Century 21 Masters

    427 Locust St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
  • /15

    $3,495 Per Month

    • 3 Beds
    • 1 Bath
    • 1546 Broadway-#2

    1546 Broadway Unit 2, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

    Welcome to this well-maintained 3-bedroom, 1 bath apartment with only 3 units in the building. The kitchen offers ample cabinets and counter space, with a spacious dining area. Inviting living room with a comfortable setting for relaxing or entertaining. This inviting home features a functional floor plan with spacious living areas and plenty of natural light. Special features include entry patio

    1546 Broadway Unit 2, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
  • /9

    $3,800 Per Month

    • 2 Beds
    • 1.5 Baths
    • 1,046 Sq Ft
    • Condo for Rent

    128 Castillion Terrace, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

    GREAT LOCATION! Move-in ready! Furnished condo located near UC Santa Cruz. Less 5 minutes to the campus loop bus stop. 1st floor features a convenient half bathroom, kitchen, living and dining areas; 2nd floor has two bedrooms and a full bathroom. Two private patios and a community pool provide safe outdoor space. Unit comes furnished with furnitures and includes one portable AC, plus in-unit

    Peixin Li IRN Realty

    128 Castillion Terrace, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
  • /26

    $2,800 Per Month

    • 2 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • House for Rent

    2985 Mattison Ln, Santa Cruz, CA 95065

    Sunny Single-Level 2-Bedroom, 2-Bath Home in Live OakSunny 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom single-level home in Live Oak, conveniently located near Soquel Drive. The home features an enclosed outdoor area connected to a one-car garage, providing private outdoor space and convenient parking. A dedicated laundry room is ready with washer and dryer hookups.Great location close to shopping, dining,

    2985 Mattison Ln, Santa Cruz, CA 95065
  • /104

    $9,800 Per Month

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,800 Sq Ft
    • House for Rent

    122 2nd Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

    Beach Bliss Views Serenaded by Ocean Waves from Deck, Loft BR, Living/Dining Rooms, and front yard of this Darling Vintage Chic 1,800 sf. Beach Cottage + additional 331 sf. Ocean View Deck w/BBQ Grill and Alfresco white resin wicker seating for 10. Private Indoor Laundry Room w/Samsung W/D; FREE On Street Parking-No Permit Needed. Upstairs Sleeping w/7 Beds for 8-9 persons, w/3 Twin Beds in 3rd

    Mary Faria Faria Family Co.

    122 2nd Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
  • /16

    $1,895 Per Month

    • Studio
    • 1 Bath
    • Condo for Rent

    2020 Brommer St Unit D, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

    Brommer Street CottagesStudio, 1 bath $1,895/month $600 depositPlus $75 monthly utilities (gas/electricity/water/garbage)We are showing this studio unit by appointment! Please text/call Ben with any questions: . Complete address is: 2020 Brommer Street, Apt D, Santa Cruz, 95062.The Live Oak neighborhood of Santa Cruz offers all of the California charm you could want in

    2020 Brommer St Unit D, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
  • /14

    $5,100 Per Month

    • 3 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 1,829 Sq Ft
    • House for Rent

    1742 Grey Seal Rd, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

    Located in Santa Cruz, this 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers 1855 sq ft of living space with versatile flooring including carpet, hardwood, laminate, and tile. The kitchen is equipped with a gas cooktop, electric oven, microwave, dishwasher, and refrigerator, providing functional meal preparation areas. Enjoy cozy gas-burning fireplace in the living room and central forced air gas heating for

    Jim Wilder Wilder Associates

    1742 Grey Seal Rd, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
  • /37

    $4,850 Per Month

    • 3 Beds
    • 3.5 Baths
    • 1,522 Sq Ft
    • Condo for Rent

    103 Jacobs Ln Unit 103 Jacobs Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

    This beautiful and spacious townhome is located near all the attractions of the lower Seabright Area: a short walk to all the restaurants and cafes and a short bike ride to the beach.This tri-level home totals 3 large bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms over three floors. Each of the bedrooms is set up as a primary bedroom with a full private bathroom, closet space and plenty of privacy as they

    103 Jacobs Ln Unit 103 Jacobs Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
  • /8

    $3,500 Per Month

    • 2 Beds
    • 1 Bath
    • 1,025 Sq Ft
    • Apartment for Rent

    164 Pryce St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

    Located in Santa Cruz, this home offers 2 bedrooms and 1 full bathroom within 1,025 square feet. The kitchen is equipped with a gas cooktop, electric oven, dishwasher, refrigerator, and a pantry for storage. Laminate flooring extends throughout the living spaces. Heating is provided by central forced air gas. There is a designated dining area adjacent to the kitchen, and laundryroom includes a

    Jim Wilder Wilder Associates

    164 Pryce St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
  • /11

    $3,595 Per Month

    • 2 Beds
    • 1 Bath
    • 903 Sq Ft
    • Condo for Rent

    1798 Halterman Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

    Enjoy comfortable coastal living in this charming single level duplex home, ideally located in Santa Cruz's desirable Live Oak neighborhood. Just minutes from Capitola Village, Pleasure Point, local beaches, shopping, and dining, this home offers the perfect combination of convenience and relaxed beachside living.Inside, you'll find a bright and functional two bedroom, one bathroom floor

    1798 Halterman Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
  • /27

    $5,200 Per Month

    • 3 Beds
    • 1.5 Baths
    • 1,080 Sq Ft
    • House for Rent

    426 Swift St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

    Centrally located less than a mile from both UCSC and the beach, this 3BR/1.5BA home offers a convenient westside Santa Cruz location with plenty of space and easy access to everyday essentials.The home features a spacious living room that flows into the dining area and kitchen. A glass sliding door off the dining area opens directly to the fenced yard, which wraps around the property and

    426 Swift St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
  • /6

    $2,150 Per Month

    • 1 Bed
    • 1 Bath
    • 400 Sq Ft
    • Condo for Rent

    224 Center St Unit 14, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

    Ground floor unit with Handicap accessible features. This well kept studio has a downtown location with small outdoor terrace. Please note that the bathroom is larger than most comparable studios due to large showing and extra space to get around. So the other living space is a bit compact.

    224 Center St Unit 14, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
  • /3

    $1,595 Per Month

    • 1 Bed
    • 2 Baths
    • Condo for Rent

    514 Broadway Unit Room 5, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

    This private bedroom is available in a well-maintained shared home located just minutes from Downtown Santa Cruz, offering convenient access to local dining, shopping, public transportation, and some of the area's best beaches.Enjoy the convenience of a central location while sharing common living spaces with other residents in a professionally managed home.Room

    514 Broadway Unit Room 5, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
  • /2

    $1,495 Per Month

    • 1 Bed
    • 1 Bath
    • Condo for Rent

    514 Broadway Unit Room 3, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

    This private bedroom is available in a well-maintained shared home located just minutes from Downtown Santa Cruz, offering convenient access to local dining, shopping, public transportation, and some of the area's best beaches.Enjoy the convenience of a central location while sharing common living spaces with other residents in a professionally managed home.Room

    514 Broadway Unit Room 3, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
  • /12

    $3,050 Per Month

    • 2 Beds
    • 1.5 Baths
    • Condo for Rent

    3387 Mission Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95065

    Beautiful two-story townhouse style, 2 bedroom, 1.5 bathroom unit near Dominican Hospital. Good size living room with wood floors, separate dining area off kitchen with slider leading to fenced backyard. Kitchen offers white cabinets, refrigerator, electric range, dishwasher and wood floors. Downstairs half bathroom. Upstairs you have 2 good size bedrooms with closets and hardwood floors, one has

    3387 Mission Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95065
  • /19

    $2,450 Per Month

    • 1 Bed
    • 1 Bath
    • 800 Sq Ft
    • Townhouse for Rent

    1841 Alice St, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

    Welcome to 1841 Alice St #B, a charming 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom home offering approximately 800 sq. ft. of comfortable living space in a peaceful Santa Cruz setting. The home features a bright, inviting interior with a cozy layout and convenient in-unit appliances. Enjoy the outdoors with a spacious deck and lovely garden area surrounded by mature greenery—perfect for relaxing or entertaining.

    1841 Alice St, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

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Why Live in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz combines world-class surfing at Steamer Lane with the historic Beach Boardwalk amusement park along its stunning coastline. Nature lovers will find monarch butterflies migrating through Natural Bridges State Park and ancient redwoods towering in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. The Santa Cruz Wharf extends into Monterey Bay where sea lions bask in the sun, while downtown Pacific Avenue buzzes with local shops and street performers. The University of California Santa Cruz campus sits nestled among redwood forests, contributing to the city's educational atmosphere.

The Santa Cruz housing market includes a range of options across distinct neighborhoods. The median price for single-family homes is $1,510,000, with specific areas commanding different prices. Downtown Santa Cruz has a median single-family home price of $1,417,500, while Westlake homes reach $1,875,000. Live Oak presents more moderate options at $1,325,000, and Pasatiempo homes typically sell for $1,800,000. Twin Lakes properties have a median price of $1,697,000. Condominiums start at a median price of $575,000 for one bedroom units and $769,000 for two bedrooms. Townhomes in Santa Cruz have a median price of $1,080,000.

Property taxes in Santa Cruz County maintain a 0.62% effective rate. California applies a 1.00% state income tax rate for yearly salaries of $41,901, along with a combined sales tax rate of 8.80%. The city's educational system includes several highly rated schools. Santa Cruz High School and Harbor High School both earn A ratings, while private institutions like Gateway School and Kirby School receive A+ ratings. The Mediterranean climate keeps temperatures mild year-round, with summer highs between 65-75°F and winter temperatures from 45-60°F. Commuters can reach San Francisco in approximately 1.5 hours via Highway 17 and 280, though traffic may impact travel times.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to rent a home in Santa Cruz, CA?
The median rent for a home in Santa Cruz, CA is $3,595 per month, though prices vary by neighborhood, size, and property type. As of September 2026, condos tend to be the most affordable option while townhouses and single-family homes are currently more expensive.
How much do you need to make to afford rent in Santa Cruz, CA?
To comfortably afford the median rent in Santa Cruz, CA, a household needs to earn roughly $143,800 per year. This is based on the common guideline that households should spend no more than 30% of gross income on housing. Most landlords require monthly household income of at least 3x the monthly rent, and with a median rent of $3,595 per month in Santa Cruz, CA, renters typically need to show $10,785 per month in gross income to qualify. Actual affordability will vary depending on household debts, other living expenses, and overall budget.
Is it more affordable to rent or buy in Santa Cruz, CA?
In Santa Cruz, CA, the price-to-rent ratio is 32.0, which generally favors renting. This ratio divides the median home price by the annual median rent: below 15 typically favors buying, 15 to 20 is balanced, and above 20 typically favors renting. Your finances, how long you plan to stay, and costs like mortgage rates, taxes, and maintenance all factor into the decision.
What neighborhoods in Santa Cruz, CA are best for renting a home?
The best neighborhood for renting in Santa Cruz, CA depends on your priorities: commute, walkability, budget, and lifestyle all play a role. Popular areas for renting a home include Western Drive-Nobel, Live Oak, Downtown Santa Cruz, Lower Ocean and Banana Belt, each with its own character and price range.

Rental Home Trends

Number of Homes for Rent
76
Median Rent
$3,595
Median Single Family Home Rent
$4,300
Median Townhouse Rent
$3,450
Median Condo Rent
$3,050
How to Rent a Home