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Studio Apartments for Rent in Santa Cruz, CA

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  • /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
  • /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
  • /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
  • /24

    Starting at $2,657

    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
  • /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
  • /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
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    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
  • /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
  • /9

    $2,295 Per Month

    • Studio
    • 1 Bath
    • Condo for Rent

    946 N Branciforte Ave Unit B, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

    Charming studio with pergo floors, kitchenette, storage area/laundry room with washer/dryer and a great, private back yard with a separate entrance. Great location, near shopping, restaraunts & entertainment! Close to Downtown Santa Cruz & Seabright. DO NOT WALK THE PROPERTY OR DISTURB THE TENANT IN THE FRONT HOUSE. Application fee of $45.00 per person due with application package. Security

    946 N Branciforte Ave Unit B, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

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.

Rental Home Trends

Number of Homes for Rent
11
Median Rent
$3,595
Median Single Family Home Rent
$4,500
Median Townhouse Rent
$3,500
Median Condo Rent
$3,050
How to Rent a Home