Cheapest Neighborhoods in Santa Cruz, CA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Santa Cruz are Central Santa Cruz, Eastside, and Beach Hill. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Santa Cruz, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of August 8, 2026, the average rent in Santa Cruz is $2,749, which is 1.3% higher than last year. However, it's important to remember that rental prices can vary significantly based on factors such as location, amenities, and floor plans.
Central Santa Cruz
Average Rent
$3,228/Month
Units Available
22 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Santa Cruz neighborhood on a budget, check out Central Santa Cruz. The average rent is $3,228, compared to the city average of $2,749. Central Santa Cruz is convenient to Cabrillo College, UC Santa Cruz, and 308 Potrero St.
Eastside
Average Rent
$3,237/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.9%
Units Available
19 Rentals
Eastside is an affordable neighborhood in Santa Cruz with an average rent price of $3,237. Compare this to the city average of $2,749. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 0.9%. Eastside provides easy access to Arana Gulch, Brown Ranch Marketplace, and Capitola Mall.
Beach Hill
Average Rent
$3,412/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.2%
Units Available
16 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Santa Cruz, Beach Hill might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $3,412, while the city’s average stands at $2,749. In the last year, prices have increased by 2.2%. Beach Hill is near Monterey Regional, Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, and UC Santa Cruz.
Westside
Average Rent
$3,638/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.7%
Units Available
103 Rentals
Westside is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Westside is $3,638 while the city average is $2,749. This is a 0.7% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Loch Lomond, West Valley College, and 6225-6231 Ca-9.
Downtown Santa Cruz
Average Rent
$3,698/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2%
Units Available
85 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Santa Cruz neighborhood on a budget, check out Downtown Santa Cruz. The average rent is $3,698, compared to the city average of $2,749. Rent prices have increased by 2%. Downtown Santa Cruz is convenient to De Anza College, Norman Y Mineta San Jose International, and Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History.
Riverwalk
Average Rent
$3,775/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1%
Units Available
61 Rentals
Riverwalk is an affordable neighborhood in Santa Cruz with an average rent price of $3,775. Compare this to the city average of $2,749. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 1%. Riverwalk provides easy access to DeLaveaga Park, De Anza College, and Norman Y Mineta San Jose International.
Cedar Street Village
Average Rent
$3,790/Month
Units Available
66 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Santa Cruz, Cedar Street Village might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $3,790, while the city’s average stands at $2,749. Cedar Street Village is near Lighthouse Field State Beach, UC Santa Cruz, and River Walk Plaza.
Pacific Avenue District
Average Rent
$3,816/Month
Units Available
75 Rentals
Pacific Avenue District is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Pacific Avenue District is $3,816 while the city average is $2,749. Residents enjoy convenient access to Pacific Square, Arana Gulch, and UC Santa Cruz.
Front Street
Average Rent
$3,829/Month
Units Available
64 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Santa Cruz neighborhood on a budget, check out Front Street. The average rent is $3,829, compared to the city average of $2,749. Front Street is convenient to 1121-1125 Pacific Ave, Lighthouse Field State Beach, and Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park.
Beach Hill Historic District
Average Rent
$3,916/Month
Units Available
36 Rentals
Beach Hill Historic District is an affordable neighborhood in Santa Cruz with an average rent price of $3,916. Compare this to the city average of $2,749. Beach Hill Historic District provides easy access to Pacific Square, Lighthouse Field State Beach, and 1121-1125 Pacific Ave.
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Methodology
Transit Score measures access to public transit. Scores range from 0 (minimal transit) to 100 (rider’s paradise). Learn more about the Transit Score methodology. Rental data is sourced from CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As a leading authority in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar performs in-depth research to build and sustain an extensive database of commercial real estate insights.
We've combined this data with public records to provide the most current rental information available.