Cheapest Neighborhoods in Santa Cruz, CA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Santa Cruz are Beach Hill, Eastside, and Central Santa Cruz. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Santa Cruz, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of June 23, 2026, the average rent in Santa Cruz is $2,754, which is 2.3% 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.
Beach Hill
Average Rent
$3,179/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.7%
Units Available
14 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 $3,179, while the city’s average stands at $2,754. In the last year, prices have increased by 3.7%. Beach Hill is near West Valley College, Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park, and Soquel Ocean Center.
Eastside
Average Rent
$3,199/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.8%
Units Available
16 Rentals
Eastside is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Eastside is $3,199 while the city average is $2,754. This is a 0.8% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, Gavilan College, Gilroy, and Cabrillo College.
Central Santa Cruz
Average Rent
$3,220/Month
Units Available
20 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Santa Cruz neighborhood on a budget, check out Central Santa Cruz. The average rent is $3,220, compared to the city average of $2,754. Central Santa Cruz is convenient to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Monterey Regional, and Arana Gulch.
Westside
Average Rent
$3,745/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1%
Units Available
109 Rentals
Westside is an affordable neighborhood in Santa Cruz with an average rent price of $3,745. Compare this to the city average of $2,754. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 1%. Westside provides easy access to Wilder Ranch State Park, Cabrillo College, and Scotts Village.
Downtown Santa Cruz
Average Rent
$3,829/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.9%
Units Available
73 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Santa Cruz, Downtown Santa Cruz might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $3,829, while the city’s average stands at $2,754. In the last year, prices have increased by 3.9%. Downtown Santa Cruz is near Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park, River Walk Plaza, and De Anza College.
Riverwalk
Average Rent
$3,917/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
4.6%
Units Available
61 Rentals
Riverwalk is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Riverwalk is $3,917 while the city average is $2,754. This is a 4.6% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Cabrillo College, Arana Gulch, and Monterey Regional.
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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.