Best Affordable Neighborhoods in Santa Cruz, CA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Santa Cruz are Eastside, Beach Hill, 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 March 25, 2026, the average rent in Santa Cruz is $2,693, which is 0.7% 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.
Eastside
Average Rent
$2,975/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.5%
Units Available
19 Rentals
Eastside is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Eastside is $2,975 while the city average is $2,693. This is a 1.5% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, Capitola Mall, and DeLaveaga Park.
Beach Hill
Average Rent
$3,153/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.4%
Units Available
15 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Santa Cruz neighborhood on a budget, check out Beach Hill. The average rent is $3,153, compared to the city average of $2,693. Rent prices have increased by 1.4%. Beach Hill is convenient to Neary Lagoon, Cabrillo College, and Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park.
Central Santa Cruz
Average Rent
$3,375/Month
Units Available
17 Rentals
Central Santa Cruz is an affordable neighborhood in Santa Cruz with an average rent price of $3,375. Compare this to the city average of $2,693. Central Santa Cruz provides easy access to Old Sash Mill, De Anza College, and Cabrillo College.
Downtown Santa Cruz
Average Rent
$3,527/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.6%
Units Available
72 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 $3,527, while the city’s average stands at $2,693. In the last year, prices have increased by 0.6%. Downtown Santa Cruz is near De Anza College, Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park, and Soquel Ocean Center.
Westside
Average Rent
$3,543/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.9%
Units Available
116 Rentals
Westside is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Westside is $3,543 while the city average is $2,693. This is a -3.9% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Felton Fair Shopping Center, and UC Santa Cruz.
Cedar Street Village
Average Rent
$3,667/Month
Units Available
61 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Santa Cruz neighborhood on a budget, check out Cedar Street Village. The average rent is $3,667, compared to the city average of $2,693. Cedar Street Village is convenient to Cabrillo College, UC Santa Cruz, and Monterey Regional.
Pacific Avenue District
Average Rent
$3,687/Month
Units Available
60 Rentals
Pacific Avenue District is an affordable neighborhood in Santa Cruz with an average rent price of $3,687. Compare this to the city average of $2,693. Pacific Avenue District provides easy access to Monterey Regional, Lighthouse Field State Beach, and Cabrillo College.
Riverwalk
Average Rent
$3,718/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
10.8%
Units Available
46 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Santa Cruz, Riverwalk might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $3,718, while the city’s average stands at $2,693. In the last year, prices have increased by 10.8%. Riverwalk is near Arana Gulch, Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, and De Anza College.
Wave Crest
Average Rent
$3,737/Month
Units Available
26 Rentals
Wave Crest is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Wave Crest is $3,737 while the city average is $2,693. Residents enjoy convenient access to De Anza College, West Valley College, and Almar Shopping Center.
Front Street
Average Rent
$3,796/Month
Units Available
48 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Santa Cruz neighborhood on a budget, check out Front Street. The average rent is $3,796, compared to the city average of $2,693. Front Street is convenient to Arana Gulch, Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, and Norman Y Mineta San Jose International.
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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.