Cheapest Neighborhoods in Santa Cruz, CA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Santa Cruz are Eastside, Central Santa Cruz, and Westside. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Santa Cruz, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of September 21, 2026, the average rent in Santa Cruz is $2,753, which is 0.4% 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
$3,173/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.2%
Units Available
12 Rentals
Eastside is an affordable neighborhood in Santa Cruz with an average rent price of $3,173. Compare this to the city average of $2,753. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 0.2%. Eastside provides easy access to Cabrillo College, Kings Plaza Shopping Center, and New Brighton State Beach.
Central Santa Cruz
Average Rent
$3,331/Month
Units Available
17 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Santa Cruz, Central Santa Cruz might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $3,331, while the city’s average stands at $2,753. Central Santa Cruz is near UC Santa Cruz, Cabrillo College, and De Anza College.
Westside
Average Rent
$3,516/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.3%
Units Available
107 Rentals
Westside is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Westside is $3,516 while the city average is $2,753. This is a -0.3% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to De Anza College, Loch Lomond, and UC Santa Cruz.
Beach Hill
Average Rent
$3,592/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.3%
Units Available
18 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Santa Cruz neighborhood on a budget, check out Beach Hill. The average rent is $3,592, compared to the city average of $2,753. Rent prices have increased by 2.3%. Beach Hill is convenient to Neary Lagoon, Twin Lakes State Beach, and Monterey Regional.
Downtown Santa Cruz
Average Rent
$3,632/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.3%
Units Available
84 Rentals
Downtown Santa Cruz is an affordable neighborhood in Santa Cruz with an average rent price of $3,632. Compare this to the city average of $2,753. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 0.3%. Downtown Santa Cruz provides easy access to Monterey Regional, West Valley College, and Arana Gulch.
Riverwalk
Average Rent
$3,651/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.7%
Units Available
60 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 $3,651, while the city’s average stands at $2,753. In the last year, prices have decreased by 1.7%. Riverwalk is near De Anza College, Norman Y Mineta San Jose International, and Arana Gulch.
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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.