Most 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 September 24, 2025, the average rent in Santa Cruz is $2,577, which is 0.5% lower 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
$3,032/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.8%
TransitScore® Rating
14/100
Units Available
25 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Santa Cruz neighborhood on a budget, check out Eastside. The average rent is $3,032, compared to the city average of $2,577. Rent prices have increased by 1.8%. Eastside is convenient to Arana Gulch, Gavilan College, Gilroy, and Norman Y Mineta San Jose International. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 79.
Beach Hill
Average Rent
$3,365/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.3%
TransitScore® Rating
47/100
Units Available
15 Rentals
Beach Hill is an affordable neighborhood in Santa Cruz with an average rent price of $3,365. Compare this to the city average of $2,577. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 0.3%. Beach Hill provides easy access to Monterey Regional, Cabrillo College, and Twin Lakes State Beach. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 89.
Central Santa Cruz
Average Rent
$3,404/Month
TransitScore® Rating
33/100
Units Available
13 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 $3,404, while the city’s average stands at $2,577. Central Santa Cruz is near Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park, Monterey Regional, and Cabrillo College.
Westside
Average Rent
$3,413/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
7.1%
TransitScore® Rating
35/100
Units Available
63 Rentals
Westside is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Westside is $3,413 while the city average is $2,577. This is a -7.1% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to West Valley College, UC Santa Cruz, and Scotts Village. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 78.
Riverwalk
Average Rent
$3,489/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.1%
TransitScore® Rating
47/100
Units Available
23 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Santa Cruz neighborhood on a budget, check out Riverwalk. The average rent is $3,489, compared to the city average of $2,577. Rent prices have decreased by 0.1%. Riverwalk is convenient to Soquel Ocean Center, Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, and DeLaveaga Park. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 88.
Downtown Santa Cruz
Average Rent
$3,540/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
4.7%
TransitScore® Rating
50/100
Units Available
35 Rentals
Downtown Santa Cruz is an affordable neighborhood in Santa Cruz with an average rent price of $3,540. Compare this to the city average of $2,577. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 4.7%. Downtown Santa Cruz provides easy access to Soquel Ocean Center, Arana Gulch, and Cabrillo College. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 98.
Cedar Street Village
Average Rent
$3,590/Month
TransitScore® Rating
50/100
Units Available
32 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 $3,590, while the city’s average stands at $2,577. Cedar Street Village is near De Anza College, Pacific Square, and Neary Lagoon.
Pacific Avenue District
Average Rent
$3,698/Month
TransitScore® Rating
51/100
Units Available
29 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 $3,698 while the city average is $2,577. Residents enjoy convenient access to Monterey Regional, Pacific Square, and Soquel Ocean Center. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 99.
Beach Hill Historic District
Average Rent
$3,700/Month
TransitScore® Rating
47/100
Units Available
21 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Santa Cruz neighborhood on a budget, check out Beach Hill Historic District. The average rent is $3,700, compared to the city average of $2,577. Beach Hill Historic District is convenient to River Walk Plaza, Monterey Regional, and Pacific Square. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 90.
Front Street
Average Rent
$3,859/Month
TransitScore® Rating
51/100
Units Available
17 Rentals
Front Street is an affordable neighborhood in Santa Cruz with an average rent price of $3,859. Compare this to the city average of $2,577. Front Street provides easy access to West Valley College, De Anza College, and Monterey Regional. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 99.
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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.