Best Affordable Neighborhoods in Santa Cruz, CA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Santa Cruz are Riverwalk, 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 December 24, 2025, the average rent in Santa Cruz is $2,644, 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.
Riverwalk
Average Rent
$3,118/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
4.4%
TransitScore® Rating
47/100
Units Available
14 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Santa Cruz neighborhood on a budget, check out Riverwalk. The average rent is $3,118, compared to the city average of $2,644. Rent prices have increased by 4.4%. Riverwalk is convenient to Monterey Regional, Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park, and Cabrillo College. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 88.
Eastside
Average Rent
$3,151/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
4.4%
TransitScore® Rating
14/100
Units Available
17 Rentals
Eastside is an affordable neighborhood in Santa Cruz with an average rent price of $3,151. Compare this to the city average of $2,644. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 4.4%. Eastside provides easy access to Monterey Regional, New Brighton State Beach, and Cabrillo College. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 79.
Central Santa Cruz
Average Rent
$3,333/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 $3,333, while the city’s average stands at $2,644. Central Santa Cruz is near Gateway Plaza, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, and UC Santa Cruz.
Downtown Santa Cruz
Average Rent
$3,342/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
5.4%
TransitScore® Rating
50/100
Units Available
29 Rentals
Downtown Santa Cruz is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Downtown Santa Cruz is $3,342 while the city average is $2,644. This is a 5.4% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to De Anza College, Soquel Ocean Center, and Arana Gulch. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 98.
Beach Hill
Average Rent
$3,353/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.3%
TransitScore® Rating
47/100
Units Available
12 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Santa Cruz neighborhood on a budget, check out Beach Hill. The average rent is $3,353, compared to the city average of $2,644. Rent prices have increased by 1.3%. Beach Hill is convenient to Soquel Ocean Center, De Anza College, and Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 89.
Westside
Average Rent
$3,426/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.1%
TransitScore® Rating
35/100
Units Available
53 Rentals
Westside is an affordable neighborhood in Santa Cruz with an average rent price of $3,426. Compare this to the city average of $2,644. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 1.1%. Westside provides easy access to Scotts Village, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, and UC Santa Cruz. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 78.
Cedar Street Village
Average Rent
$3,460/Month
TransitScore® Rating
50/100
Units Available
23 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 $3,460, while the city’s average stands at $2,644. Cedar Street Village is near Monterey Regional, Lighthouse Field State Beach, and Pacific Square.
Pacific Avenue District
Average Rent
$3,503/Month
TransitScore® Rating
51/100
Units Available
22 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 $3,503 while the city average is $2,644. Residents enjoy convenient access to Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park, Norman Y Mineta San Jose International, and Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 99.
Front Street
Average Rent
$3,554/Month
TransitScore® Rating
51/100
Units Available
12 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Santa Cruz neighborhood on a budget, check out Front Street. The average rent is $3,554, compared to the city average of $2,644. Front Street is convenient to West Valley College, Neary Lagoon, and River Walk Plaza. The community is walkable 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.