Best Affordable Neighborhoods in Santa Cruz, CA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Santa Cruz are Beach Hill, 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 February 8, 2026, the average rent in Santa Cruz is $2,709, which is 1.5% 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
$2,933/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.6%
TransitScore® Rating
47/100
Units Available
23 Rentals
Beach Hill is an affordable neighborhood in Santa Cruz with an average rent price of $2,933. Compare this to the city average of $2,709. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 0.6%. Beach Hill provides easy access to Monterey Regional, Lighthouse Field State Beach, and Twin Lakes State Beach. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 89.
Central Santa Cruz
Average Rent
$3,328/Month
TransitScore® Rating
33/100
Units Available
19 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 $3,328, while the city’s average stands at $2,709. Central Santa Cruz is near UC Santa Cruz, DeLaveaga Park, and Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park.
Westside
Average Rent
$3,457/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.3%
TransitScore® Rating
35/100
Units Available
97 Rentals
Westside is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Westside is $3,457 while the city average is $2,709. This is a -0.3% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to UC Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley Square Shopping Center, and De Anza College. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 78.
Downtown Santa Cruz
Average Rent
$3,483/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.3%
TransitScore® Rating
50/100
Units Available
72 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Santa Cruz neighborhood on a budget, check out Downtown Santa Cruz. The average rent is $3,483, compared to the city average of $2,709. Rent prices have decreased by 1.3%. Downtown Santa Cruz is convenient to De Anza College, UC Santa Cruz, and River Walk Plaza. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 98.
Eastside
Average Rent
$3,536/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.3%
TransitScore® Rating
14/100
Units Available
12 Rentals
Eastside is an affordable neighborhood in Santa Cruz with an average rent price of $3,536. Compare this to the city average of $2,709. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 1.3%. Eastside provides easy access to Cabrillo College, Capitola Mall, and Norman Y Mineta San Jose International. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 79.
Cedar Street Village
Average Rent
$3,595/Month
TransitScore® Rating
50/100
Units Available
62 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 $3,595, while the city’s average stands at $2,709. Cedar Street Village is near Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, De Anza College, and River Walk Plaza.
Pacific Avenue District
Average Rent
$3,613/Month
TransitScore® Rating
51/100
Units Available
61 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 $3,613 while the city average is $2,709. Residents enjoy convenient access to River Walk Plaza, West Valley College, and Pacific Square. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 99.
Riverwalk
Average Rent
$3,642/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
11.6%
TransitScore® Rating
47/100
Units Available
49 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Santa Cruz neighborhood on a budget, check out Riverwalk. The average rent is $3,642, compared to the city average of $2,709. Rent prices have increased by 11.6%. Riverwalk is convenient to Water Street Center, Monterey Regional, and Neary Lagoon. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 88.
Front Street
Average Rent
$3,803/Month
TransitScore® Rating
51/100
Units Available
46 Rentals
Front Street is an affordable neighborhood in Santa Cruz with an average rent price of $3,803. Compare this to the city average of $2,709. Front Street provides easy access to River Walk Plaza, Arana Gulch, and Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History. 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.