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 November 9, 2025, the average rent in Santa Cruz is $2,636, which is 1.9% 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
$3,102/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.5%
TransitScore® Rating
14/100
Units Available
19 Rentals
Eastside is an affordable neighborhood in Santa Cruz with an average rent price of $3,102. Compare this to the city average of $2,636. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 3.5%. Eastside provides easy access to Arana Gulch, Norman Y Mineta San Jose International, and Kings Plaza Shopping Center. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 79.
Beach Hill
Average Rent
$3,204/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.4%
TransitScore® Rating
47/100
Units Available
12 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Santa Cruz, Beach Hill might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $3,204, while the city’s average stands at $2,636. In the last year, prices have increased by 2.4%. Beach Hill is near Neary Lagoon, Pacific Square, and UC Santa Cruz.
Central Santa Cruz
Average Rent
$3,308/Month
TransitScore® Rating
33/100
Units Available
16 Rentals
Central Santa Cruz is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Central Santa Cruz is $3,308 while the city average is $2,636. Residents enjoy convenient access to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, De Anza College, and DeLaveaga Park. The neighborhood is considered somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 65.
Riverwalk
Average Rent
$3,320/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
4.5%
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 $3,320, compared to the city average of $2,636. Rent prices have increased by 4.5%. Riverwalk is convenient to De Anza College, Arana Gulch, and DeLaveaga Park. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 88.
Downtown Santa Cruz
Average Rent
$3,417/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.7%
TransitScore® Rating
50/100
Units Available
33 Rentals
Downtown Santa Cruz is an affordable neighborhood in Santa Cruz with an average rent price of $3,417. Compare this to the city average of $2,636. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 1.7%. Downtown Santa Cruz provides easy access to Neary Lagoon, River Walk Plaza, and Lighthouse Field State Beach. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 98.
Westside
Average Rent
$3,442/Month
TransitScore® Rating
35/100
Units Available
61 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Santa Cruz, Westside might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $3,442, while the city’s average stands at $2,636. In the last year, prices have decreased by 0%. Westside is near Cabrillo College, Norman Y Mineta San Jose International, and UC Santa Cruz.
Cedar Street Village
Average Rent
$3,462/Month
TransitScore® Rating
50/100
Units Available
30 Rentals
Cedar Street Village is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Cedar Street Village is $3,462 while the city average is $2,636. Residents enjoy convenient access to Norman Y Mineta San Jose International, Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, and Lighthouse Field State Beach. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 99.
Pacific Avenue District
Average Rent
$3,527/Month
TransitScore® Rating
51/100
Units Available
28 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Santa Cruz neighborhood on a budget, check out Pacific Avenue District. The average rent is $3,527, compared to the city average of $2,636. Pacific Avenue District is convenient to West Valley College, Monterey Regional, and Lighthouse Field State Beach. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 99.
Front Street
Average Rent
$3,651/Month
TransitScore® Rating
51/100
Units Available
19 Rentals
Front Street is an affordable neighborhood in Santa Cruz with an average rent price of $3,651. Compare this to the city average of $2,636. Front Street provides easy access to UC Santa Cruz, Norman Y Mineta San Jose International, and Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 99.
Ready to make your move to Santa Cruz? Check out the rent specials, price drops, and great deals on ApartmentFinder.com!
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.