Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Santa Cruz, CA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Santa Cruz are Central Santa Cruz, Seabright, and Beach Hill. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Santa Cruz, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of May 3, 2025, the average rent in Santa Cruz is $2,579, which is 2.7% 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.
Central Santa Cruz
Average Rent
$3,242/Month
TransitScore® Rating
33/100
Units Available
20 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Santa Cruz neighborhood on a budget, check out Central Santa Cruz. The average rent is $3,242, compared to the city average of $2,579. Central Santa Cruz is convenient to Water Street Center, Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park, and De Anza College. The community is somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 65.
Seabright
Average Rent
$3,431/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.1%
TransitScore® Rating
39/100
Units Available
9 Rentals
Seabright is an affordable neighborhood in Santa Cruz with an average rent price of $3,431. Compare this to the city average of $2,579. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 1.1%. Seabright provides easy access to Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, Norman Y Mineta San Jose International, and Twin Lakes State Beach. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 87.
Beach Hill
Average Rent
$3,501/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.1%
TransitScore® Rating
47/100
Units Available
13 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 $3,501, while the city’s average stands at $2,579. In the last year, prices have increased by 1.1%. Beach Hill is near Neary Lagoon, Soquel Ocean Center, and De Anza College.
Riverwalk
Average Rent
$3,552/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.8%
TransitScore® Rating
47/100
Units Available
59 Rentals
Riverwalk is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Riverwalk is $3,552 while the city average is $2,579. This is a -1.8% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Hilltop Center, De Anza College, and Monterey Regional. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 88.
Downtown Santa Cruz
Average Rent
$3,585/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
4.1%
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 $3,585, compared to the city average of $2,579. Rent prices have decreased by 4.1%. Downtown Santa Cruz is convenient to Cabrillo College, Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, and Pacific Square. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 98.
Westside
Average Rent
$3,648/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
4.8%
TransitScore® Rating
35/100
Units Available
113 Rentals
Westside is an affordable neighborhood in Santa Cruz with an average rent price of $3,648. Compare this to the city average of $2,579. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 4.8%. Westside provides easy access to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, De Anza College, and Felton Fair Shopping Center. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 78.
Eastside
Average Rent
$3,668/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.3%
TransitScore® Rating
14/100
Units Available
21 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Santa Cruz, Eastside might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $3,668, while the city’s average stands at $2,579. In the last year, prices have increased by 0.3%. Eastside is near Arana Gulch, Capitola Mall, and West Valley College.
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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.