Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Santa Cruz, CA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Santa Cruz are The Glenwood, Central Santa Cruz, and Eastside. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Santa Cruz, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of June 17, 2025, the average rent in Santa Cruz is $2,554, which is 3.8% 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.
The Glenwood
Average Rent
$2,944/Month
TransitScore® Rating
46/100
Units Available
13 Rentals
The Glenwood is an affordable neighborhood in Santa Cruz with an average rent price of $2,944. Compare this to the city average of $2,554. The Glenwood provides easy access to Hilltop Center, West Valley College, and De Anza College. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 87.
Central Santa Cruz
Average Rent
$3,111/Month
TransitScore® Rating
33/100
Units Available
23 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 $3,111, while the city’s average stands at $2,554. Central Santa Cruz is near Gateway Plaza, Norman Y Mineta San Jose International, and Cabrillo College.
Eastside
Average Rent
$3,405/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1%
TransitScore® Rating
14/100
Units Available
30 Rentals
Eastside is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Eastside is $3,405 while the city average is $2,554. This is a 1% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Twin Lakes State Beach, New Brighton State Beach, and Capitola Mall. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 79.
Riverwalk
Average Rent
$3,421/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.6%
TransitScore® Rating
47/100
Units Available
41 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Santa Cruz neighborhood on a budget, check out Riverwalk. The average rent is $3,421, compared to the city average of $2,554. Rent prices have decreased by 2.6%. Riverwalk is convenient to Water Street Center, Cabrillo College, and Soquel Ocean Center. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 88.
Westside
Average Rent
$3,542/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
8.9%
TransitScore® Rating
35/100
Units Available
90 Rentals
Westside is an affordable neighborhood in Santa Cruz with an average rent price of $3,542. Compare this to the city average of $2,554. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 8.9%. Westside provides easy access to West Valley College, Felton Fair Shopping Center, and UCSC Arboretum. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 78.
Downtown Santa Cruz
Average Rent
$3,624/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
4.1%
TransitScore® Rating
50/100
Units Available
41 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Santa Cruz, Downtown Santa Cruz might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $3,624, while the city’s average stands at $2,554. In the last year, prices have decreased by 4.1%. Downtown Santa Cruz is near Norman Y Mineta San Jose International, River Walk Plaza, and Soquel Ocean Center.
Wave Crest
Average Rent
$3,680/Month
Units Available
26 Rentals
Wave Crest is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Wave Crest is $3,680 while the city average is $2,554. Residents enjoy convenient access to UC Santa Cruz, Lighthouse Field State Beach, and De Anza College.
Front Street
Average Rent
$3,703/Month
TransitScore® Rating
51/100
Units Available
31 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Santa Cruz neighborhood on a budget, check out Front Street. The average rent is $3,703, compared to the city average of $2,554. Front Street is convenient to Cabrillo College, Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, and Arana Gulch. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 99.
Pacific Avenue District
Average Rent
$3,711/Month
TransitScore® Rating
51/100
Units Available
37 Rentals
Pacific Avenue District is an affordable neighborhood in Santa Cruz with an average rent price of $3,711. Compare this to the city average of $2,554. Pacific Avenue District provides easy access to Monterey Regional, West Valley College, and River Walk Plaza. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 99.
Cedar Street Village
Average Rent
$3,711/Month
TransitScore® Rating
50/100
Units Available
37 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 $3,711, while the city’s average stands at $2,554. Cedar Street Village is near Neary Lagoon, River Walk Plaza, and De Anza College.
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.