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 May 9, 2026, the average rent in Santa Cruz is $2,711, which is 0.8% 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
$3,019/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.8%
Units Available
20 Rentals
Eastside is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Eastside is $3,019 while the city average is $2,711. This is a 1.8% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, Kings Plaza Shopping Center, and DeLaveaga Park.
Beach Hill
Average Rent
$3,078/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.6%
Units Available
16 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Santa Cruz neighborhood on a budget, check out Beach Hill. The average rent is $3,078, compared to the city average of $2,711. Rent prices have increased by 3.6%. Beach Hill is convenient to Norman Y Mineta San Jose International, De Anza College, and Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History.
Central Santa Cruz
Average Rent
$3,269/Month
Units Available
30 Rentals
Central Santa Cruz is an affordable neighborhood in Santa Cruz with an average rent price of $3,269. Compare this to the city average of $2,711. Central Santa Cruz provides easy access to UCSC Arboretum, Norman Y Mineta San Jose International, and Monterey Regional.
Westside
Average Rent
$3,744/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.5%
Units Available
119 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 $3,744, while the city’s average stands at $2,711. In the last year, prices have decreased by 0.5%. Westside is near UC Santa Cruz, UCSC Arboretum, and Scotts Valley Square Shopping Center.
Downtown Santa Cruz
Average Rent
$3,785/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.1%
Units Available
84 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 $3,785 while the city average is $2,711. This is a 1.1% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to De Anza College, UC Santa Cruz, and Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park.
Riverwalk
Average Rent
$3,801/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.1%
Units Available
70 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Santa Cruz neighborhood on a budget, check out Riverwalk. The average rent is $3,801, compared to the city average of $2,711. Rent prices have increased by 3.1%. Riverwalk is convenient to Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park, River Walk Plaza, 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.