Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Santa Cruz, CA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Santa Cruz are Beach Hill, Eastside, 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 August 4, 2025, the average rent in Santa Cruz is $2,597, which is 0.6% 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
$3,038/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.2%
TransitScore® Rating
47/100
Units Available
10 Rentals
Beach Hill is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Beach Hill is $3,038 while the city average is $2,597. This is a -2.2% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Twin Lakes State Beach, Cabrillo College, and Neary Lagoon. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 89.
Eastside
Average Rent
$3,093/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2%
TransitScore® Rating
14/100
Units Available
22 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Santa Cruz neighborhood on a budget, check out Eastside. The average rent is $3,093, compared to the city average of $2,597. Rent prices have increased by 2%. Eastside is convenient to Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, Twin Lakes State Beach, and UC Santa Cruz. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 79.
Central Santa Cruz
Average Rent
$3,278/Month
TransitScore® Rating
33/100
Units Available
18 Rentals
Central Santa Cruz is an affordable neighborhood in Santa Cruz with an average rent price of $3,278. Compare this to the city average of $2,597. Central Santa Cruz provides easy access to DeLaveaga Park, West Valley College, and Norman Y Mineta San Jose International. It’s a somewhat walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 65.
Westside
Average Rent
$3,467/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.8%
TransitScore® Rating
35/100
Units Available
62 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 $3,467, while the city’s average stands at $2,597. In the last year, prices have decreased by 2.8%. Westside is near West Valley College, Wilder Ranch State Park, and UC Santa Cruz.
Riverwalk
Average Rent
$3,566/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.8%
TransitScore® Rating
47/100
Units Available
32 Rentals
Riverwalk is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Riverwalk is $3,566 while the city average is $2,597. This is a 0.8% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to West Valley College, UC Santa Cruz, and Arana Gulch. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 88.
Downtown Santa Cruz
Average Rent
$3,575/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.2%
TransitScore® Rating
50/100
Units Available
36 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Santa Cruz neighborhood on a budget, check out Downtown Santa Cruz. The average rent is $3,575, compared to the city average of $2,597. Rent prices have increased by 3.2%. Downtown Santa Cruz is convenient to De Anza College, Lighthouse Field State Beach, and West Valley College. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 98.
Beach Hill Historic District
Average Rent
$3,622/Month
TransitScore® Rating
47/100
Units Available
22 Rentals
Beach Hill Historic District is an affordable neighborhood in Santa Cruz with an average rent price of $3,622. Compare this to the city average of $2,597. Beach Hill Historic District provides easy access to Soquel Ocean Center, Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, and Twin Lakes State Beach. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 90.
Cedar Street Village
Average Rent
$3,636/Month
TransitScore® Rating
50/100
Units Available
33 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 $3,636, while the city’s average stands at $2,597. Cedar Street Village is near UC Santa Cruz, River Walk Plaza, and Soquel Ocean Center.
Pacific Avenue District
Average Rent
$3,670/Month
TransitScore® Rating
51/100
Units Available
32 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 $3,670 while the city average is $2,597. Residents enjoy convenient access to De Anza College, River Walk Plaza, and Pacific Square. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 99.
Front Street
Average Rent
$3,811/Month
TransitScore® Rating
51/100
Units Available
25 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Santa Cruz neighborhood on a budget, check out Front Street. The average rent is $3,811, compared to the city average of $2,597. Front Street is convenient to Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park, Lighthouse Field State Beach, and Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History. The community is walkable 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.