What's the average rent in Santa Cruz, CA?

Rental Market Trends in Santa Cruz, CA

SOURCE: TRULIA DATA

Rental market highlights

As of September 2026, the average rent in Santa Cruz, CA is $3,362 per month, which is 71% higher than the national average rent of $1,962 per month.

AVERAGE RENT

$3,362

-4.0%-$138 decrease month-over-month

-6.6%-$238 decrease year-over-year

AVAILABLE RENTALS

297

APARTMENTS

$3,200

HOUSES

$4,595

TOWNHOUSES

$3,875

As of September 2026, apartments are the most affordable rental option in Santa Cruz, CA at $3,200 per month, while houses are the most expensive at $4,595 per month. Townhomes average $3,875 per month, offering a mid-range alternative for renters.

Average rent by number of bedrooms

Floor plan type	Average rent
1 Bedroom	$2,672
2 Bedrooms	$3,600
3 Bedrooms	$5,000
4 Bedrooms	$6,194
All	$3,362

As of September 2026, the average rent for a 1 bedroom rental in Santa Cruz, CA is $2,672 per month, followed by $3,600 for a 2 bedroom rental, $5,000 for a 3 bedroom rental, and $6,194 for a 4 bedroom rental.

Floor plan type	Average rent
1 Bedroom	$3,875
2 Bedrooms	$3,800
3 Bedrooms	$4,995
4 Bedrooms	—
All	$3,875

As of September 2026, the average rent for a 1 bedroom townhome in Santa Cruz, CA is $3,875 per month, followed by $3,800 for a 2 bedroom townhome, and $4,995 for a 3 bedroom townhome.

Floor plan type	Average rent
1 Bedroom	$2,575
2 Bedrooms	$3,500
3 Bedrooms	$4,000
4 Bedrooms	$6,194
All	$3,195

As of September 2026, the average rent for a 1 bedroom apartment in Santa Cruz, CA is $2,575 per month, followed by $3,500 for a 2 bedroom apartment, $4,000 for a 3 bedroom apartment, and $6,194 for a 4 bedroom apartment.

Floor plan type	Average rent
1 Bedroom	$2,500
2 Bedrooms	$4,128
3 Bedrooms	$5,675
4 Bedrooms	$5,800
All	$4,595

As of September 2026, the average rent for a 1 bedroom house in Santa Cruz, CA is $2,500 per month, followed by $4,128 for a 2 bedroom house, $5,675 for a 3 bedroom house, and $5,800 for a 4 bedroom house.