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

Rental Market Trends in Santa Cruz, CA

SOURCE: TRULIA DATA

Rental market highlights

As of July 2026, the average rent in Santa Cruz, CA is $3,479 per month, which is 77% higher than the national average rent of $1,965 per month.

AVERAGE RENT

$3,479

5.7%$189 increase month-over-month

-4.7%-$171 decrease year-over-year

AVAILABLE RENTALS

246

APARTMENTS

$3,229

HOUSES

$4,600

TOWNHOUSES

$4,350

As of July 2026, apartments are the most affordable rental option in Santa Cruz, CA at $3,229 per month, while houses are the most expensive at $4,600 per month. Townhomes average $4,350 per month, offering a mid-range alternative for renters.

Average rent by number of bedrooms

Floor plan type	Average rent
1 Bedroom	$2,752
2 Bedrooms	$3,600
3 Bedrooms	$4,950
4 Bedrooms	$6,150
All	$3,479

As of July 2026, the average rent for a 1 bedroom rental in Santa Cruz, CA is $2,752 per month, followed by $3,600 for a 2 bedroom rental, $4,950 for a 3 bedroom rental, and $6,150 for a 4 bedroom rental.

Floor plan type	Average rent
1 Bedroom	$2,280
2 Bedrooms	$4,000
3 Bedrooms	$4,800
4 Bedrooms	—
All	$4,350

As of July 2026, the average rent for a 1 bedroom townhome in Santa Cruz, CA is $2,280 per month, followed by $4,000 for a 2 bedroom townhome, and $4,800 for a 3 bedroom townhome.

Floor plan type	Average rent
1 Bedroom	$2,675
2 Bedrooms	$3,500
3 Bedrooms	$4,300
4 Bedrooms	$6,200
All	$3,050

As of July 2026, the average rent for a 1 bedroom apartment in Santa Cruz, CA is $2,675 per month, followed by $3,500 for a 2 bedroom apartment, $4,300 for a 3 bedroom apartment, and $6,200 for a 4 bedroom apartment.

Floor plan type	Average rent
1 Bedroom	$1,800
2 Bedrooms	$4,100
3 Bedrooms	$5,145
4 Bedrooms	$5,250
All	$4,600

As of July 2026, the average rent for a 1 bedroom house in Santa Cruz, CA is $1,800 per month, followed by $4,100 for a 2 bedroom house, $5,145 for a 3 bedroom house, and $5,250 for a 4 bedroom house.