Rentometer, Inc. | Data as of 10/23/2025
Santa Cruz County’s rental market blends coastal charm with a vibrant college town atmosphere, offering a diverse array of housing options for renters seeking everything from breezy studio apartments near the historic downtown boardwalk to spacious family homes nestled among the iconic redwood groves. Apartments dominate the market, with studio and one‑bedroom units typically found in the $2,200‑$2,300 range, while two‑bedroom rentals trend toward the $3,200‑$3,300 bracket. Larger three‑ and four‑plus bedroom apartments command premium rates in the $4,500‑$5,000 spectrum, reflecting the county’s high demand for upscale living spaces near popular attractions such as Natural Bridges State Beach and the University of California, Santa Cruz campus.
For those preferring standalone residences, houses deliver strong value across size categories. Studio and one‑bedroom homes generally sit in the $1,800‑$3,000 range, whereas two‑bedroom houses are commonly priced around $3,700‑$3,800. Larger families can expect three‑bedroom homes in the $5,000‑$5,300 range and premium four‑plus bedroom properties in the $7,000‑$7,300 bracket. Neighborhoods like Seabright, Pacific Garden, and the scenic hills of Pasarel Heights provide a mix of modern amenities and natural beauty, making Santa Cruz County a desirable destination for renters seeking an active lifestyle, outdoor recreation, and a strong sense of community.
| Property Type | Bedrooms | Average | Median | Min - Max | 25th - 75th |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apartment | Studio | $2,186 | $2,100 | $975 - $5,240 | $1,995 - $2,395 |
| Apartment | 1 Bedroom | $2,296 | $2,447 | $642 - $4,470 | $1,650 - $2,900 |
| Apartment | 2 Bedroom | $3,187 | $3,101 | $870 - $6,175 | $2,600 - $3,656 |
| Apartment | 3 Bedroom | $4,744 | $4,500 | $1,800 - $10,000 | $3,750 - $5,500 |
| House | Studio | $1,662 | $1,525 | $1,350 - $2,249 | $1,500 - $2,249 |
| House | 1 Bedroom | $3,114 | $2,947 | $1,100 - $6,950 | $2,500 - $3,345 |
| House | 2 Bedroom | $3,853 | $3,749 | $860 - $8,500 | $3,250 - $4,300 |
| House | 3 Bedroom | $5,546 | $5,200 | $2,655 - $13,948 | $4,500 - $5,800 |
| House | 4+ Bedroom | $7,299 | $7,150 | $4,000 - $12,950 | $5,700 - $8,500 |
In the current period, the average rent in Santa Cruz was $2,070 for Studio, $2,428 for 1 Bedroom, $3,549 for 2 Bedroom, $5,407 for 3 Bedroom, and $6,678 for 4+ Bedroom.
Data provided by Rentometer, Inc.