Santa Cruz, CA rental market

What is the average rent in Santa Cruz, CA?

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Last updated November 9, 2026

Rental market summary

The average rent for all bedrooms and all property types in Santa Cruz, CA is $3,295.

Average rent

$3,295

Month-over-monthMoM change

-$169

Year-over-yearYoY change

-$308

Available rentals

261

Source: Zillow Rentals data

Rental price range

The price range for all bedrooms and all property types is $1,000 to $9,939.

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Rent frequencies
Rent priceNumber of rental properties
$9001
$1,0001
$1,1001
$1,2003
$1,3003
$1,4002
$1,5002
$1,6001
$1,7002
$1,8003
$1,90013
$2,00012
$2,1008
$2,20014
$2,3009
$2,40010
$2,5005
$2,60010
$2,70014
$2,80011
$2,90016
$3,00015
$3,1009
$3,20011
$3,30011
$3,4008
$3,50011
$3,6005
$3,7009
$3,8008
$3,90017
$4,00012
$4,1008
$4,2005
$4,3001
$4,4005
$4,5008
$4,6007
$4,7001
$4,8003
$4,9006
$5,000+34

Average rent price over time

In the last year, rent has decreased by $308 compared to the previous year.

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Average rent price over time
Last year (2025)This year (2026)
Jan$3,500$3,600
Feb$3,400$3,509
Mar$3,400$3,500
Apr$3,550$3,400
May$3,750$3,400
Jun$3,500$3,406
Jul$3,600$3,300
Aug$3,699$3,500
Sep$3,500$3,500
Oct$3,599$3,525
Nov$3,540$3,327
Dec$3,500No data

Market temperature

The Santa Cruz, CA rental market temperature is WARM. Market temperature is based on changes in renter demand compared to the national average. For example, a hot market has increasing demand.

warm

Temperature is based on all bedrooms and all property types.

Compare average rent in markets

Rent in Santa Cruz, CA is 65% higher than the national average.

Santa Cruz, CAvs.
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$3,295

$1,995

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Frequently asked questions

1. What is the average rent in Santa Cruz, CA?

The average rent in Santa Cruz, CA is $3,295.

2. What is the average rent for a studio apartment in Santa Cruz, CA?

The average rent for a studio apartment in Santa Cruz, CA is $2,200 per month.

3. What is the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Santa Cruz, CA?

The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Santa Cruz, CA is $2,700 per month.

4. What is the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Santa Cruz, CA?

The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Santa Cruz, CA is $3,500 per month.

5. What is the average rent for a three-bedroom apartment in Santa Cruz, CA?

The average rent for a three-bedroom apartment in Santa Cruz, CA is $4,600 per month.

6. What is the average rent for a four-bedroom apartment in Santa Cruz, CA?

The average rent for a four-bedroom apartment in Santa Cruz, CA is $4,500 per month.

7. How much does it cost to rent a house in Santa Cruz, CA?

Houses in Santa Cruz, CA rent between $1,000 - $9,939 with an average rent of $3,295.

8. How has the rent in Santa Cruz, CA changed in the last year?

In the last year, the rent in Santa Cruz, CA decreased by $308

9. How much has the rent in Santa Cruz, CA increased/decreased in the last month?

In the last month, the rent in Santa Cruz, CA decreased by $169

10. How many available rentals are there in Santa Cruz, CA?

There are currently 261 rentals available in Santa Cruz, CA.

11. How do rent prices in Santa Cruz, CA compare with the national average?

The average rent in Santa Cruz, CA is $3,295 — 65.16% higher the national average of $1,995.

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