Santa Cruz, CA rental market

Choose another area

Last updated August 23, 2025

Rental market summary

The average rent for all bedrooms and all property types in Santa Cruz, CA is $3,600.

Average rent

$3,600

Month-over-month change

-$5

Year-over-year change

-$200

Available rentals

276

Source: Zillow Rentals data

Rental price range

The price range for all bedrooms and all property types is $1,225 to $14,000.

Rent frequencies
Rent priceNumber of rental properties
$1,2001
$1,3001
$1,4003
$1,5004
$1,6006
$1,7005
$1,8002
$1,9005
$2,0004
$2,1006
$2,20010
$2,3008
$2,40010
$2,50017
$2,6008
$2,70011
$2,80017
$2,90010
$3,0009
$3,1006
$3,20014
$3,3009
$3,40021
$3,50016
$3,6009
$3,7006
$3,80015
$3,90019
$4,0008
$4,10011
$4,2004
$4,3006
$4,4008
$4,5007
$4,6004
$4,7003
$4,8002
$4,9006
$5,000+59

Average rent price over time

In the last year, rent has decreased by $200 compared to the previous year.

Average rent price over time
Last year (2024)This year (2025)
Jan$3,500$3,500
Feb$3,395$3,400
Mar$3,500$3,400
Apr$3,450$3,550
May$3,300$3,750
Jun$3,400$3,500
Jul$3,350$3,600
Aug$3,500$3,699
Sep$3,800No data
Oct$3,700No data
Nov$3,550No data
Dec$3,400No data

Market temperature

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

cool

Temperature is based on all bedrooms and all property types.

Compare average rent in markets

Rent in Santa Cruz, CA is 71% higher than the national average.

Santa Cruz, CAvs.

$3,600

$2,100

Rent in Santa Cruz, CA

We created a seamless online experience for you - from shopping on the largest rental network, to applying, to paying rent.

Explore Rentals

Frequently asked questions

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

The average rent in Santa Cruz, CA is $3,600.

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

Houses in Santa Cruz, CA rent between $1,225 - $14,000 with an average rent of $3,600.

3. 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 $200

4. 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 $5

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

There are currently 276 rentals available in Santa Cruz, CA.

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

The average rent in Santa Cruz, CA is $3,600 — 71.43% higher the national average of $2,100.