Landlord Resources
How to Get a Loan for a Rental Property
Rental property loans differ from traditional mortgages, needing larger down payments, higher interest rates, and reserves, often disregarding projected rental income.
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What to Know About
Life in Santa Cruz & Beyond
Santa Cruz shares many of the great qualities that make California a desirable place to live.
California is the most populous state in the United States and is home to some of the world's most iconic cities, such as Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco. It's known for its thriving economy and diverse landscapes, including beaches, deserts, and mountains. Immerse yourself in the state's history and traditions by visiting museums like the California Science Center and the Getty Center or attending worldwide renowned universities like Stanford University and the University of California, Berkeley.
There are also many outdoor recreation opportunities in the state, such as skiing in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, surfing along the Pacific Coast, and hiking in Yosemite National Park. There's something for everyone. Sports fans can enjoy cheering on the San Francisco 49ers (NFL), Los Angeles Kings (NHL), Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB), San Francisco Giants (MLB), Los Angeles Lakers (NBA), or Golden State Warriors (NBA). Also, check out famous attractions like the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Disneyland, Hollywood, the historic city of San Francisco, and the mecca of Los Angeles.
With its warm and inviting climate, thriving economy, and high quality of life, Embrace the Golden State and discover why California is a great place to live.
Rental Market Trends
Santa Cruz, CA
As of June 2026, Santa Cruz's rental market is competitive, with strong renter demand causing quick leasing times for well-priced units. Santa Cruz's average rent is 34.7% ($955) higher than the California average of $2,756 and 106.5% ($1,914) higher than the U.S. average of $1,797.
Average Rent
$3,711
Monthly ChangeMonth Over Month Change
12.2% ($404)
Yearly ChangeYear Over Year Change
2.6% ($99)
Avg. Days on MarketAverage Days on Market
36
| Unit Type | Average Rent | Monthly ChangeMonth Over Month Change | Yearly ChangeYear Over Year Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bed | $2,920 | 0.9% ($26) | 4.9% ($151) |
| 2 Beds | $4,001 | 12.9% ($458) | 6.6% ($248) |
| 3 Beds | $5,103 | 3.2% ($159) | 16.3% ($716) |
| Nearby Cities | Average Rent | Avg. Rent vs. Santa CruzAverage Rent vs. Santa Cruz | Avg. Days on MarketAverage Days on Market |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capitola | $3,094 | 16.6% ($617) | 32 days |
| Ben Lomond | $2,762 | 25.6% ($949) | 30 days |
| Aptos | $3,664 | 1.3% ($47) | 32 days |
| Boulder Creek | $2,346 | 36.8% ($1365) | 34 days |
| Los Gatos | $3,439 | 7.3% ($272) | 23 days |
Rental market trends are calculated using listing data from RentalSource.
Frequently Asked Questions
Santa Cruz Rental Market FAQs
Explore rental prices, market trends, and availability in Santa Cruz, CA.
The average rent in Santa Cruz, CA is $3,711 per month.
Homes in Santa Cruz typically rent for between $2,044 and $6,634 per month, with an average of $3,711 per month.
In Santa Cruz, the average rent for a 1-bedroom home is $2,920 per month, for a 2-bedroom home, $4,001 per month, and a 3-bedroom home is $5,103 per month.
The average rent in Santa Cruz is 106.5% ($1,914) higher than the national average of $1,797 per month.
The average rent in Santa Cruz has increased by 12.2% ($404) in the last month and decreased by 2.6% ($99) over the past year.
The rental market in Santa Cruz, CA, is currently competitive, with strong renter demand causing quick leasing times for well-priced units.
In Santa Cruz, CA, the average rental stays on the market for approximately 36 days. While most properties are rented within this timeframe, factors like seasonality, demand, and property type can affect how quickly a rental leases.
There are currently 38 rental properties available in Santa Cruz, CA.
Based on the current averages, a household would need an annual income of $160,040 to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom home in Santa Cruz.
