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.
As of November 2026, Santa Cruz's rental market is tenant-friendly, with rentals spending about 39 days on the market, slower than in California (25), and rents down 5.5% over the past year. Santa Cruz's average rent is 22.4% ($633) higher than the California average of $2,826 and 69.9% ($1,423) higher than the U.S. average of $2,036.
| Unit Type | Average Rent | Monthly ChangeMonth Over Month Change | Yearly ChangeYear Over Year Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bed | $2,376 | 1.09% ($26) | 6.4% ($164) |
| 2 Beds | $3,474 | 1.01% ($35) | 2.9% ($105) |
| 3 Beds | $4,682 | 0.67% ($32) | 4.8% ($233) |
| Nearby Cities | Average Rent | Avg. Rent vs. Santa CruzAverage Rent vs. Santa Cruz | Days on Market |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scotts Valley | $3,879 | 12.1% ($420) | 31 days |
| Capitola | $3,501 | 1.2% ($42) | 32 days |
| Felton | $3,294 | 4.8% ($165) | 33 days |
| Soquel | $3,734 | 8.0% ($275) | 32 days |
| Ben Lomond | $3,196 | 7.6% ($263) | 32 days |
Explore rental prices, market conditions, and affordability in Santa Cruz, CA.
Explore recent posts on our blog, curated for renters, landlords, and industry pros.
