Rent in Santa Cruz, CA
Across Santa Cruz's 6 ZIP codes, a 2-bedroom typically rents for about $2,776 a month, with figures from $2,064–$4,254. The highest typical rent is in 95063 ($4,254) and the lowest in 95064 ($2,064). 4 ZIPs have ZIP-level figures from HUD or Census; the other 2 use the county Fair Market Rent. Owner-occupied homes in Santa Cruz County pay about 0.64% of their value a year in property tax, and the 30-year fixed mortgage rate averaged 7.32% in the week of Oct 22, 2026.
Rent by bedrooms
| Size | Typical | Range across ZIPs | ZIPs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $2,484 | $748–$3,230 | 6 |
| 1 bed | $2,924 | $1,791–$3,390 | 6 |
| 2 beds | $2,776 | $2,064–$4,254 | 6 |
| 3 beds | $4,465 | $2,833–$5,531 | 6 |
| 4 beds | $3,286 | $1,383–$5,748 | 6 |
Typical = median of each ZIP's best guess. Gross rent (rent plus tenant-paid utilities). Sources: Census ACS 5-year median gross rent (Dec 31, 2024) and HUD county Fair Market Rents (Oct 1, 2026).
Santa Cruz ZIP codes
2 bedsFrequently asked questions
- What is the average rent for a 2-bedroom in Santa Cruz, CA?
- About $2,776 a month: the median of the typical rents in 6 ZIP codes, which range from $2,064–$4,254. Figures are gross rent (rent plus tenant-paid utilities).
- What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom in Santa Cruz, CA?
- About $2,924 a month: the median of the typical rents in 6 ZIP codes, which range from $1,791–$3,390. Figures are gross rent (rent plus tenant-paid utilities).
- What is the average rent for a 3-bedroom in Santa Cruz, CA?
- About $4,465 a month: the median of the typical rents in 6 ZIP codes, which range from $2,833–$5,531. Figures are gross rent (rent plus tenant-paid utilities).
- What is the average rent for a studio in Santa Cruz, CA?
- About $2,484 a month: the median of the typical rents in 6 ZIP codes, which range from $748–$3,230. Figures are gross rent (rent plus tenant-paid utilities).
- What is the average rent for a 4-bedroom in Santa Cruz, CA?
- About $3,286 a month: the median of the typical rents in 6 ZIP codes, which range from $1,383–$5,748. Figures are gross rent (rent plus tenant-paid utilities).
- Which Santa Cruz ZIP code has the highest rent?
- For a 2-bedroom, 95063 has the highest typical rent at $4,254 a month, and 95064 the lowest at $2,064.
- What is the property tax rate in Santa Cruz, CA?
- Owner-occupied homes in Santa Cruz County pay a typical 0.64% of their value a year (Census ACS, median taxes paid ÷ median home value, Dec 31, 2024). Investors often pay more after a purchase: the home is reassessed at the sale price and there is no homestead exemption.
- What is the current 30-year mortgage rate?
- The 30-year fixed rate averaged 7.32% in the week of Oct 22, 2026 (Freddie Mac PMMS via FRED). It's a national average for owner-occupied loans; investment property loans usually cost more.
- Where do these Santa Cruz rent figures come from?
- Census ACS 5-year median gross rent (Dec 31, 2024) and HUD county Fair Market Rents (Oct 1, 2026).