1400 17th Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
$1,760/mo
4.7 mi · Fit 59/100
Fit59Safety55Walk20Study78Afford79
View detailsStudent Housing OS · Santa Cruz, CA
Updated Jun 2026Apartments near University of California-Santa Cruz
146 apartments available·From $1,600/mo·Best area: College Hill·Avg fit 51/100
Featured near campus
101 Peach Ter, Unit BR2, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
$1,650/mo
1.9 mi · Fit 63/100
Fit63Safety76Walk38Study78Afford72
View details120 San Lorenzo Blvd, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
$2,950/mo
1.4 mi · Fit 61/100
Fit61Safety78Walk56Study73Afford55
View details200 Button St, Apt 63, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
$3,305/mo
2.5 mi · Fit 54/100
Fit54Safety71Walk20Study93Afford50
View details144 San Lorenzo Ave, Apt 1, Felton, CA 95018
$2,600/mo
2.9 mi · Fit 52/100
Fit52Safety70Walk20Study68Afford68
View detailsStudent Housing Network
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Live listings near University of California-Santa Cruz(146 showing)
Within ~12 mi of campus · filter, sort, and save listings below
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Showing 1–8 of 141 listings (filtered from 146).
933 Nobel Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
2 bed · 2.5 bath · 1.7 mi from campus · 1,137 sq ft · Single Family
$4,850/mo
~$2,425/person split 2 ways
Student activity
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Fit54Safety70Walk38Study85Afford39
Quiet study environment · Good roommate potential
1320 River St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
2 bed · 2 bath · 1.8 mi from campus · 800 sq ft · Single Family
$4,400/mo
~$2,200/person split 2 ways
Student activity
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Fit50Safety77Walk42Study65Afford44
Grocery nearby · Gym & fitness nearby
1322 River St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
5 bed · 3.5 bath · 1.8 mi from campus · 1,963 sq ft · Single Family
$9,600/mo
~$1,920/person split 5 ways
Student activity
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Fit49Safety67Walk37Study76Afford35
Quiet study environment · Grocery nearby
140 Vernon St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
0 bed · 1 bath · 1.8 mi from campus · 335 sq ft · Apartment
$1,950/mo
Student activity
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Fit62Safety74Walk40Study79Afford68
Quiet study environment · Grocery nearby
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Meder St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
4 bed · 3.5 bath · 1.8 mi from campus · 2,317 sq ft · Single Family
$9,000/mo
~$2,250/person split 4 ways
Student activity
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Fit48Safety69Walk32Study77Afford35
Quiet study environment · Good roommate potential
239 Majors St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
4 bed · 3.5 bath · 1.9 mi from campus · 2,996 sq ft · Single Family
$9,495/mo
~$2,374/person split 4 ways
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Fit53Safety67Walk38Study85Afford35
Quiet study environment · Gym & fitness nearby
218 Highland Ct, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
3 bed · 2 bath · 1.9 mi from campus · 1,655 sq ft · Single Family
$8,000/mo
~$2,667/person split 3 ways
Student activity
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Fit46Safety71Walk35Study67Afford35
Gym & fitness nearby · Strong social scene
306 Sims Rd, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
3 bed · 2 bath · 2.0 mi from campus · 2,000 sq ft · Single Family
$5,500/mo
~$1,833/person split 3 ways
Student activity
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Fit46Safety68Walk36Study68Afford35
Grocery nearby · Strong social scene
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Listing data provided by RentCast. Distances are straight-line miles from campus coordinates (37.0001, -122.0622). Not affiliated with University of California-Santa Cruz.
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Explore Life Near University of California-Santa Cruz
Campus guides, local events, and student deals — after you've picked a place to live.
Housing Near University of California-Santa Cruz: What to Expect
University of California-Santa Cruz enrolls 17,812 students, creating high demand for off-campus housing in Santa Cruz, CA. Most students move off-campus after their first or second year either to save money or gain more independence.
Rent near campus ranges from $2,200/mo for a studio to $3,750/mo for a 2-bedroom — with 3 and 4-bedroom shared units often bringing individual rent down to $1550–$2350/person/mo.
The area is one of the more expensive student housing markets in the country. Planning ahead and securing roommates early is key.
Sample apartment types near University of California-Santa Cruz
These cards are illustrative—names and descriptions are generated from typical student housing near Santa Cruz, CA. Each button searches Apartments.com for real listings near this school (and matches the bedroom count where possible).
Park Station
Best ValueQuiet residential complex with off-street parking, covered bike storage, and a community garden.
$1,981–$2,300/mo
Studio · 1 BA · 0.3 mi from campus
Riverside Crossing
Most PopularWell-maintained mid-rise with 24/7 security, a fitness center, and direct bus access to campus.
$2,314–$2,650/mo
1 BR · 1 BA · 0.5 mi from campus
Pinnacle Place
Full-service building with co-working spaces, a coffee lounge, and a private shuttle.
$3,059–$3,500/mo
2 BR · 1 BA · 0.7 mi from campus
Summit Village
Modern open-plan lofts 2 blocks from the main quad. Pet-friendly, utilities included.
$4,220–$4,850/mo
3 BR · 2 BA · 0.9 mi from campus
Heritage Lofts
Steps from the light rail stop, ideal for students who commute to internships.
$2,337–$2,700/mo
1 BR · 1 BA · 1.1 mi from campus
Grove Commons
New BuildingWell-maintained mid-rise with 24/7 security, a fitness center, and direct bus access to campus.
$3,418–$3,950/mo
2 BR · 2 BA · 1.4 mi from campus
College Lofts
Urban living with walkable access to restaurants, coffee shops, and grocery stores.
$4,281–$4,900/mo
4 BR · 2 BA · 1.6 mi from campus
Best Areas to Live Near University of California-Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Heights
The closest neighborhood to University of California-Santa Cruz's main entrance. Walk to class in minutes — coffee shops and convenience stores line the main strip.
$2,750–$4,650/moFreshmen
College Hill
A lively area with bars, restaurants, and weekend activity. Ideal if you want a social scene steps from your apartment.
$2,600–$4,450/moSocial students
The Loop
Quieter residential streets with single-family homes converted into multi-unit rentals. More space, lower prices, a short bike ride to campus.
$2,000–$3,450/moGraduate students
Near North
Downtown location with walkable access to the transit hub, employers, and city amenities — best for students with internships or part-time jobs.
$2,500–$4,250/moCommuters
Cost of Living Near University of California-Santa Cruz
Rent (1BR)$2,700/mo (1 BR avg)
Food & Groceries~$500/mo (mix of dining hall + groceries)
Transportation~$120/mo (bus pass or bike)
Utilities~$140/mo (as a separate charge if not included)
Estimated Monthly Total~$3,460/mo estimated
Student Housing Tips
Start Early
The best apartments near campus get leased 6–9 months before move-in. If you want August housing, start searching in January–February.
Read the Lease
Check: who pays utilities, guest policies, subletting rules, and what happens if a roommate leaves. Never sign anything you haven't fully read.
Choose Roommates Carefully
Split a 3–4 bedroom and each person's share drops by 30–40%. Use a roommate agreement to align on noise, guests, cleanliness, and bills.
More About University of California-Santa Cruz
FAQ — Apartments Near University of California-Santa Cruz
What is the cheapest housing near University of California-Santa Cruz?
The most affordable option is typically a studio at around $2,200/mo. Sharing a 3–4 bedroom apartment brings individual costs down to roughly $1550–$2350/person.
What are the best student neighborhoods near University of California-Santa Cruz?
Top areas include Santa Cruz Heights, College Hill, The Loop, Near North. Each has its own vibe — some are walkable and social, others are quieter and more affordable.
What is the average rent near University of California-Santa Cruz?
Expect $2,200/mo for a studio, $2,700/mo for a 1BR, and $3,750/mo for a 2BR. Prices vary by proximity to campus and building amenities.
Is it safe to live off-campus near University of California-Santa Cruz?
The neighborhoods immediately around campus tend to be well-lit and student-friendly. Always tour in person, check entry security, and read tenant reviews before signing a lease.
How far are apartments from University of California-Santa Cruz's campus?
Most student apartments are 0.3–1.5 miles away — a 5–20 minute walk. Bus routes allow students to live 2–3 miles away without needing a car.
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