Santa Cruz, CA Rent History
123 months of data, 2016–2026. Source: ZORI (Zillow Observed Rent Index, smoothed seasonally adjusted).
Today (2026-06)
$3,649
1-year change
+8.4%
$282/mo
5-year change
+28.8%
$817/mo
10-year change
+62.1%
$1,398/mo
Monthly rent trend
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Year-by-year rent in Santa Cruz
| Year | Median rent | YoY change | vs 2016 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $2,160/mo | — | 0.0% |
| 2017 | $2,286/mo | +5.8% | +5.8% |
| 2018 | $2,544/mo | +11.3% | +17.8% |
| 2019 | $2,595/mo | +2.0% | +20.1% |
| 2020 | $2,658/mo | +2.4% | +23.1% |
| 2021 | $2,793/mo | +5.1% | +29.3% |
| 2022 | $3,148/mo | +12.7% | +45.7% |
| 2023 | $3,360/mo | +6.7% | +55.6% |
| 2024 | $3,463/mo | +3.1% | +60.3% |
| 2025 | $3,370/mo | -2.7% | +56.0% |
| 2026 | $3,585/mo | +6.4% | +66.0% |
Frequently asked questions
How much has rent in Santa Cruz changed since 2016?
Median rent in Santa Cruz, CA was $2,158 in 2016-03 and is $3,649 as of 2026-06 — a change of $1,491 per month over 10 years.
How much has Santa Cruz rent increased in the last 5 years?
Over the past 5 years, median rent in Santa Cruz, CA has changed +28.8% ($817 per month). The current median is $3,649.
What has rent in Santa Cruz done over the past decade?
Over the past 10 years, median rent in Santa Cruz, CA has changed +62.1% ($1,398 per month). It is now $3,649.
Is rent in Santa Cruz going up or down year over year?
Year over year, median rent in Santa Cruz, CA has increased +8.4% ($282/mo). Current median: $3,649.