Santa Cruz, California has 19 affordable housing communities in our directory — 5 accepting waitlist applications. These are income-restricted rentals (typically 30%–60% of Area Median Income (AMI)), ranging from studio to 4-bedroom homes, from 4 developers and property managers. Listings are kept current from public records and the property managers themselves.
Filter by income level, location, bedroom size, and availability.
🧮Check your income eligibility — see which listings you likely qualify for
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View 2026 reference income limits
2026 reference limits — Santa Cruz County, projects placed in service on or after May 1, 2026. Older projects can have different limits. Official income-limit tables
How many affordable housing options are there in Santa Cruz?
Our directory tracks 19 affordable housing communities in Santa Cruz, California — 0 open now and 5 with open waitlists. The list is updated continuously from public LIHTC/TCAC records and the property managers.
What income do I need to qualify for affordable housing in Santa Cruz?
Most units in Santa Cruz are reserved for households earning 30%–60% of Area Median Income (AMI), which varies by household size and county. Use our free eligibility calculator to see exactly which income tiers you qualify for.
Do affordable apartments in Santa Cruz accept Section 8 or Housing Choice Vouchers?
18 of the 19 communities in Santa Cruz indicate they accept Housing Choice Vouchers. Voucher policy can change, so confirm directly with each property.
How do I apply for affordable housing in Santa Cruz?
Browse the listings below, check your eligibility with our calculator, then apply directly with each property. Create a free account to track your applications and get matched to new listings automatically.
