Average Rent in Santa Cruz County, AZ↓ Rents falling 7.8% YoY🔻 2nd cheapest in AZ
HUD FY2027 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 48,209
Market Overview
Santa Cruz County, AZ has rental prices ranging from $725/month to $1,485/month in 2027, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $796/month — 43% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $53,614/year, spending $796/month on a 1-bedroom represents 18% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.
How Santa Cruz County Compares
With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,041/month, Santa Cruz County ranks #14 most expensive of the 15 cities tracked in Arizona — pricier than 54% of all US cities in our data.
The Santa Cruz County Rental Market
The Santa Cruz County, AZ area has a population of about 48,209 and 32% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.
Rent Trends
2-bedroom rents in Santa Cruz County, AZ have fallen by $88/month (7.8%) over the past year, from $1,129 to $1,041. This slight decline is consistent with broader market corrections seen across US rental markets.
Affordability
To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Santa Cruz County, AZ without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $31,840. The local median household income of $53,614 exceeds that threshold by $21,774, making Santa Cruz County relatively accessible compared to local wages.
Economy & Jobs
Santa Cruz County, AZ has an unemployment rate of 8.7%, 4.8 percentage points above the national average of 3.9%. A higher unemployment rate can moderate rental demand over time, which may help keep rent growth in check compared to tighter job markets.
Fair Market Rents
HUD FY2027Is Santa Cruz County, AZ Affordable?
Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.
Affordability Index(30% income rule)
Nearby Cities in AZlargest metros in the state
| City | Studio | 1BR | 2BR | 3BR | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix | $1,390 | $1,493 | $1,734 | $2,287 | — |
| Tucson | $978 | $1,092 | $1,405 | $1,946 | — |
| Prescott Valley | $1,079 | $1,242 | $1,550 | $2,146 | — |
| Prescott | $733 | $894 | $1,103 | $1,537 | — |
| Lake Havasu City | $953 | $959 | $1,229 | $1,708 | — |
| Yuma | $942 | $948 | $1,244 | $1,703 | — |
Rent or Buy in Santa Cruz County?
Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.
Should I Rent or Buy?
Break-even analysis using real Santa Cruz County data
Buying breaks even after 3 years — worth it if you stay 3+ years.
Living in Santa Cruz County
Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.
Moving Cost Estimator
Estimate your moving costs based on FMCSA public mover data
Select your origin state to see the estimate
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore More
Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood
💵Rent Affordability in Santa Cruz CountySalary needed to afford rent here
🗺️All Cities in AZSee how Santa Cruz County ranks statewide
⚖️Compare Santa Cruz CountySide-by-side rent & cost of living with any city
📋AZ Tenant RightsDeposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections