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Budget hotels in Santa Cruz

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Popular Budget hotels in Santa Cruz

Discover well-known properties in Santa Cruz that are favored by visitors more than others. There are 28 hotels in Santa Cruz and price data was last updated on August 11, 2025. The average price for a hotel in Santa Cruz is $150/night.
The following hotels are among the most sought after in the Santa Cruz area. Users can use the filters present to refine their search even further.

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Carousel Beach Inn
Carousel Beach Inn

Carousel Beach Inn

110 Riverside Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA, United States
Located 2 minutes’ walk away from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Carousel Beach Inn offers rooms equipped with a private balcony. It serves a daily continental breakfast. A flat-screen TV with cable channels is featured in each room as well as a private patio, a microwave, a refrigerator, a hairdryer and an alarm clock. Free WiFi is available in every room. Select rooms offer a spa bath for two or views of the amusement park. Guests are greeted by a 24-hour front desk at the Carousel Beach Inn. Free guest parking is available. Vending machines featuring snacks and drinks are offered on-site. Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf is less than 2 mi away. A variety of activities are nearby, such as golf, water sports, fishing, sailing, and state parks. The University of Santa Cruz is 5 mi away. Shopping and dining opportunities in Santa Cruz town center are 6 minutes’ drive away.
Free Wi-Fi
Parking
8.3
Excellent
2071 reviews
Location
1.0 mi from city centre
$153
View Deal
Seaway Inn
Seaway Inn

Seaway Inn

176 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, United States
Hotel with free parking, steps from Santa Cruz Wharf Concierge services, free self parking, and free WiFi in public areas are available at this smoke-free hotel. Housekeeping is available on request. Seaway Inn offers 18 air-conditioned accommodations, which are accessible via exterior corridors and feature coffee/tea makers and hair dryers. 40-inch flat-screen televisions come with premium cable channels. Bathrooms include showers with hydromassage showerheads. This Santa Cruz hotel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Change of towels and change of bedsheets can be requested. Housekeeping is provided on request. The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.
Parking
8.4
Excellent
963 reviews
Location
0.9 mi from city centre
$202
View Deal
Pacific Blue Inn
Pacific Blue Inn

Pacific Blue Inn

636 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA, United States
While you're here, you can enjoy all the comforts of home and more, including free WiFi and a TV, as well as an iPod dock and a billiards table. Other amenities include premium bedding, a pillowtop bed, down comforters, and towels.
Free Wi-Fi
8.8
Excellent
716 reviews
Location
0.5 mi from city centre
$160
View Deal
Sea & Sand Inn
Sea & Sand Inn

Sea & Sand Inn

201 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, United States
Located within 10 minutes’ walk from Santa Cruz Wharf and Boardwalk, this hotel features rooms with free Wi-Fi. It offers a 24-hour reception and free guest parking for one vehicle. Each room offers a sea view, fireplace, TV, mini fridge and microwave. Guests of Inn Sea & Sand can enjoy a hot breakfast with fresh baked goods, boiled eggs, yogurt parfaits, coffee, tea and juice. Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center is 5 minutes’ walk away from Sea & Sand Inn. The University of California Santa Cruz is 2 miles away.
Free Wi-Fi
Parking
8.9
Excellent
411 reviews
Location
0.9 mi from city centre
$283
View Deal
All 28 hotels in Santa Cruz

Travel insights for budget hotels in Santa Cruz

Use our HotelsCombined data-powered tips to help you find your next budget hotel in Santa Cruz.

What is the cheapest month to book budget hotels in Santa Cruz?

The cheapest month to book budget hotels in Santa Cruz is January ($94). Conversely, the most expensive month to stay in Santa Cruz is September ($292).

What is the cheapest day to stay in a budget hotel in Santa Cruz?

The cheapest day to stay in Santa Cruz is Wednesday ($173). On the other hand, travelers can expect to pay the most on Saturday, when the average nightly price is $507.

What’s the recommended booking timeframe for Santa Cruz budget hotels?

For the best rates, it's recommended to book your Santa Cruz budget hotel at least 76 days before your stay.
Find deals

Cheapest Budget hotels in Santa Cruz

Discover affordable stays in Santa Cruz that provide a quality experience without breaking the bank. Hotels in Santa Cruz can be found for as low as $153 per night. There is currently one property in Santa Cruz that can be booked for this price. Carousel Beach Inn is one of the hotels that can be booked for the lowest price in Santa Cruz. Price data was last updated on August 11, 2025
Out of the hotels in Santa Cruz we've come across, these properties are priced the lowest. If you have flexibility with arrival and departure, use the search form to compare prices for other dates.
National 9 Motel
National 9 Motel

National 9 Motel

130 Plymouth Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States
0.9 mi from city centre
Free Wi-Fi
Parking
$81
Avg. per night
View Deal
Hitching Post Studios Inn
Hitching Post Studios Inn

Hitching Post Studios Inn

1717 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA, United States
1.7 mi from city centre
Free Wi-Fi
Parking
$92
Avg. per night
View Deal
Aqua Breeze Inn
Aqua Breeze Inn

Aqua Breeze Inn

204 Second Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States
0.8 mi from city centre
Free Wi-Fi
Air Conditioning
$95
Avg. per night
View Deal
Drift Inn, Llc
Drift Inn, Llc

Drift Inn, Llc

110 San Lorenzo Boulevard, Santa Cruz, CA, United States
0.8 mi from city centre
Free Wi-Fi
Parking
$95
Avg. per night
View Deal
Torch Lite Inn at the Beach Boardwalk
Torch Lite Inn at the Beach Boardwalk

Torch Lite Inn at the Beach Boardwalk

500 Riverside Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA, United States
0.7 mi from city centre
Free Wi-Fi
Air Conditioning
$98
Avg. per night
View Deal
The Islander Motel
The Islander Motel

The Islander Motel

522 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States
0.6 mi from city centre
Free Wi-Fi
Parking
$98
Avg. per night
View Deal
Surf City Inn & Suites
Surf City Inn & Suites

Surf City Inn & Suites

619 Riverside Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA, United States
0.6 mi from city centre
Free Wi-Fi
Air Conditioning
Pool
$99
Avg. per night
View Deal
Ocean Pacific Lodge
Ocean Pacific Lodge

Ocean Pacific Lodge

301 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA, United States
0.7 mi from city centre
Free Wi-Fi
Parking
$105
Avg. per night
View Deal
Rio Vista Inn & Suites Santa Cruz
Rio Vista Inn & Suites Santa Cruz

Rio Vista Inn & Suites Santa Cruz

611 Third Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States
0.8 mi from city centre
Free Wi-Fi
Air Conditioning
$110
Avg. per night
View Deal
Comfort Inn Santa Cruz
Comfort Inn Santa Cruz

Comfort Inn Santa Cruz

110 Plymouth Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States
0.9 mi from city centre
Free Wi-Fi
Air Conditioning
$119
Avg. per night
View Deal
Harbor Inn
Harbor Inn

Harbor Inn

645 Seventh Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA, United States
1.9 mi from city centre
Free Wi-Fi
$136
Avg. per night
View Deal
Mission Inn
Mission Inn

Mission Inn

2250 Mission Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States
1.2 mi from city centre
Free Wi-Fi
Air Conditioning
$141
Avg. per night
View Deal

Other accommodations in Santa Cruz

Discover the ideal theme hotel, vacation rental or hostel for your stay in Santa Cruz. There are 463 properties in Santa Cruz and price data was last updated on August 11, 2025.
Beach Street Inn and Suites
Beach Street Inn and Suites

Beach Street Inn and Suites

125 Beach Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States
0.8 mi from city centre
Free Wi-Fi
Air Conditioning
$179
Avg. per night
View Deal
Beachview Inn
Beachview Inn

Beachview Inn

50 Front Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States
0.8 mi from city centre
Free Wi-Fi
Air Conditioning
$102
Avg. per night
View Deal
Babbling Brook Inn
Babbling Brook Inn

Babbling Brook Inn

1025 Laurel Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States
0.4 mi from city centre
Free Wi-Fi
$217
Avg. per night
View Deal
Chaminade Resort & Spa
Chaminade Resort & Spa

Chaminade Resort & Spa

1 Chaminade Lane, Santa Cruz, CA, United States
2.9 mi from city centre
Free Wi-Fi
$248
Avg. per night
View Deal
Dream Inn Santa Cruz
Dream Inn Santa Cruz

Dream Inn Santa Cruz

175 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, United States
0.9 mi from city centre
Free Wi-Fi
$339
Avg. per night
View Deal
Continental Inn
Continental Inn

Continental Inn

414 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States
0.7 mi from city centre
Free Wi-Fi
Parking
$87
Avg. per night
View Deal
Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection
Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

611 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States
0.6 mi from city centre
Free Wi-Fi
$138
Avg. per night
View Deal
Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz
Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz

Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz

325 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA, United States
0.7 mi from city centre
Free Wi-Fi
Parking
$98
Avg. per night
View Deal
Carousel Beach Inn
Carousel Beach Inn

Carousel Beach Inn

110 Riverside Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA, United States
1.0 mi from city centre
Free Wi-Fi
Parking
$153
Avg. per night
View Deal
National 9 Motel
National 9 Motel

National 9 Motel

130 Plymouth Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States
0.9 mi from city centre
Free Wi-Fi
Parking
$81
Avg. per night
View Deal

Explore Santa Cruz

Explore different neighborhoods and areas within Santa Cruz to find the perfect location for your stay. Map data was last updated on August 11, 2025.
Scroll to and zoom in on the areas in Santa Cruz you plan on visiting to find nearby properties. Clicking a property's name will unlock more information and allow you to book that particular hotel.

Budget hotels FAQs

Find useful tips and insights about staying in Santa Cruz to help you make the most of your experience. FAQs were last updated on August 11, 2025.

  • What is the typical nightly rate for a Budget hotels in Santa Cruz?

    The average price of a Budget hotels in Santa Cruz is $204 per night. Travelers have found deals as low as $59/night for this accommodation in Santa Cruz. Cheaper rates on a Budget hotels in Santa Cruz can usually be found at Santa Cruz Hostel.

  • How do prices at Budget hotels compare to other hotels in Santa Cruz?

    The typical rate at a Budget hotels in Santa Cruz will be more than rates at hotels that don’t have this accommodation. The average price of a Budget hotels in Santa Cruz is $204/night. Hotels in Santa Cruz, without this accommodation, will usually be available for $158 per night.

  • Which Budget hotels near Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk are highly rated?

    If you are looking for Budget hotels close to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, there are 5 options in the area. For the higher quality Budget hotels located within 2 miles of Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, the average price you’ll need to pay around $168/night. The best Budget hotels for the cheapest price near Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk are Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz, Sunny Cove Motel, and Pacific Blue Inn.

Find better results for your stay in Santa Cruz

Consider these popular 3-star hotels in Santa Cruz

Stay at one of these Santa Cruz 3-star hotels that users have found on HotelsCombined.
Babbling Brook Inn
Sea & Sand Inn
The Inn at Pasatiempo
West Cliff Inn, A Four Sisters Inn
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Santa Cruz

Search cheap hotels with HotelsCombined. Use the hotel finder to search for the cheapest hotel deal for all major destinations around the world. HotelsCombined searches hundreds of hotel booking sites to help you find hotels and book hotels that suit you best. Since HotelsCombined searches many hotel sites at once, you can find discount hotels quickly, including Hotels Under $50 and Hotels Under $100. Discover hotel discounts now and make your hotel reservation today.