Rentometer, Inc. | Data as of 10/23/2025
Watsonville’s rental market blends coastal charm with a strong agricultural heritage, offering a diverse array of housing options for professionals, families, and students alike. From vibrant downtown apartments to spacious family homes in the scenic Riverside and East Watsonville neighborhoods, renters can enjoy easy access to the historic Castro Street district, local farms markets, and the nearby Monterey Bay coastline. The city’s convenient location near Highway 101 and the University of California, Santa Cruz campus makes it a popular choice for commuters seeking a balanced lifestyle.
Apartment seekers will find a range of configurations, with one‑bedroom units typically falling in the $1500s, while two‑ and three‑bedroom layouts command rents in the $2600s to $3800 range. Larger homes provide ample space for growing families, with two‑bedroom houses averaging around $3100 and premium four‑plus‑bedroom properties reaching the $4300 bracket. These rental rates reflect Watsonville’s blend of affordability and proximity to key amenities, such as the Watertown Mall, local schools, and numerous parks that line the Pajaro River.
Beyond the numbers, Watsonville’s community atmosphere is enriched by cultural festivals, outdoor recreation at nearby nature preserves, and a thriving culinary scene that celebrates the region’s farm‑to‑table tradition. Whether you’re drawn to the quiet charm of suburban neighborhoods or the lively pulse of downtown, Watsonville’s rental landscape offers a welcoming environment for a wide spectrum of renters looking to settle in a dynamic California city.
| Property Type | Bedrooms | Average | Median | Min - Max | 25th - 75th |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apartment | 1 Bedroom | $1,473 | $1,700 | $990 - $2,150 | $1,090 - $1,700 |
| Apartment | 2 Bedroom | $2,599 | $2,675 | $2,024 - $3,200 | $2,024 - $3,000 |
| Apartment | 3 Bedroom | $3,650 | $3,750 | $3,100 - $4,100 | $3,100 - $4,100 |
| House | 2 Bedroom | $3,133 | $3,200 | $2,200 - $3,550 | $2,850 - $3,400 |
| House | 3 Bedroom | $4,010 | $4,000 | $2,900 - $4,999 | $3,900 - $4,200 |
| House | 4+ Bedroom | $4,372 | $4,295 | $4,200 - $4,650 | $4,200 - $4,500 |
In the current period, the average rent in Watsonville was
$1,692 for 1 Bedroom,
$2,994 for 2 Bedroom,
$3,947 for 3 Bedroom, and
$4,373 for 4+ Bedroom.
Note: This analysis includes only bedroom types with sufficient data.
Data provided by Rentometer, Inc.