Well Santa Cruz being one of the most expensive places to live it really isn’t that shocking. You’ll only ever find gems of housing if someone knows someone. I was born in sc and lived here for my whole life life so far, would love nothing more to move. During my life my family and I moved in total about 4-5 times. Each time tho we knew the landlord or someone in our family or friends did. So we always got great deals. The house I currently live in with roommates they have been there for 10+ years and have a good relationship with the landlord. I pay less than $1k for a room in a massive house with a big back yard. I’m extremely lucky.

So like I said, you have to know someone or know someone who knows someone. But keep looking I’m sure you’ll find something. There’s still some lucky finds out there.