Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Santa Monica, CA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Santa Monica are Sunset Park, Ocean Park, and Pico. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Santa Monica, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of March 21, 2025, the average rent in Santa Monica is $3,062, which is 0.6% higher than last year. However, it's important to remember that rental prices can vary significantly based on factors such as location, amenities, and floor plans.
Sunset Park
Average Rent
$2,625/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.2%
TransitScore® Rating
52/100
Units Available
65 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Santa Monica neighborhood on a budget, check out Sunset Park. The average rent is $2,625, compared to the city average of $3,062. Rent prices have increased by 0.2%. Sunset Park is convenient to Sunset Park Plaza, Downtown Santa Monica, and Los Angeles International. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 81.
Ocean Park
Average Rent
$3,201/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.9%
TransitScore® Rating
60/100
Units Available
76 Rentals
Ocean Park is an affordable neighborhood in Santa Monica with an average rent price of $3,201. Compare this to the city average of $3,062. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 0.9%. Ocean Park provides easy access to Los Angeles International, Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, and Lincoln Center. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 92.
Pico
Average Rent
$3,255/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.8%
TransitScore® Rating
67/100
Units Available
81 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Santa Monica, Pico might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $3,255, while the city’s average stands at $3,062. In the last year, prices have decreased by 1.8%. Pico is near Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, Santa Monica Coll., Academy, and Expo / Sepulveda Station.
Wilshire Montana
Average Rent
$3,358/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.5%
TransitScore® Rating
65/100
Units Available
98 Rentals
Wilshire Montana is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Wilshire Montana is $3,358 while the city average is $3,062. This is a 1.5% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Will Rogers State Beach, Downtown Santa Monica, and Santa Monica State Beach. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 85.
Northeast
Average Rent
$3,585/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
4%
TransitScore® Rating
62/100
Units Available
23 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Santa Monica neighborhood on a budget, check out Northeast. The average rent is $3,585, compared to the city average of $3,062. Rent prices have increased by 4%. Northeast is convenient to Expo / Sepulveda Station, Santa Monica Coll., Academy, and Santa Monica College, Madison. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 85.
North of Montana
Average Rent
$3,678/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.3%
TransitScore® Rating
45/100
Units Available
44 Rentals
North of Montana is an affordable neighborhood in Santa Monica with an average rent price of $3,678. Compare this to the city average of $3,062. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 0.3%. North of Montana provides easy access to Downtown Santa Monica, 26Th St/Bergamont, and Wilshire Shopping Center. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 77.
Mid-City Santa Monica
Average Rent
$3,691/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.2%
TransitScore® Rating
69/100
Units Available
166 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Santa Monica, Mid-City Santa Monica might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $3,691, while the city’s average stands at $3,062. In the last year, prices have increased by 1.2%. Mid-City Santa Monica is near CVS Shopping Center, Santa Monica State Beach, and Will Rogers State Beach.
Downtown Santa Monica
Average Rent
$4,289/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3%
TransitScore® Rating
77/100
Units Available
166 Rentals
Downtown Santa Monica is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Downtown Santa Monica is $4,289 while the city average is $3,062. This is a 3% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Santa Monica College, Madison, Santa Monica Coll., and Broadway Plaza. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 94.
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Methodology
Transit Score measures access to public transit. Scores range from 0 (minimal transit) to 100 (rider’s paradise). Learn more about the Transit Score methodology. Rental data is sourced from CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As a leading authority in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar performs in-depth research to build and sustain an extensive database of commercial real estate insights.
We've combined this data with public records to provide the most current rental information available.