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.