Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Santa Monica, CA

Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Santa Monica are Sunset Park, Pico, and Ocean Park. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Santa Monica, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of April 24, 2025, the average rent in Santa Monica is $3,054, which is 1.6% 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

$2,633/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.1%

TransitScore® Rating

52/100

Units Available

62 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Santa Monica neighborhood on a budget, check out Sunset Park. The average rent is $2,633, compared to the city average of $3,054. Rent prices have increased by 1.1%. Sunset Park is convenient to Expo/Bundy, Lincoln Center, and The Art Inst., Los Angeles. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 81.

Pico

Average Rent

$3,253/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.6%

TransitScore® Rating

67/100

Units Available

133 Rentals

Pico is an affordable neighborhood in Santa Monica with an average rent price of $3,253. Compare this to the city average of $3,054. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 0.6%. Pico provides easy access to Santa Monica State Beach, Will Rogers State Beach, and CVS Shopping Center. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 84.

Ocean Park

Average Rent

$3,315/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.5%

TransitScore® Rating

60/100

Units Available

82 Rentals

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Santa Monica, Ocean Park might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $3,315, while the city’s average stands at $3,054. In the last year, prices have decreased by 0.5%. Ocean Park is near Lincoln & Rose Shopping Center, Lincoln Center, and Ballona Creek Trail - Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve Access.

Wilshire Montana

Average Rent

$3,325/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.4%

TransitScore® Rating

65/100

Units Available

130 Rentals

Wilshire Montana is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Wilshire Montana is $3,325 while the city average is $3,054. This is a 1.4% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Santa Monica College, Madison, Los Angeles International, and Expo / Sepulveda Station. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 85.

Northeast

Average Rent

$3,494/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

3%

TransitScore® Rating

62/100

Units Available

29 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Santa Monica neighborhood on a budget, check out Northeast. The average rent is $3,494, compared to the city average of $3,054. Rent prices have increased by 3%. Northeast is convenient to Expo / Sepulveda Station, Will Rogers State Beach, and 17 St/ Smc. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 85.

Mid-City Santa Monica

Average Rent

$3,606/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

2.2%

TransitScore® Rating

69/100

Units Available

203 Rentals

Mid-City Santa Monica is an affordable neighborhood in Santa Monica with an average rent price of $3,606. Compare this to the city average of $3,054. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 2.2%. Mid-City Santa Monica provides easy access to Stanford Plaza, Will Rogers State Beach, and Santa Monica State Beach. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 91.

North of Montana

Average Rent

$3,647/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.7%

TransitScore® Rating

45/100

Units Available

47 Rentals

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Santa Monica, North of Montana might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $3,647, while the city’s average stands at $3,054. In the last year, prices have decreased by 0.7%. North of Montana is near Will Rogers State Historic Park, Los Angeles International, and Downtown Santa Monica.

Downtown Santa Monica

Average Rent

$4,131/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

5.1%

TransitScore® Rating

77/100

Units Available

215 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 $4,131 while the city average is $3,054. This is a 5.1% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Downtown Santa Monica, Los Angeles International, and Will Rogers State Beach. 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.