Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Santa Monica, CA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Santa Monica are Sunset Park, Ocean Park, and Wilshire Montana. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Santa Monica, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of April 2, 2025, the average rent in Santa Monica is $3,064, which is 0.7% 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
$2,687/Month
TransitScore® Rating
52/100
Units Available
63 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Santa Monica neighborhood on a budget, check out Sunset Park. The average rent is $2,687, compared to the city average of $3,064. Rent prices have decreased by 0%. Sunset Park is convenient to Bob Hope, The Art Inst., Los Angeles, and Santa Monica Coll.. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 81.
Ocean Park
Average Rent
$3,270/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.9%
TransitScore® Rating
60/100
Units Available
74 Rentals
Ocean Park is an affordable neighborhood in Santa Monica with an average rent price of $3,270. Compare this to the city average of $3,064. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 0.9%. Ocean Park provides easy access to Downtown Santa Monica, Santa Monica College, Madison, and Expo/Bundy. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 92.
Wilshire Montana
Average Rent
$3,360/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.5%
TransitScore® Rating
65/100
Units Available
108 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Santa Monica, Wilshire Montana might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $3,360, while the city’s average stands at $3,064. In the last year, prices have increased by 1.5%. Wilshire Montana is near Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, 26Th St/Bergamont, and Santa Monica State Beach.
Pico
Average Rent
$3,448/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.3%
TransitScore® Rating
67/100
Units Available
101 Rentals
Pico is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Pico is $3,448 while the city average is $3,064. This is a -1.3% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to 17 St/ Smc, Los Angeles International, and CVS Shopping Center. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 84.
Northeast
Average Rent
$3,542/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.6%
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 $3,542, compared to the city average of $3,064. Rent prices have increased by 3.6%. Northeast is convenient to Los Angeles International, Downtown Santa Monica, and Expo / Sepulveda Station. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 85.
Mid-City Santa Monica
Average Rent
$3,701/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.3%
TransitScore® Rating
69/100
Units Available
177 Rentals
Mid-City Santa Monica is an affordable neighborhood in Santa Monica with an average rent price of $3,701. Compare this to the city average of $3,064. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 1.3%. Mid-City Santa Monica provides easy access to Santa Monica State Beach, Santa Monica Coll., Emeritus, and Will Rogers State Beach. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 91.
North of Montana
Average Rent
$3,707/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.3%
TransitScore® Rating
45/100
Units Available
44 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 $3,707, while the city’s average stands at $3,064. In the last year, prices have decreased by 0.3%. North of Montana is near Expo/Bundy, Downtown Santa Monica, and Wilshire Shopping Center.
Downtown Santa Monica
Average Rent
$4,224/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3%
TransitScore® Rating
77/100
Units Available
177 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 $4,224 while the city average is $3,064. This is a 3% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Los Angeles International, 26Th St/Bergamont, and Downtown Santa Monica. 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.