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.