Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Santa Monica, CA

Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Santa Monica are Sunset Park, Wilshire Montana, and North of Montana. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Santa Monica, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of December 26, 2024, the average rent in Santa Monica is $3,000, which is 0.3% lower 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

$2,645/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.7%

TransitScore® Rating

52/100

Units Available

49 Rentals

Sunset Park is an affordable neighborhood in Santa Monica with an average rent price of $2,645. Compare this to the city average of $3,000. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 0.7%. Sunset Park provides easy access to Bob Hope, Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, and The Art Inst., Los Angeles. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 81.

Wilshire Montana

Average Rent

$3,085/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.7%

TransitScore® Rating

65/100

Units Available

91 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 $3,085, while the city’s average stands at $3,000. In the last year, prices have increased by 0.7%. Wilshire Montana is near Los Angeles International, Broadway Plaza, and Temescal Gateway Park.

North of Montana

Average Rent

$3,354/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.2%

TransitScore® Rating

45/100

Units Available

47 Rentals

North of Montana is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in North of Montana is $3,354 while the city average is $3,000. This is a 1.2% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to 17 St/ Smc, Will Rogers State Historic Park, and Brentwood Country Mart. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 77.

Ocean Park

Average Rent

$3,380/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.7%

TransitScore® Rating

60/100

Units Available

74 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Santa Monica neighborhood on a budget, check out Ocean Park. The average rent is $3,380, compared to the city average of $3,000. Rent prices have decreased by 0.7%. Ocean Park is convenient to Edgemar, Santa Monica State Beach, and Ballona Creek Trail - Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve Access. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 92.

Pico

Average Rent

$3,437/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

5.4%

TransitScore® Rating

67/100

Units Available

84 Rentals

Pico is an affordable neighborhood in Santa Monica with an average rent price of $3,437. Compare this to the city average of $3,000. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 5.4%. Pico provides easy access to Santa Monica College, Madison, Sunset Park Plaza, and Will Rogers State Beach. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 84.

Northeast

Average Rent

$3,576/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

6.3%

TransitScore® Rating

62/100

Units Available

28 Rentals

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Santa Monica, Northeast might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $3,576, while the city’s average stands at $3,000. In the last year, prices have increased by 6.3%. Northeast is near Santa Monica Coll., Emeritus, Expo/Bundy, and Will Rogers State Beach.

Mid-City Santa Monica

Average Rent

$3,636/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.4%

TransitScore® Rating

69/100

Units Available

189 Rentals

Mid-City Santa Monica is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Mid-City Santa Monica is $3,636 while the city average is $3,000. This is a 0.4% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Downtown Santa Monica, Expo / Sepulveda Station, and Santa Monica College, Madison. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 91.

Downtown Santa Monica

Average Rent

$4,439/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

2%

TransitScore® Rating

77/100

Units Available

142 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Santa Monica neighborhood on a budget, check out Downtown Santa Monica. The average rent is $4,439, compared to the city average of $3,000. Rent prices have increased by 2%. Downtown Santa Monica is convenient to Los Angeles International, 26Th St/Bergamont, and Santa Monica Coll., Academy. The community is 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.