Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Santa Monica, CA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Santa Monica are Sunset Park, Northeast, 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 January 26, 2025, the average rent in Santa Monica is $3,040, 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
$2,752/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.1%
TransitScore® Rating
52/100
Units Available
35 Rentals
Sunset Park is an affordable neighborhood in Santa Monica with an average rent price of $2,752. Compare this to the city average of $3,040. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 0.1%. Sunset Park provides easy access to Santa Monica Coll., Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, and The Art Inst., Los Angeles. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 81.
Northeast
Average Rent
$3,461/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
5%
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 $3,461, while the city’s average stands at $3,040. In the last year, prices have increased by 5%. Northeast is near Mathias Botanical Garden, Santa Monica Coll., Emeritus, and Los Angeles International.
Ocean Park
Average Rent
$3,501/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.6%
TransitScore® Rating
60/100
Units Available
60 Rentals
Ocean Park is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Ocean Park is $3,501 while the city average is $3,040. This is a -0.6% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Lincoln & Rose Shopping Center, Ballona Creek Trail - Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve Access, and Downtown Santa Monica. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 92.
Pico
Average Rent
$3,585/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.2%
TransitScore® Rating
67/100
Units Available
72 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Santa Monica neighborhood on a budget, check out Pico. The average rent is $3,585, compared to the city average of $3,040. Rent prices have decreased by 3.2%. Pico is convenient to Downtown Santa Monica, Bob Hope, and Santa Monica Coll., Academy. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 84.
Mid-City Santa Monica
Average Rent
$3,664/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.6%
TransitScore® Rating
69/100
Units Available
160 Rentals
Mid-City Santa Monica is an affordable neighborhood in Santa Monica with an average rent price of $3,664. Compare this to the city average of $3,040. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 0.6%. Mid-City Santa Monica provides easy access to Temescal Gateway Park, Wilshire Shopping Center, and 17 St/ Smc. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 91.
Wilshire Montana
Average Rent
$3,723/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.3%
TransitScore® Rating
65/100
Units Available
57 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 $3,723, while the city’s average stands at $3,040. In the last year, prices have increased by 1.3%. Wilshire Montana is near Bob Hope, 26Th St/Bergamont, and Will Rogers State Historic Park.
North of Montana
Average Rent
$3,750/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.9%
TransitScore® Rating
45/100
Units Available
31 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 $3,750 while the city average is $3,040. This is a 0.9% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Expo/Bundy, Will Rogers State Historic Park, and Brentwood Country Mart. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 77.
Downtown Santa Monica
Average Rent
$4,506/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
4.2%
TransitScore® Rating
77/100
Units Available
154 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Santa Monica neighborhood on a budget, check out Downtown Santa Monica. The average rent is $4,506, compared to the city average of $3,040. Rent prices have increased by 4.2%. Downtown Santa Monica is convenient to Bob Hope, Temescal Gateway Park, and Santa Monica Coll.. 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.