Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Santa Monica, CA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Santa Monica are Austin Heights, Sunset Park, and Chelsea Green. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Santa Monica, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of June 18, 2025, the average rent in Santa Monica is $3,025, 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.
Austin Heights
Average Rent
$2,763/Month
TransitScore® Rating
73/100
Units Available
11 Rentals
Austin Heights is an affordable neighborhood in Santa Monica with an average rent price of $2,763. Compare this to the city average of $3,025. Austin Heights provides easy access to 17 St/ Smc, Temescal Gateway Park, and Lincoln Center. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 91.
Sunset Park
Average Rent
$2,776/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.3%
TransitScore® Rating
52/100
Units Available
74 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Santa Monica, Sunset Park might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $2,776, while the city’s average stands at $3,025. In the last year, prices have increased by 1.3%. Sunset Park is near 26Th St/Bergamont, Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, and The Art Inst., Los Angeles.
Chelsea Green
Average Rent
$2,897/Month
TransitScore® Rating
66/100
Units Available
10 Rentals
Chelsea Green is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Chelsea Green is $2,897 while the city average is $3,025. Residents enjoy convenient access to Mathias Botanical Garden, Will Rogers State Beach, and Wilshire Shopping Center. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 91.
Green Acres
Average Rent
$2,912/Month
TransitScore® Rating
62/100
Units Available
21 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Santa Monica neighborhood on a budget, check out Green Acres. The average rent is $2,912, compared to the city average of $3,025. Green Acres is convenient to Santa Monica Coll., Emeritus, Will Rogers State Historic Park, and Santa Monica Pier Aquarium. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 87.
Ocean Spray
Average Rent
$2,951/Month
TransitScore® Rating
64/100
Units Available
29 Rentals
Ocean Spray is an affordable neighborhood in Santa Monica with an average rent price of $2,951. Compare this to the city average of $3,025. Ocean Spray provides easy access to Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica College, Madison, and Santa Monica Coll., Emeritus. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 89.
Sierra Vista Heights
Average Rent
$2,961/Month
TransitScore® Rating
66/100
Units Available
30 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Santa Monica, Sierra Vista Heights might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $2,961, while the city’s average stands at $3,025. Sierra Vista Heights is near Stanford Plaza, Santa Monica Coll., Academy, and CVS Shopping Center.
Ocean Park Terrace
Average Rent
$3,114/Month
TransitScore® Rating
55/100
Units Available
28 Rentals
Ocean Park Terrace is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Ocean Park Terrace is $3,114 while the city average is $3,025. Residents enjoy convenient access to Santa Monica State Beach, Santa Monica College, Madison, and 17 St/ Smc. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 84.
Clem Mar Heights
Average Rent
$3,162/Month
TransitScore® Rating
65/100
Units Available
21 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Santa Monica neighborhood on a budget, check out Clem Mar Heights. The average rent is $3,162, compared to the city average of $3,025. Clem Mar Heights is convenient to Santa Monica Coll., Academy, 26Th St/Bergamont, and Mathias Botanical Garden. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 88.
Wilshire Montana
Average Rent
$3,253/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1%
TransitScore® Rating
65/100
Units Available
128 Rentals
Wilshire Montana is an affordable neighborhood in Santa Monica with an average rent price of $3,253. Compare this to the city average of $3,025. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 1%. Wilshire Montana provides easy access to Santa Monica State Beach, Wilshire Shopping Center, and 17 St/ Smc. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 85.
Pico
Average Rent
$3,254/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.3%
TransitScore® Rating
67/100
Units Available
132 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Santa Monica, Pico might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $3,254, while the city’s average stands at $3,025. In the last year, prices have increased by 2.3%. Pico is near Mathias Botanical Garden, Bob Hope, and CVS Shopping Center.
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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.