Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Santa Monica, CA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Santa Monica are Sunset Park, Austin Heights, and Green Acres. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Santa Monica, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of August 2, 2025, the average rent in Santa Monica is $3,012, which is 0.5% 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
$2,652/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.2%
TransitScore® Rating
52/100
Units Available
69 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Santa Monica neighborhood on a budget, check out Sunset Park. The average rent is $2,652, compared to the city average of $3,012. Rent prices have increased by 0.2%. Sunset Park is convenient to Santa Monica Coll., Airport, Bob Hope, and Santa Monica Coll.. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 81.
Austin Heights
Average Rent
$2,675/Month
TransitScore® Rating
73/100
Units Available
12 Rentals
Austin Heights is an affordable neighborhood in Santa Monica with an average rent price of $2,675. Compare this to the city average of $3,012. Austin Heights provides easy access to Temescal Gateway Park, Downtown Santa Monica, and Broadway Plaza. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 91.
Green Acres
Average Rent
$2,868/Month
TransitScore® Rating
62/100
Units Available
11 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Santa Monica, Green Acres might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $2,868, while the city’s average stands at $3,012. Green Acres is near Expo/Bundy, 26Th St/Bergamont, and Santa Monica Pier Aquarium.
Sierra Vista Heights
Average Rent
$2,969/Month
TransitScore® Rating
66/100
Units Available
38 Rentals
Sierra Vista Heights is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Sierra Vista Heights is $2,969 while the city average is $3,012. Residents enjoy convenient access to Santa Monica State Beach, Bob Hope, and Los Angeles International. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 92.
Ocean Park Terrace
Average Rent
$3,082/Month
TransitScore® Rating
55/100
Units Available
17 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Santa Monica neighborhood on a budget, check out Ocean Park Terrace. The average rent is $3,082, compared to the city average of $3,012. Ocean Park Terrace is convenient to Santa Monica College, Madison, Lincoln & Rose Shopping Center, and Santa Monica Pier Aquarium. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 84.
Ocean Spray
Average Rent
$3,089/Month
TransitScore® Rating
64/100
Units Available
27 Rentals
Ocean Spray is an affordable neighborhood in Santa Monica with an average rent price of $3,089. Compare this to the city average of $3,012. Ocean Spray provides easy access to Bob Hope, 17 St/ Smc, and Santa Monica Coll., Academy. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 89.
Wilshire Montana
Average Rent
$3,158/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.5%
TransitScore® Rating
65/100
Units Available
107 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 $3,158, while the city’s average stands at $3,012. In the last year, prices have increased by 0.5%. Wilshire Montana is near Santa Monica State Beach, Wilshire Shopping Center, and Bob Hope.
Clem Mar Heights
Average Rent
$3,158/Month
TransitScore® Rating
65/100
Units Available
27 Rentals
Clem Mar Heights is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Clem Mar Heights is $3,158 while the city average is $3,012. Residents enjoy convenient access to Santa Monica College, Madison, Downtown Santa Monica, and Mathias Botanical Garden. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 88.
Pico
Average Rent
$3,180/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.4%
TransitScore® Rating
67/100
Units Available
137 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Santa Monica neighborhood on a budget, check out Pico. The average rent is $3,180, compared to the city average of $3,012. Rent prices have increased by 3.4%. Pico is convenient to Wilshire Shopping Center, 17 St/ Smc, and Will Rogers State Historic Park. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 84.
Sierra Vista
Average Rent
$3,382/Month
TransitScore® Rating
66/100
Units Available
51 Rentals
Sierra Vista is an affordable neighborhood in Santa Monica with an average rent price of $3,382. Compare this to the city average of $3,012. Sierra Vista provides easy access to Bob Hope, Los Angeles International, and 17 St/ Smc. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 89.
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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.