Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Santa Monica, CA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Santa Monica are Sunset Park, Chelsea Green, and Austin Heights. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Santa Monica, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of September 17, 2025, the average rent in Santa Monica is $3,010, 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
$2,787/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.7%
TransitScore® Rating
52/100
Units Available
50 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 $2,787, while the city’s average stands at $3,010. In the last year, prices have increased by 0.7%. Sunset Park is near Ballona Creek Trail - Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve Access, Expo/Bundy, and Santa Monica Coll., Bundy.
Chelsea Green
Average Rent
$2,828/Month
TransitScore® Rating
66/100
Units Available
15 Rentals
Chelsea Green is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Chelsea Green is $2,828 while the city average is $3,010. Residents enjoy convenient access to Wilshire Shopping Center, Downtown Santa Monica, and CVS Shopping Center. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 91.
Austin Heights
Average Rent
$2,857/Month
TransitScore® Rating
73/100
Units Available
13 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Santa Monica neighborhood on a budget, check out Austin Heights. The average rent is $2,857, compared to the city average of $3,010. Austin Heights is convenient to Bob Hope, Los Angeles International, and Lincoln Center. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 91.
Ocean Spray
Average Rent
$2,992/Month
TransitScore® Rating
64/100
Units Available
25 Rentals
Ocean Spray is an affordable neighborhood in Santa Monica with an average rent price of $2,992. Compare this to the city average of $3,010. Ocean Spray provides easy access to Santa Monica Coll., Academy, Temescal Gateway Park, and Santa Monica College, Madison. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 89.
Wilshire Montana
Average Rent
$3,094/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1%
TransitScore® Rating
65/100
Units Available
126 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 $3,094, while the city’s average stands at $3,010. In the last year, prices have increased by 1%. Wilshire Montana is near Santa Monica Coll., Emeritus, Downtown Santa Monica, and Santa Monica Coll..
Green Acres
Average Rent
$3,102/Month
TransitScore® Rating
62/100
Units Available
18 Rentals
Green Acres is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Green Acres is $3,102 while the city average is $3,010. Residents enjoy convenient access to CVS Shopping Center, Santa Monica Coll., and Downtown Santa Monica. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 87.
Ocean Park Terrace
Average Rent
$3,170/Month
TransitScore® Rating
55/100
Units Available
20 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Santa Monica neighborhood on a budget, check out Ocean Park Terrace. The average rent is $3,170, compared to the city average of $3,010. Ocean Park Terrace is convenient to Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, Santa Monica State Beach, and Expo/Bundy. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 84.
Pico
Average Rent
$3,272/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3%
TransitScore® Rating
67/100
Units Available
193 Rentals
Pico is an affordable neighborhood in Santa Monica with an average rent price of $3,272. Compare this to the city average of $3,010. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 3%. Pico provides easy access to Sunset Park Plaza, CVS Shopping Center, and Expo/Bundy. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 84.
Sierra Vista Heights
Average Rent
$3,301/Month
TransitScore® Rating
66/100
Units Available
67 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 $3,301, while the city’s average stands at $3,010. Sierra Vista Heights is near Mathias Botanical Garden, Santa Monica College, Madison, and Los Angeles International.
Towner Terrace
Average Rent
$3,356/Month
TransitScore® Rating
69/100
Units Available
34 Rentals
Towner Terrace is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Towner Terrace is $3,356 while the city average is $3,010. Residents enjoy convenient access to Santa Monica Place, Los Angeles International, and Santa Monica Coll., Emeritus. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 83.
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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.