Best Affordable Neighborhoods in Santa Monica, CA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Santa Monica are Sunset Park, Austin Heights, and Ocean Spray. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Santa Monica, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of December 20, 2025, the average rent in Santa Monica is $3,003, which is 1.4% 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
$2,715/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1%
TransitScore® Rating
52/100
Units Available
61 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Santa Monica neighborhood on a budget, check out Sunset Park. The average rent is $2,715, compared to the city average of $3,003. Rent prices have increased by 1%. Sunset Park is convenient to Downtown Santa Monica, Ballona Creek Trail - Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve Access, and Santa Monica State Beach. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 81.
Austin Heights
Average Rent
$2,822/Month
TransitScore® Rating
73/100
Units Available
10 Rentals
Austin Heights is an affordable neighborhood in Santa Monica with an average rent price of $2,822. Compare this to the city average of $3,003. Austin Heights provides easy access to Santa Monica College, Madison, Santa Monica Place, and 26Th St/Bergamont. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 91.
Ocean Spray
Average Rent
$2,913/Month
TransitScore® Rating
64/100
Units Available
22 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Santa Monica, Ocean Spray might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $2,913, while the city’s average stands at $3,003. Ocean Spray is near 17 St/ Smc, Will Rogers State Historic Park, and Santa Monica Pier Aquarium.
Chelsea Green
Average Rent
$2,963/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 $2,963 while the city average is $3,003. Residents enjoy convenient access to Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, 17 St/ Smc, and Bob Hope. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 91.
Pico
Average Rent
$3,208/Month
TransitScore® Rating
67/100
Units Available
198 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Santa Monica neighborhood on a budget, check out Pico. The average rent is $3,208, compared to the city average of $3,003. Rent prices have increased by 0%. Pico is convenient to Expo / Sepulveda Station, Will Rogers State Beach, and 17 St/ Smc. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 84.
Wilshire Montana
Average Rent
$3,253/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.3%
TransitScore® Rating
65/100
Units Available
116 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 $3,003. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 0.3%. Wilshire Montana provides easy access to Bob Hope, 26Th St/Bergamont, and Santa Monica College, Madison. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 85.
Sierra Vista Heights
Average Rent
$3,329/Month
TransitScore® Rating
66/100
Units Available
44 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 $3,329, while the city’s average stands at $3,003. Sierra Vista Heights is near The Art Inst., Los Angeles, Stanford Court, and Expo/Bundy.
South Santa Monica
Average Rent
$3,418/Month
TransitScore® Rating
63/100
Units Available
45 Rentals
South Santa Monica is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in South Santa Monica is $3,418 while the city average is $3,003. Residents enjoy convenient access to Downtown Santa Monica, 26Th St/Bergamont, and Santa Monica Pier Aquarium. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 96.
Green Acres
Average Rent
$3,455/Month
TransitScore® Rating
62/100
Units Available
17 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Santa Monica neighborhood on a budget, check out Green Acres. The average rent is $3,455, compared to the city average of $3,003. Green Acres is convenient to 26Th St/Bergamont, CVS Shopping Center, and 17 St/ Smc. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 87.
Northeast
Average Rent
$3,488/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.8%
TransitScore® Rating
62/100
Units Available
14 Rentals
Northeast is an affordable neighborhood in Santa Monica with an average rent price of $3,488. Compare this to the city average of $3,003. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 2.8%. Northeast provides easy access to Santa Monica Coll., Academy, Downtown Santa Monica, and Santa Monica State Beach. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 84.
Ready to make your move to Santa Monica? Check out the rent specials, price drops, and great deals on ApartmentFinder.com!
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.