Cheapest Neighborhoods in Santa Monica, CA

Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Santa Monica are Sunset Park, Wilshire Montana, and Pico. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Santa Monica, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of June 19, 2026, the average rent in Santa Monica is $2,990, which is 1.3% 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

$2,690/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.2%

Units Available

69 Rentals

Sunset Park is an affordable neighborhood in Santa Monica with an average rent price of $2,690. Compare this to the city average of $2,990. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 0.2%. Sunset Park provides easy access to Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, 17 St/ Smc, and Santa Monica Coll., Bundy.

Wilshire Montana

Average Rent

$3,223/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.1%

Units Available

106 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 $3,223, while the city’s average stands at $2,990. In the last year, prices have increased by 0.1%. Wilshire Montana is near Downtown Santa Monica, 17 St/ Smc, and Bob Hope.

Pico

Average Rent

$3,399/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.7%

Units Available

310 Rentals

Pico is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Pico is $3,399 while the city average is $2,990. This is a -1.7% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Santa Monica College, Madison, Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, and Santa Monica Coll..

Ocean Park

Average Rent

$3,405/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.1%

Units Available

72 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Santa Monica neighborhood on a budget, check out Ocean Park. The average rent is $3,405, compared to the city average of $2,990. Rent prices have increased by 1.1%. Ocean Park is convenient to Santa Monica Coll., Emeritus, Expo/Bundy, and Edgemar.

Northeast

Average Rent

$3,563/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.8%

Units Available

23 Rentals

Northeast is an affordable neighborhood in Santa Monica with an average rent price of $3,563. Compare this to the city average of $2,990. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 0.8%. Northeast provides easy access to 26Th St/Bergamont, Will Rogers State Historic Park, and Stanford Court.

Mid-City Santa Monica

Average Rent

$3,663/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.9%

Units Available

327 Rentals

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Santa Monica, Mid-City Santa Monica might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $3,663, while the city’s average stands at $2,990. In the last year, prices have increased by 0.9%. Mid-City Santa Monica is near Downtown Santa Monica, Expo / Sepulveda Station, and Stanford Plaza.

Downtown Santa Monica

Average Rent

$3,807/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.7%

Units Available

460 Rentals

Downtown Santa Monica is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Downtown Santa Monica is $3,807 while the city average is $2,990. This is a -1.7% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Santa Monica Place, Bob Hope, and Expo/Bundy.

North of Montana

Average Rent

$4,116/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.5%

Units Available

38 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Santa Monica neighborhood on a budget, check out North of Montana. The average rent is $4,116, compared to the city average of $2,990. Rent prices have increased by 0.5%. North of Montana is convenient to Expo/Bundy, Santa Monica Coll., and 17 St/ Smc.

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.