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 February 3, 2026, the average rent in Santa Monica is $3,035, which is 0.9% 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
$2,611/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.5%
TransitScore® Rating
52/100
Units Available
64 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 $2,611, while the city’s average stands at $3,035. In the last year, prices have increased by 1.5%. Sunset Park is near Lincoln Center, 26Th St/Bergamont, and Santa Monica State Beach.
Austin Heights
Average Rent
$2,618/Month
TransitScore® Rating
73/100
Units Available
10 Rentals
Austin Heights is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Austin Heights is $2,618 while the city average is $3,035. Residents enjoy convenient access to Broadway Plaza, Will Rogers State Beach, and Santa Monica Pier Aquarium. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 91.
Ocean Spray
Average Rent
$2,930/Month
TransitScore® Rating
64/100
Units Available
23 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Santa Monica neighborhood on a budget, check out Ocean Spray. The average rent is $2,930, compared to the city average of $3,035. Ocean Spray is convenient to Santa Monica Coll., Academy, Expo/Bundy, and Bob Hope. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 89.
Sierra Vista Heights
Average Rent
$3,198/Month
TransitScore® Rating
66/100
Units Available
46 Rentals
Sierra Vista Heights is an affordable neighborhood in Santa Monica with an average rent price of $3,198. Compare this to the city average of $3,035. Sierra Vista Heights provides easy access to Downtown Santa Monica, Mathias Botanical Garden, and Bob Hope. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 92.
Wilshire Montana
Average Rent
$3,209/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.2%
TransitScore® Rating
65/100
Units Available
122 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 $3,209, while the city’s average stands at $3,035. In the last year, prices have increased by 0.2%. Wilshire Montana is near Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica Coll., Emeritus, and Temescal Gateway Park.
Chelsea Green
Average Rent
$3,222/Month
TransitScore® Rating
66/100
Units Available
13 Rentals
Chelsea Green is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Chelsea Green is $3,222 while the city average is $3,035. Residents enjoy convenient access to Expo/Bundy, Santa Monica State Beach, and CVS Shopping Center. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 91.
Pico
Average Rent
$3,230/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
4.5%
TransitScore® Rating
67/100
Units Available
207 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Santa Monica neighborhood on a budget, check out Pico. The average rent is $3,230, compared to the city average of $3,035. Rent prices have decreased by 4.5%. Pico is convenient to Los Angeles International, 17 St/ Smc, and 26Th St/Bergamont. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 84.
Green Acres
Average Rent
$3,496/Month
TransitScore® Rating
62/100
Units Available
25 Rentals
Green Acres is an affordable neighborhood in Santa Monica with an average rent price of $3,496. Compare this to the city average of $3,035. Green Acres provides easy access to Wilshire Shopping Center, Expo / Sepulveda Station, and 17 St/ Smc. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 87.
Mid-City Santa Monica
Average Rent
$3,506/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.7%
TransitScore® Rating
69/100
Units Available
259 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 $3,506, while the city’s average stands at $3,035. In the last year, prices have decreased by 0.7%. Mid-City Santa Monica is near Los Angeles International, 17 St/ Smc, and 26Th St/Bergamont.
South Santa Monica
Average Rent
$3,521/Month
TransitScore® Rating
63/100
Units Available
39 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 $3,521 while the city average is $3,035. Residents enjoy convenient access to 26Th St/Bergamont, Santa Monica Coll., Academy, and Santa Monica Coll.. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 96.
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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.