Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Santa Monica, CA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Santa Monica are Sunset Park, Pico, and Ocean Park. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Santa Monica, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of May 3, 2025, the average rent in Santa Monica is $3,055, which is 1.6% 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
$2,619/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.1%
TransitScore® Rating
52/100
Units Available
64 Rentals
Sunset Park is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Sunset Park is $2,619 while the city average is $3,055. This is a 1.1% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Lincoln Center, Stockton Center, and Bob Hope. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 81.
Pico
Average Rent
$3,225/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.7%
TransitScore® Rating
67/100
Units Available
140 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Santa Monica neighborhood on a budget, check out Pico. The average rent is $3,225, compared to the city average of $3,055. Rent prices have increased by 0.7%. Pico is convenient to Expo/Bundy, Santa Monica State Beach, and Santa Monica Coll.. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 84.
Ocean Park
Average Rent
$3,323/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.5%
TransitScore® Rating
60/100
Units Available
86 Rentals
Ocean Park is an affordable neighborhood in Santa Monica with an average rent price of $3,323. Compare this to the city average of $3,055. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 0.5%. Ocean Park provides easy access to Lincoln Center, Santa Monica Coll., Emeritus, and Santa Monica Coll.. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 92.
Wilshire Montana
Average Rent
$3,360/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.1%
TransitScore® Rating
65/100
Units Available
139 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 $3,360, while the city’s average stands at $3,055. In the last year, prices have increased by 1.1%. Wilshire Montana is near Los Angeles International, Downtown Santa Monica, and Will Rogers State Historic Park.
Northeast
Average Rent
$3,519/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.2%
TransitScore® Rating
62/100
Units Available
29 Rentals
Northeast is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Northeast is $3,519 while the city average is $3,055. This is a 3.2% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Santa Monica Coll., Santa Monica State Beach, and Santa Monica Coll., Academy. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 85.
North of Montana
Average Rent
$3,629/Month
TransitScore® Rating
45/100
Units Available
56 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Santa Monica neighborhood on a budget, check out North of Montana. The average rent is $3,629, compared to the city average of $3,055. Rent prices have decreased by 0%. North of Montana is convenient to San Vicente Place Shopping Center, 26Th St/Bergamont, and 17 St/ Smc. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 77.
Mid-City Santa Monica
Average Rent
$3,633/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.7%
TransitScore® Rating
69/100
Units Available
211 Rentals
Mid-City Santa Monica is an affordable neighborhood in Santa Monica with an average rent price of $3,633. Compare this to the city average of $3,055. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 2.7%. Mid-City Santa Monica provides easy access to Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, Stanford Plaza, and Santa Monica College, Madison. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 91.
Downtown Santa Monica
Average Rent
$4,270/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
5.3%
TransitScore® Rating
77/100
Units Available
199 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Santa Monica, Downtown Santa Monica might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $4,270, while the city’s average stands at $3,055. In the last year, prices have increased by 5.3%. Downtown Santa Monica is near Santa Monica State Beach, Los Angeles International, and Broadway Plaza.
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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.