Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Santa Monica, CA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Santa Monica are Chelsea Green, Sunset Park, and Green Acres. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Santa Monica, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of November 2, 2025, the average rent in Santa Monica is $3,016, 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.
Chelsea Green
Average Rent
$2,598/Month
TransitScore® Rating
66/100
Units Available
15 Rentals
Chelsea Green is an affordable neighborhood in Santa Monica with an average rent price of $2,598. Compare this to the city average of $3,016. Chelsea Green provides easy access to Downtown Santa Monica, Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, and Bob Hope. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 91.
Sunset Park
Average Rent
$2,650/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1%
TransitScore® Rating
52/100
Units Available
58 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 $2,650, while the city’s average stands at $3,016. In the last year, prices have increased by 1%. Sunset Park is near 26Th St/Bergamont, Santa Monica Coll., Airport, and Los Angeles International.
Green Acres
Average Rent
$2,840/Month
TransitScore® Rating
62/100
Units Available
13 Rentals
Green Acres is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Green Acres is $2,840 while the city average is $3,016. Residents enjoy convenient access to Expo / Sepulveda Station, Expo/Bundy, and Will Rogers State Historic Park. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 87.
Ocean Park Terrace
Average Rent
$2,859/Month
TransitScore® Rating
55/100
Units Available
22 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Santa Monica neighborhood on a budget, check out Ocean Park Terrace. The average rent is $2,859, compared to the city average of $3,016. Ocean Park Terrace is convenient to Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, Santa Monica State Beach, and Santa Monica Coll., Emeritus. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 84.
Austin Heights
Average Rent
$2,909/Month
TransitScore® Rating
73/100
Units Available
11 Rentals
Austin Heights is an affordable neighborhood in Santa Monica with an average rent price of $2,909. Compare this to the city average of $3,016. Austin Heights provides easy access to Santa Monica College, Madison, Expo/Bundy, and Santa Monica Place. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 91.
Ocean Spray
Average Rent
$3,012/Month
TransitScore® Rating
64/100
Units Available
19 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 $3,012, while the city’s average stands at $3,016. Ocean Spray is near Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, Will Rogers State Beach, and Downtown Santa Monica.
Wilshire Montana
Average Rent
$3,132/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.7%
TransitScore® Rating
65/100
Units Available
122 Rentals
Wilshire Montana is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Wilshire Montana is $3,132 while the city average is $3,016. This is a 0.7% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Will Rogers State Historic Park, Expo/Bundy, and Santa Monica State Beach. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 85.
Northeast
Average Rent
$3,171/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2%
TransitScore® Rating
62/100
Units Available
16 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Santa Monica neighborhood on a budget, check out Northeast. The average rent is $3,171, compared to the city average of $3,016. Rent prices have decreased by 2%. Northeast is convenient to 26Th St/Bergamont, Santa Monica State Beach, and Stanford Court. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 84.
Pico
Average Rent
$3,226/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.3%
TransitScore® Rating
67/100
Units Available
202 Rentals
Pico is an affordable neighborhood in Santa Monica with an average rent price of $3,226. Compare this to the city average of $3,016. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 1.3%. Pico provides easy access to Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, Will Rogers State Beach, and Los Angeles International. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 84.
Sierra Vista Heights
Average Rent
$3,277/Month
TransitScore® Rating
66/100
Units Available
60 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 $3,277, while the city’s average stands at $3,016. Sierra Vista Heights is near 17 St/ Smc, Expo / Sepulveda Station, and 26Th St/Bergamont.
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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.