100 Best Apartments in Santa Monica, CA (with reviews)

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Whether you're looking for a studio, an apartment with one or more bedrooms, or maybe you're upgrading to a luxury apartment or need to acommodate a pet, RENTCafé allows you to easily search for a rental near you based on your criteria, anywhere in the U.S. So, let's find your new home today!

Frequently Asked Questions

When were prices and availability in Santa Monica, CA last updated?

Prices and availability in Santa Monica, CA were last updated on 4 Mar 2021.

What are the best apartments in Santa Monica, CA?

The best apartments in Santa Monica, CA are: NMS 1548 Sixth, Pacific Ocean, 301 Ocean Ave, NMS 1539 Fourth and Mayfair Residences at Santa Monica Beach.

What is the average rent in Santa Monica, CA?

The average rent in Santa Monica, CA is $3,590. Start your search for apartments in Santa Monica, CA now.

What is the price range for a studio apartment in Santa Monica, CA?

The price range for a studio apartment in Santa Monica, CA is between $1,550 and $4,300. View all studio apartments in Santa Monica, CA.

What is the price range for a 1-bedroom apartment in Santa Monica, CA?

The price range for a 1-bedroom apartment in Santa Monica, CA is between $2,195 and $13,000. Browse all available 1-bedroom apartments in Santa Monica, CA now.

What is the price range for a 2-bedroom apartment in Santa Monica, CA?

The price range for a 2-bedroom apartment in Santa Monica, CA is between $1,899 and $13,000. Browse and find a 2-bedroom apartment in Santa Monica, CA.

What is the price range for a 3-bedroom apartment in Santa Monica, CA?

The price range for a 3-bedroom apartment in Santa Monica, CA is between $2,275 and $6,260. Browse all available 3-bedroom apartments in Santa Monica, CA.

Renter's Guide to Santa Monica

Santa Monica, California is a small incorporated city within the County of Los Angeles that is perhaps most famous for the Santa Monica Pier. Santa Monica weather and its walkability make it one of the most popular cities in Southern California to settle down.

Santa Monica is 30.7 miles away from Long Beach but it’s only 3.1 miles from Venice Beach, so walking there would take you only about an hour. From LA (downtown) it’s 33.7 miles via the 10 freeway. Since it’s located on the Pacific Ocean, the annual high temperature is 66.2°F while the annual low in 56.2°F. In other words, it’s always sunny in Santa Monica!

Cost of Living in Santa Monica, CA

Santa Monica has its own transit system, called the Big Blue Bus which connects it with Los Angeles and other local cities and costs just $1.25 for one way adult fare. The Santa Monica commuter spends about 25 minutes each way getting to work (about the same as the U.S. average). With the addition of the MTA Expo Line trains finally going to Santa Monica, the commute may get less stressful for some.

The average meal for 2 people in a mid-range Santa Monica restaurant runs about $25 per person. Utilities for a Santa Monica apartment for 2 people that is 915 square feet runs $129.55 per month, lower than the $147 U.S average.

Average Rent in Santa Monica, CA

Santa Monica, CA Average Rental Price, February 2021 $3,590 ^/mo

Santa Monica, CA Apartment Rent Ranges

$1,001-$1,5002%
$1,501-$2,0004%
> $2,00093%

Santa Monica, CA Rent Trends

Average Rent	Mar / 2018	Jul / 2018	Nov / 2018	Mar / 2019	Jul / 2019	Nov / 2019	Mar / 2020	Jul / 2020	Feb / 2021
Santa Monica, CA	$3,404	$3,685	$3,703	$3,698	$3,789	$3,851	$3,926	$3,698	$3,590
National	$1,381	$1,418	$1,428	$1,432	$1,468	$1,475	$1,477	$1,464	$1,462

Check out the average rent prices in Santa Monica by neighborhood.

Living in Santa Monica

Santa Monica has a lot going for it, namely the beautiful weather and proximity to the beach. It’s a very walkable city that still has a small town vibe. There are a lot of great local restaurants and shops, too. On the down side, if you have to commute anywhere, you’re likely to be stuck in freeway traffic, particularly near the 405 and 10 intersection. Then there are the crowds of tourists that flock to the area every summer, making it sometimes difficult for the locals to enjoy.

Ethnically, Santa Monica is not particularly diverse with just over 70% of its residents being white and other ethnicities represented in the single digits. It’s sometimes referred to as “The People’s Republic of Santa Monica” because of its Liberal leanings and policies. It was also once voted Drunkest City in America due to the high numbers of bars, pubs, and wineries per capita.

Things to do in Santa Monica

Most entertainment and food in Santa Monica involves the beach or the outdoor Third Street Promenade, which is a popular Westside destination for tourists and locals alike. The Santa Monica Pier and neighboring Pacific Park are great spots to gaze at the Pacific and breathe in the ocean air.

Best restaurants in Santa Monica include Water Grill where celeb sightings are common or Father’s Office and its famous hamburger. Known as one of the best brunch spots in town, Huckleberry Bakery & Café, serves scrumptious treats made with the best quality ingredients, including organic flour and pantry staples, Vahlrona chocolate and farmers-market produce.

Another local favorite, The Bungalow, is located on the corner of Wilshire Blvd. and Ocean Ave. in Santa Monica. It features one of the coolest nightlife scenes in the city, with private dining space, sweeping outside decks, stylish meeting spaces and intimate patios, and atmospheric music, all complemented by some really amazing ocean views.

British expats can be found hanging around Ye Olde King’s Head Pub. And if you’re in the mood for some splashy Asian-fusion fare, check out Wokcano at 1413 5th St.

In addition to the Promenade or the Pier, things to do in Santa Monica include the beach and the nearby Santa Monica Mountains. Fun things for couples to do include Bergamot Station, which is home to a number of art galleries or catching a flick at AMC 7 Santa Monica. You can also enjoy a nice dinner and a movie with that special someone at ArcLight Santa Monica. If you are looking for a place to wear your dancing shoes, however, Zanzibar has a nice mix of live and DJ music.

The 245-acre Santa Monica State Beach draws sun-seekers from around the word. There's something to do here every day, whether it's swimming and soaking in the sun, biking and jogging, or simply contemplating the beauty of the ocean.

Top annual events such as free concerts on the Santa Monica Pier and the Santa Monica Festival in Clover Park attract visitors from across the city and around the world.

Employment and Economy in Santa Monica

Santa Monica and nearby Venice have been called “Silicon Beach” because of the number of tech jobs that have sprouted in the area (26% of employers). Health care, tourism, and retail round out the employment picture, while the City of Santa Monica itself is the largest employer in the region.

Education in Santa Monica

Santa Monica is served by the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District with 11,000 students and its high schools often make national top ten lists. Santa Monica also has the highly regarded Santa Monica College, which is often a gateway to nearby UCLA.

Tips for Renting in Santa Monica

Santa Monica has its own Department of Housing and Economic Development, whose mission is to create and maintain affordable housing. Its apartment buildings are also subject to some of the strongest rent control laws in California. Maximum Allowable Rent is determined for each unit, which can be looked up on the Rent Control Board website. The amount rent can be increased is also carefully determined by the Board each year. Because of its spectacular location and strong rent control, there is both a shortage of vacancies and fierce competition for new applicants. Prospective renters should always make a good first impression by showing up on time for an appointment and completely filling out the rental application. And if you want the scoop on some of the best rentals available in Santa Monica, look no further than RENTCafé.com!

RENTCafé is your one-stop shop for finding a great new apartment in Santa Monica, CA. Easily search through a wide selection of apartments for rent in Santa Monica, CA, and view detailed information about available rentals including floor plans, pricing, photos, amenities, interactive maps, and thorough property descriptions. Property owners and managers are one click away, so feel free to contact them and find out all you need to know about the apartment you’re interested in. Browse Santa Monica, CA apartments with rents starting from $1,550 and submit your rental application today!

Finding a home nearby is easier than you think. Check out our Apartments Near Me page and take your pick!

Apartments for Rent in Santa Monica, CA - 251 Rentals available

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