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

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Rent prices in cities near Santa Monica, CA

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Rent prices in Santa Monica, CA's popular neighborhoods

Apartments in Downtown Santa Monica $4,315
Apartments in Mid-City Santa Monica $4,250
Apartments in North of Montana $4,622
Apartments in Ocean Park $3,604
Apartments in Pico $3,920
Apartments in Sunset Park $3,604
Apartments in Wilshire - Montana $3,095

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Apartments in 90405

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Average rent in Santa Monica, CA

$3,958/mo Santa Monica, CA average rental price, July 2022

The average monthly rent of apartments in Santa Monica, CA is $3,958.

Santa Monica, CA apartment rent ranges

Santa Monica, CA rent trends

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

Compared to the national average rent of $1,706, the average rent in Santa Monica, CA is $3,958.

Getting around in Santa Monica, CA

80 /100

Very Walkable

69 /100

Good Transit

97 /100

Biker's Paradise

Walk Score®: 80, Transit Score®: 69, Bike Score®: 97

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 3 Dec 2022.

What are the best apartments in Santa Monica, CA?

The best apartments in Santa Monica, CA are: NMS 1548 Sixth, Santa Monica St. Charles, Santa Monica Tremont, Sea Castle and Bay on 6th.

What is the average rent in Santa Monica, CA?

The average rent in Santa Monica, CA is $3,958. 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 $2,560 and $5,150. 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 $2,560 and $7,900. 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 $2,650 and $9,500. 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 $2,650 and $26,500. Browse all available 3-bedroom apartments in Santa Monica, CA.

What type of rental buildings are in Santa Monica, CA?

In Santa Monica 72% of the housing is rented out compared to 28% of homes are owned, according to the most recent Census Bureau estimates. 13% of Santa Monica’s apartments are found in large buildings of 50 units or more, 80% are located in smaller apartment complexes with less than 50 units, and 6% are single-family rentals.

What do typical apartment communities look like in Santa Monica, CA?

The age and size of multifamily buildings are among the most visible characteristics of the rental market in a city.  In this case, the apartment buildings in Santa Monica are about 38 years old, on average. Of these, 39% have been built since 2000, representing the newer options on the market and typically offering more amenities. Rental buildings in the city have an average height of 3 stories. About 20% of the rental communities here are low-rise, garden-style communities, 44% are mid-rises, and none are high-rise buildings. These are true especially for large-scale multifamily buildings with over 50 apartments.

What apartment floorplans are common in Santa Monica, CA?

Studio apartments in Santa Monica are around 22% of rentals, while 1-bedroom floor plans represent 54% of the total stock. For those in search of larger rentals, 2-bedroom floorplans make up 21% of all rentals. More generous apartments with 3 bedrooms or more are also available in this city for those in search of more space.

Renter's guide to Santa Monica, CA

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!

Tips for renting in Santa Monica, CA

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!

Santa Monica, CA demographics

91,600Total Population
46,329 Female

45,271 Male
40.5Median Age

Santa Monica, CA has a population of 91,600 according to the most recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau. 46,329 of Los Angeles’s residents are women and 45,271 are men. The median age of those who live in Santa Monica, CA is 40.5.

Living in Santa Monica, CA

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.

Santa Monica, CA households

19,114 Family

26,592 Non-family
7,874 Children

37,832 No Children

45,706Total Number of Households
1.97Average People Per Household
$98,300Median Household Income

According to U.S. Census data, there are 45,706 households in Santa Monica, CA. 19,114 are family households and 26,592 are non-family households. There are 7,874 households with children in Los Angeles and 37,832 households without children. On average, about 1.97 people live in a household in Santa Monica, CA.

Things to do in Santa Monica, CA

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.

Santa Monica, CA employment & economy

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, CA

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.

Santa Monica, CA education statistics

The level of education of the population of Santa Monica, CA is as follows: 3% have no high school education, 11% completed some high school, 16% partially completed college, 5% have an Associate Degree, 37% have a Bachelor Degree, and 27% have a Graduate Degree.

Look for apartments near me

Are you looking to land that one apartment near you that ticks all the boxes? Now you can browse through available RentCafe apartment listings in your area, rated and reviewed by verified residents. Comparing the size, price, amenities and location of apartments for rent near you is easier than ever. Do you feel like expanding the search beyond your neighborhood and ZIP code? Browse apartments for rent in your city and state to find the best fit, wherever you are in the U.S. Somewhere out there is the perfect apartment just waiting for you.

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, RentCafe 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!

RentCafe 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 $2,560 and submit your rental application today!

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Apartments for Rent in Santa Monica, CA 165 Rentals Available

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