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

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Apartments in Agoura Hills $2,857
Apartments in Alhambra $2,625
Apartments in Bell Gardens $1,352
Apartments in Bellflower $2,052
Apartments in Burbank $2,727
Apartments in Calabasas $2,944
Apartments in Carson $2,373
Apartments in Commerce $2,348
Apartments in Compton $1,840
Apartments in Cudahy $1,352
Apartments in Culver City $3,083
Apartments in Downey $2,232
Apartments in El Segundo $2,541
Apartments in Gardena $1,728
Apartments in Glendale $2,911
Apartments in Hawthorne $1,820
Apartments in Hermosa Beach $3,156
Apartments in Huntington Park $1,950
Apartments in Inglewood $2,648
Apartments in Lomita $2,076
Apartments in Los Angeles $2,691
Apartments in Lynwood $1,857
Apartments in Manhattan Beach $1,450
Apartments in Montebello $2,282
Apartments in Monterey Park $2,417
Apartments in Paramount $2,129
Apartments in Pasadena $3,051
Apartments in Pico Rivera $1,911
Apartments in Rancho Palos Verdes $3,126
Apartments in Redondo Beach $2,996
Apartments in San Fernando $1,572
Apartments in San Gabriel $2,134
Apartments in South Gate $2,009
Apartments in South Pasadena $2,312
Apartments in Torrance $2,437
Apartments in West Hollywood $3,182

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Apartments in Downtown Santa Monica $4,180
Apartments in Mid-City Santa Monica $4,131
Apartments in North of Montana $4,955
Apartments in Ocean Park $3,478
Apartments in Pico $3,912
Apartments in Sunset Park $3,478
Apartments in Wilshire - Montana $3,727

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Apartments in 90405

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Average rent in Santa Monica, CA

$3,923/mo Santa Monica, CA average rental price, March 2024

The average monthly rent of apartments in Santa Monica, CA is $3,923.

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 $1,713, the average rent in Santa Monica, CA is $3,923.

Getting around in Santa Monica, CA

83 /100

Very Walkable

70 /100

Excellent Transit

97 /100

Biker's Paradise

Walk Score®: 83, Transit Score®: 70, 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 24 Jul 2024.

What are the best apartments in Santa Monica, CA?

The best apartments in Santa Monica, CA are: Criterion Promenade, Santa Monica Bay Club, Catherine, 16th Street and Bay on 6th.

What is the average rent in Santa Monica, CA?

The average rent in Santa Monica, CA is $3,923. 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 $2,522 and $6,694. 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 $2,495 and $9,733. 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 $2,522 and $22,000. 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 $3,420 and $25,000. Browse all available 3-bedroom apartments in Santa Monica, CA.

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

In Santa Monica, 71% of the residents are renting compared to 29% owning a home, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Large-scale apartment buildings with more than 50 units represent 14% of Santa Monica’s rentals, 79% are small-scale complexes with under 50 units, and 7% are single-family rentals.

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

The average age of rental buildings in Santa Monica is 38 years old, with 41% being newer apartment buildings completed since 2000. The average height of apartment buildings in the city is 7 stories, of which 51% are garden-style apartment communities, 45% are mid-sized buildings, and 22% are high-rises. These characteristics describe large-scale apartment communities of 50 apartments or more.

What apartment floorplans are common in Santa Monica, CA?

Rental apartments in Santa Monica come in a range of sizes and floorplans. Studio apartments represent 22% of units for rent, ideal for singles, renters on a budget and people who value central locations more than space. Rentals with 1-bedroom floorplans make up 54% of the total apartments in the city, while 2-bedroom floorplans represent around 21% of all rentals in Santa Monica. The rest are larger floorplans with 3 bedrooms or more, typically preferred by families, larger households or roommates sharing 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!

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.

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.

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 $1,590 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!

1 BED	Ask for Pricing
2 BEDS	Ask for Pricing
3 BEDS	$5,095

Studio	$2,791+
1 BED	$3,269+
2+ BEDS	$3,947+

Studio	Ask for Pricing
1 BED	Ask for Pricing
2+ BEDS	$3,995+

1 BED	Ask for Pricing
2 BEDS	$4,275
3 BEDS	Ask for Pricing

1 BED	$4,205
2 BEDS	Ask for Pricing
3 BEDS	Ask for Pricing

Studio	$3,110+
1 BED	$3,510+
2+ BEDS	$5,060+

Studio	$4,895+
1 BED	$5,394+
2+ BEDS	$8,499

Studio	$2,687
1 BED	$3,345
2+ BEDS	$3,740

1 BED	$3,195+
2 BEDS	$4,295
3 BEDS	$4,995

Apartments for Rent in Santa Monica, CA 204 Rentals Available

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