Tap here to try the Rental Assistant! ×
Save This Search

Apartments for Rent in Santa Monica, CA
171 Rentals Available

  • Today

    2921 Arizona Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90404
    2 BEDS $3,600
  • Today

    855 Third St., Santa Monica, CA 90403
    1 BED $3,295
    2 BEDS Ask for Pricing
  • Today

    2110 4Th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90405
    1 BED $3,060+
    2 BEDS Ask for Pricing
  • Today

    1445 9Th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401
    1 BED $2,795
    2 BEDS $3,845
  • Today

    633 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90403
    1 BED $3,700+
  • Need help with your search? Tell us what you want and we'll search for you
  • Today

    401 Washington Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90403
    2 BEDS $4,700
  • Today

    1115 Fifth St., Santa Monica, CA 90403
    1 BED Ask for Pricing
    2 BEDS Ask for Pricing
  • Today

    1641 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90404
    Studio $2,649
    1 BED $2,900
    2+ BEDS $4,100
  • Today

    937 10Th St., Santa Monica, CA 90403
    2 BEDS $4,650
  • Today

    1127 11Th St., Santa Monica, CA 90403
    1 BED Ask for Pricing
    2 BEDS Ask for Pricing
    3 BEDS $5,295
  • Today

    858-860 3Rd Street, Santa Monica, CA 90403
    2 BEDS $4,300
  • Interactive banner rent
    What is your max rent budget?
  • Today

    1920 6Th St., Santa Monica, CA 90405
    Studio $2,599
    1 BED $2,849+
    2 BEDS Ask for Pricing
  • Today

    801-11 26Th St, Santa Monica, CA 90403
    1 BED $2,590
    2 BEDS Ask for Pricing
  • Today

    302 Arizona Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401
    Studio Ask for Pricing
    1 BED Ask for Pricing
  • Today

    930 Fifth St., Santa Monica, CA 90403
    1 BED Ask for Pricing
    2 BEDS $4,095
    3 BEDS Ask for Pricing
  • Today

    2901 4Th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90405
    1 BED $3,495+
    2 BEDS $4,395+
    3 BEDS $5,145+
  • Today

    1015 Ninth St., Santa Monica, CA 90403
    2 BEDS $4,475
    3 BEDS Ask for Pricing
  • Interactive banner bedroom
    How many bedrooms are you
    looking for?
  • Today

    209 Montana Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90403
    1 BED Ask for Pricing
    2 BEDS Ask for Pricing
    3 BEDS Ask for Pricing
  • Today

    500 Broadway, Santa Monica, CA 90401
    Studio $4,465+
    1 BED $5,200
    2+ BEDS $7,900+
  • Today

    901 3Rd Street, Santa Monica, CA 90403
    1 BED Ask for Pricing
    2 BEDS Ask for Pricing
  • Today

    2021 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90405
    Studio Ask for Pricing
    1 BED $3,425+
    2 BEDS Ask for Pricing
  • Today

    1725 Ocean Front Walk, Santa Monica, CA 90401
    Studio $3,300+
    1 BED $3,205+
  • Today

    837 Third St., Santa Monica, CA 90403
    1 BED Ask for Pricing
    2 BEDS Ask for Pricing
  • Today

    834 2Nd St., Santa Monica, CA 90403
    1 BED $3,200
    2 BEDS $4,200
  • Today

    911 Ninth St., Santa Monica, CA 90403
    2 BEDS Ask for Pricing
    3 BEDS Ask for Pricing
68-0-city

Save Search
Popular searches Average rent Renters guide Demographics

Average rent in Santa Monica, CA

$3,956/mo Santa Monica, CA average rental price, November 2023
Image Average Rent

The average monthly rent of apartments in Santa Monica, CA is $3,956.

    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 $1,718, the average rent in Santa Monica, CA is $3,956.

    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 26 Mar 2024.

    What are the best apartments in Santa Monica, CA?

    The best apartments in Santa Monica, CA are: Santa Monica St. James, Santa Monica La Ronda, 2901 4th St, Santa Monica Euclid Plaza and 2921 Arizona Apartments.

    What is the average rent in Santa Monica, CA?

    The average rent in Santa Monica, CA is $3,956. 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 $1,931 and $4,900. 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 $1,931 and $6,500. 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 $11,000. 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 $2,522 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 40% being newer apartment buildings completed since 2000. The average height of apartment buildings in the city is 3 stories, of which 49% are garden-style apartment communities, 46% are mid-sized buildings, and 23% 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!
    Things for renting

    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.

    Things to do

    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.

    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.

    Things to do

    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 $2,590 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!