Cheap Apartments for Rent in Santa Monica, CA from $500 (173 Rentals)

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1254 14th St, Unit A
$1,800
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,800

Total Monthly Price
$1,800
Studio Apartment Available Jul 11

1254 14th St, Unit A

1254 14th StSanta Monica, CA 90404
Affordability
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1825 Euclid St
$1,890 - $2,950
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,890 - $2,950

Total Monthly Price
$1,890 - $2,950
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartment Available Now

1825 Euclid St

1825 Euclid StSanta Monica, CA 90404
Affordability
  • Smoke Free

What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much

Learn the official definition (spending 30% or more of your gross income on housing) and how to calculate your exact rent-to-income ratio. This guide offers expert tips on factoring in total housing costs (including utilities and fees) and budgeting accurately to avoid unnecessary financial strain.

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Belmar Apartments
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Belmar Apartments

1725 Ocean AveSanta Monica, CA 90401
  • Utilities Included
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1122 6th St
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

1122 6th St

1122 6th StSanta Monica, CA 90403
  • Utilities Included
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Monterey Plaza
2 Bedroom Apartments

Monterey Plaza

11701 Texas AveSanta Monica, CA 90405
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1017 Ocean Park Blvd
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

1017 Ocean Park Blvd

1017 Ocean Park BlvdSanta Monica, CA 90405
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2307 Ocean Ave
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

2307 Ocean Ave

2301-2307 Ocean AveSanta Monica, CA 90405
  • Utilities Included
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130 W Channel Rd
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

130 W Channel Rd

130 W Channel RdSanta Monica, CA 90402
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1837-1839 Euclid St
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

1837-1839 Euclid St

1837-1839 Euclid StSanta Monica, CA 90404
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1015 2nd Street
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

1015 2nd Street

1015 2nd StSanta Monica, CA 90403
Student Housing
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123 California Ave
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

123 California Ave

123 California AveSanta Monica, CA 90403
Student Housing

Your Guide to Co-Signers: The Risks, Rewards, and Everything in Between

Thinking about getting a co-signer for your rental application? We break down what a co-signer is, the potential benefits, and the serious risks for both parties. Find out if it's the right choice for you.

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1522 N Harvard St
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

1522 N Harvard St

1522 N Harvard StSanta Monica, CA 90404
  • Utilities Included
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1124 12th St
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

1124 12th St

1124 12th StSanta Monica, CA 90403
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01120SI
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

01120SI

1120 6th StSanta Monica, CA 90403
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1042 6th St
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

1042 6th St

1042 6th StSanta Monica, CA 90403
  • Utilities Included
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Yale Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Yale Apartments

1328 Yale StSanta Monica, CA 90404
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1748 18th St
1 Bedroom Apartments

1748 18th St

1748 18th StSanta Monica, CA 90404
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The Sovereign
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

The Sovereign

205 Washington AveSanta Monica, CA 90403
  • Utilities Included
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1307 15th St
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

1307 15th St

1307 15th StSanta Monica, CA 90404
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2535 Kansas Ave
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

2535 Kansas Ave

2535 Kansas AveSanta Monica, CA 90404
  • Utilities Included
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1218 6th St
Studio Apartments

1218 6th St

1218 6th StSanta Monica, CA 90401
  • Utilities Included

Cash or credit? Understanding the Importance of Credit Score in Real Estate and Renting

Discover how your credit score impacts your ability to lease or buy a home. Learn how credit scores are determined, how to check yours, and strategies to improve it for real estate success.

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1001 19th St
1 Bedroom Apartments

1001 19th St

1001 19th StSanta Monica, CA 90403
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937 6th St
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

937 6th St

937 6th StSanta Monica, CA 90403
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838 7th St
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

838 7th St

838 7th StSanta Monica, CA 90403
  • Utilities Included
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1025 19th St
1 Bedroom Apartments

1025 19th St

1025 19th StSanta Monica, CA 90403
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2302 32nd St
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

2302 32nd St

2302 32nd StSanta Monica, CA 90405
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1420-1426 1/2 Maple St
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

1420-1426 1/2 Maple St

1420-1426 1/2 Maple StSanta Monica, CA 90405
  • Utilities Included
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Lincoln SM
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Lincoln SM

829-829 Broadway StSanta Monica, CA 90401
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928-934 12th St
2 Bedroom Apartments

928-934 12th St

928-934 12th StSanta Monica, CA 90403

Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls

When searching for a roommate, follow this list of essential steps and set clear expectations to create a solid foundation for a harmonious living situation.

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101 Dudley Ave
Rent Specials
$1,298 - $2,698
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,298 - $2,698

Total Monthly Price
$1,298 - $2,698
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

101 Dudley Ave

101 Dudley AveVenice, CA 90291
Student Housing
  • Verified
  • Utilities Included
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Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It

From theft to fire to water damage, the unexpected can happen to any renter. Discover why renters insurance is one of the smartest and most affordable investments you can make as a tenant.

Santa Monica, CA Local Guide

Photo of Staff Writer  - Local Guide Expert
Written By:
Staff Writer
Local Guide Expert

Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Santa Monica, CA

Pricing Updated: 06/27/2026

Current apartment rentals in the Santa Monica, CA area range in price from to with an overall median price of . Here is today’s list neighborhoods with the lowest median pricing for Santa Monica Apartments for rent:

NeighborhoodMedian PriceMin PriceAvailable Units
Wilshire Montana$6,385$1,695320

Cheapest Available Santa Monica Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in Santa Monica, CA is a 4 Beds unit found at 1539 Beloit Ave in the Sawtelle neighborhood priced from $1,250. 101 Dudley Ave in the Ocean Park neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $1,298. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Santa Monica apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
1539 Beloit AveUnit 3044BR,3BA$1,250
101 Dudley AveJUNIOR STUDIOStudio,$1,298
1515 Colby AveUnit 1034BR,3BA$1,392
Olive Co-LivingFurnished Co-Living Studio SuiteStudio,1BA$1,400
11311 Charnock RdStudioStudio,1BA$1,495
30 Dudley AveStudioStudio,1BA$1,498
1775 Beloit Ave# 02A1BR,1BA$1,500
1825 S. Beloit Ave0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$1,525
1275 Federal Ave0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$1,548

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Santa Monica, CA

As of June 27, 2026 the best value apartment in the Santa Monica area is the $1.03 price per square foot Unit PH15 Model at 1539 Beloit Ave in the in the Sawtelle neighborhood starting from $1,375. The second greatest value Santa Monica apartment is the 2 bed 2 bath Model at 11260 Westminster Ave starting at $2,395 with a $2.18 price per square foot in the Blanco neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Santa Monica apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
1539 Beloit AveUnit PH154BR,3BA$1.03
11260 Westminster Ave2 bed 2 bath2BR,2BA$2.18
12323 Texas Ave2BR/1.5BA2BR,1.5BA$2.18
1815 Greenfield Ave1Bd/1Ba1BR,1BA$1.85
Porter Mar Vista - Co-Living3 Bedroom South3BR,3BA$1.91
2032 Delaware Ave, Unit C2032 Delaware Ave1BR,1BA$2.33
Comma Barrington Co-LivingCo-Living | Freeway | 4 BR, 2 BA4BR,2BA$1.56
2680 S Barrington Ave, Unit 1012680 S Barrington Ave1BR,1BA$2.20
1223 Federal Ave1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$2.35
12115 Herbert St, Unit 312115 Herbert St1BR,1BA$2.44

Don't Settle: How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

Discover the insider tips from an attorney and real estate agent on how to negotiate your next apartment lease. Find out what's on the table and what's not, so you can save money and get the best terms possible.

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A Local Expert's Top Neighborhood Guide for Renters While Attending Major Colleges and Universities in Los Angeles

Learn About the Best Neighborhoods to Rent Near College Campuses in Los Angeles, CA | Find Los Angeles Off-Campus Student Housing at ApartmentHomeLiving.com

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Real Estate and Rental Term Glossary | ApartmentHomeLiving.com Renter University

From the letter A all the way to the letter Z, the Real Estate and Rental Term Glossary from the content team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provides our visitors and shoppers with a little clarity and helpful guidance in navigating the real estate world through definitions and explainers for the top subjects and terms that someone may come across during the leasing, buying, or selling process.

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Quick Rent Budget Calculator

How much rent can you afford?

The common "Rule of Thumb" is that rent should be no more than 30% of your income. How much is that? Enter your monthly income and click "Calculate My Budget" to find out.

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Santa Monica Overview

If you want to live in a city that has it all, look no further than Santa Monica, California. This beachside town is nestled in a spot between an excellent coastline and the city of Los Angeles. Apartments in Santa Monica offer residents a fantastic lifestyle.

Why live in Santa Monica, CA?

Santa Monica is one of the cities that could be truly called paradise. Access to excellent beaches, a walkable local layout, proximity to all sorts of geological and geographical landmarks, and a laid-back, modern atmosphere make it a truly unforgettable place.

Santa Monica, CA
Population: 91,411

Ranked #361

in US Census Population by City

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Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:
Location, Location, Location!

Explore Santa Monica, CA Rentals by Map

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Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Santa Monica Apartments

What is a cheap apartment in Santa Monica?

A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Santa Monica is under $1,548.

What is the price of a cheap apartment in Santa Monica?

The cheapest apartment in Santa Monica is 1775 Beloit Ave which is listed at $1,500, while the average apartment in Santa Monica costs $6,385.

What types of apartments are the cheapest in Santa Monica?

Student, low-income, and by-the-bed apartments are typically the cheapest rentals in most cities, though they require qualifying criteria to rent. There are 9 regular apartments in Santa Monica that we think qualify as ‘cheap apartments’ that do not have special requirements to apply to rent.

How do the prices of cheap apartments compare to the average apartment in Santa Monica?

Cheap apartments in Santa Monica have an average cost of $1,041 which is $5,344 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Santa Monica.

Expert Rental Resources

The rental experts at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provide you with top advice, tools, and tips for understanding the leasing process and finding the perfect rental. Here are a few helpful rental and leasing articles from our experts to guide you on your search.

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