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

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Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Santa Monica.

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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

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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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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123 California Ave
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

123 California Ave

123 California AveSanta Monica, CA 90403
Student Housing
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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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Ocean Park Boulevard
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Ocean Park Boulevard

1717-1723 Ocean Park BlvdSanta Monica, CA 90405
  • Utilities Included
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1042 6th St
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

1042 6th St

1042 6th StSanta Monica, CA 90403
  • Utilities Included

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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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
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2535 Kansas Ave
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

2535 Kansas Ave

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

1218 6th St

1218 6th StSanta Monica, CA 90401
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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
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2302 32nd St
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

2302 32nd St

2302 32nd StSanta Monica, CA 90405

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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1025 19th St
1 Bedroom Apartments

1025 19th St

1025 19th StSanta Monica, CA 90403
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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
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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
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101 Dudley Ave
Rent Specials
$1,298 - $2,498
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,298 - $2,498

Total Monthly Price
$1,298 - $2,498
Studio Apartments Available Now

101 Dudley Ave

101 Dudley AveVenice, CA 90291
Student Housing
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  • Utilities Included
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4417 S Centinela Ave
$1,325 - $1,850
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,325 - $1,850

Total Monthly Price
$1,325 - $1,850
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartment Available Now

4417 S Centinela Ave

4417 S Centinela AveLos Angeles, CA 90066
Affordability
  • Smoke Free

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.

LA Alternatives: Find the Perfect Commuter City for Renting in the Los Angeles Metro Area

Get more breathing room without compromising proximity to LA. Our Los Angeles local expert breaks down the best neighboring cities for renting more affordable apartments with easier commutes.

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: 05/11/2026

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$67,500$1,55063

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
30 Dudley AveStudioStudio,$1,298
Matteson by CategoryPrivate Bedroom in Shared 5 Bed 3 Bath-E1BR,1BA$1,313
Jefferson at Marina del ReyVenice (A1B)1BR,1BA$1,386
1515 Colby AveUnit 1034BR,3BA$1,392
Porter Mar Vista - Co-Living4 Bedroom Southwest4BR,3BA$1,487
1775 Beloit Ave# 02A1BR,1BA$1,500
33 Brooks AveNorthStudio,1BA$1,500

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Santa Monica, CA

As of May 11, 2026 the best value apartment in the Santa Monica area is the $0.90 price per square foot Private Bedroom in Shared 5 Bed 4 Bath-G Model at Matteson by Category in the in the Venice Beach neighborhood starting from $1,508. The second greatest value Santa Monica apartment is the Unit 315 Model at 1539 Beloit Ave starting at $1,400 with a $1.05 price per square foot in the Sawtelle 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.
Matteson by CategoryPrivate Bedroom in Shared 5 Bed 4 Bath-G1BR,1BA$0.90
1539 Beloit AveUnit 3154BR,3BA$1.05
4253 S Centinela Ave2BR2BR,1BA$1.96
12323 Texas Ave2BR/1.5BA2BR,1.5BA$2.27
11260 Westminster Ave2 bed 2 bath2BR,2BA$2.18
1815 Greenfield Ave1Bd/1Ba1BR,1BA$1.85
Porter Mar Vista - Co-Living3 Bedroom South3BR,3BA$1.82
Venice Blvd Apartments2 Bedroom, 1 Bath2BR,1BA$2.30
Comma Barrington Co-LivingCo-Living | Freeway | 4 BR, 2 BA4BR,2BA$1.56
Olive Co-LivingFurnished Co-Living Studio SuiteStudio ,1BA$2.29

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 the Cheapest Studio apartment in Santa Monica?

Currently the most affordable Cheap Studio Apartment in Santa Monica is at 101 Dudley Ave listed at $1,298.

How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom Santa Monica Apartment?

The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom Santa Monica Apartment is $1,313 at Matteson by Category.

What is the lowest price for a Cheap Two Bedroom Santa Monica Apartment for rent?

Today's best deal for a Cheap Two Bedroom Apartment in Santa Monica is starting from $2,200 at The Gorham Apartments.

What is the most affordable Santa Monica Three Bedroom Apartment?

The best deal on a cheap Santa Monica Three Bedroom Apartment rental is at The Gorham Apartments and starts from $3,000.

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.

Helpful Local Expert Guides

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The 10 Best Affordable Neighborhoods in Los Angeles, CA

Written by: Rachel Presser

Los Angeles is a vast and vibrant city where modernity meets more than a century of fascinating history, in addition to being a global bastion for the entertainment industry and the arts.

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

Written by: Rachel Presser

When most people think of collegiate destination cities, Boston and New York often come to mind in addition to smaller college towns.

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More Than Just Hollywood: A Local Experts Deep Dive into LA Living

Written by: Rachel Presser

Hi from LA! I’m Rachel, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for Los Angeles, CA.

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The LA Price Check: Separating Cost of Living Myth from Reality

Written by: Rachel Presser

Hi from LA! I’m Rachel, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for Los Angeles, CA.

Articles, How-To's, and Tips

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A Seasoned Property Manager's Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Deposit Back

Written by: Lauren Harrington

I’m going to talk with you as a seasoned property manager and friend. So, let’s start with your security deposit. I want you to think about this guide as insider information. You deserve your deposit back.

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Expert Solutions for Creating the Perfect Work-From-Home Apartment Layouts

Written by: Lauren Harrington

This article is based on first-hand experience managing apartment communities and helping renters adapt to their spaces after moving in.

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

Written by: Lauren Harrington

This article draws from first-hand renter experiences and recurring financial challenges reported after moving in.

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Maximizing Your Refund: Essential Tax Tips for Renters

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Other than tax professionals, I can’t think of anyone who looks forward to tax season. For everybody else, April is a stressful month to collect information and meet deadlines.