Cheap Apartments for Rent in Santa Monica, CA from $500 (78 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Santa Monica.

Ocean Park Boulevard

1434 Santa Monica Blvd
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.

1010 Pico Blvd in Santa Monica. Walk to t...

101 Dudley Ave

30 Dudley Ave
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.

Beloit Avenue Apartments

Matteson by Category

C1 by CLG ( + Coliving)

Acacia

G8 by CLG
More Than Just Hollywood: A Local Expert's Deep Dive into LA Living
Moving to Los Angeles? Get an insider's view on desirable neighborhoods like Koreatown, Los Feliz, and NELA, plus crucial insight on LA's vast sprawl and transit.
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.

Darlington Court Apartments
The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour
Touring a rental? This guide helps you know exactly what to look for, from safety features to hidden flaws, so you can confidently sign your lease or keep searching.
Santa Monica, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Santa Monica?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheap Santa Monica Studio Apartments | $2,640 | $1,250 | $5,082 |
| Cheap Santa Monica 1 Bedroom Apartments | $3,361 | $1,500 | $10,000+ |
| Cheap Santa Monica 2 Bedroom Apartments | $4,278 | $2,350 | $10,000+ |
| Cheap Santa Monica 3 Bedroom Apartments | $5,442 | $1,300 | $10,000+ |
| Cheap Santa Monica 4 Bedroom Apartments | $3,436 | $1,280 | $10,000+ |
| Santa Monica 5 Bedroom Apartments | $1,840 | $1,392 | $2,174 |
Browse Top Apartments in Santa Monica
See all Apartments in Santa MonicaExplore Santa Monica
Santa Monica, CA Local Guide

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Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Santa Monica, CA
Pricing Updated: 12/23/2025Current 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:
| Neighborhood | Median Price | Min Price | Available Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wilshire Montana | $5,859 | $1,650 | 174 |
Cheapest Available Santa Monica Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in Santa Monica, CA is a 1 Bed unit found at 1122 6th St in the Wilshire neighborhood priced from $750. 101 Dudley Ave in the Ocean Park neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $1,198. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Santa Monica apartments for rent:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1122 6th St | 101 | 1BR,1BA | $750 |
| 101 Dudley Ave | Micro Studio | Studio, | $1,198 |
| 30 Dudley Ave | Studio | Studio, | $1,298 |
| Darlington Court Apartments | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,495 |
| Beloit Receivership | # 02A | 1BR,1BA | $1,500 |
| 1032 7th St | Single | Studio,1BA | $1,500 |
| Third Avenue Apartments | Efficiency B NO FULL KITCHEN | Studio,1BA | $1,550 |
| Olive Co-Living | Furnished Co-Living Studio Suite | Studio,1BA | $1,550 |
| 33 Brooks Ave | North | Studio,1BA | $1,550 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Santa Monica, CA
As of December 23, 2025 the best value apartment in the Santa Monica area is the $0.26 price per square foot Coliving Model at Haven Coliving - Penmar in the in the Venice Beach neighborhood starting from $995. The second greatest value Santa Monica apartment is the Private Bedroom in Shared 5 Bed 3 Bath-A Model at Matteson by Category starting at $1,599 with a $1.03 price per square foot in the Venice Beach neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Santa Monica apartments based on price per square foot:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haven Coliving - Penmar | Coliving | 4BR,4BA | $0.26 |
| Matteson by Category | Private Bedroom in Shared 5 Bed 3 Bath-A | 1BR,1BA | $1.03 |
| 1246 Brockton Ave | No Availability | 3BR,2BA | $2.13 |
| 1539 Beloit Ave | Unit 203 | 4BR,3BA | $1.23 |
| 1440 Barry Ave, Unit 1 | 1440 Barry Ave | 2BR,2BA | $2.08 |
| 4253 S Centinela Ave | 2BR | 2BR,1BA | $1.96 |
| 1247 Federal Ave | 301 | 2BR,2BA | $2.17 |
| Porter Mar Vista - Co-Living | 3 Bedroom South | 3BR,3BA | $2.11 |
| Comma Barrington | 4BR/2BA - Freeway | 4BR,2BA | $1.51 |
| 1122 6th St | 101 | 1BR,1BA | $1.00 |
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.
Read ArticleThe Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro
Moving is tough, especially long-distance. Learn how to minimize stress & expenses with proven strategies from a real estate pro, covering everything from logistics to finances.
Read ArticleA 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
Read ArticleQuick 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.
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.
Best Local Schools in Santa Monica, CA
Roosevelt Elementary
Santa Monica High
Lincoln Middle
School data provided by Great Schools
Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:Location, Location, Location!
Explore Santa Monica, CA Rentals by Map
See the most popular apartments and homes in Santa Monica, CA
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 $1,550.
What is the price of a cheap apartment in Santa Monica?
The cheapest apartment in Santa Monica is 1122 6th St which is listed at $750, while the average apartment in Santa Monica costs $5,859.
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 12 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 $1,397 which is $4,462 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.
Helpful Local Expert Guides

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.

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.

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.
Articles, How-To's, and Tips

Renting with Roommates: Realistic Expectations for Shared Lease
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Given the high costs for housing, I have found that many people are looking for a roommate to share expenses. These arrangements can increase opportunities for more desirable and larger spaces.

Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Back in the day when I rented one of my first apartments, the property didn’t even have laundry in the building. Now, rental properties are often competing against each other to provide the best amenities.

How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Everything is a negotiation in real estate!

The Rental Move-In Inspection Checklist: A Guide for Renters
Written by: Trey Huguley
The move-in inspection checklist is a crucial tool for both tenants and landlords. This checklist, provided by the team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com, helps document the condition of an apartment at the time of move-in.






































