Cheap Apartments for Rent in Santa Monica, CA from $500 (74 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
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1122 6th St
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

1122 6th St

1122 6th StSanta Monica, CA 90403
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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
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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

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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Ocean Park Boulevard
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Ocean Park Boulevard

1717-1723 Ocean Park BlvdSanta Monica, CA 90405
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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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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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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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1403 Innes Pl
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

1403 Innes Pl

1403 Innes PlVenice, CA 90291
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10876 Palms Blvd
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

10876 Palms Blvd

10876 Palms BlvdLos Angeles, CA 90034

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.

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Sawtelle-1661
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Sawtelle-1661

1661 Sawtelle BlvdLos Angeles, CA 90025
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Dorridge 03-LA
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

Dorridge 03-LA

11931 Dorothy StLos Angeles, CA 90049
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1617 S Westgate Ave
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

1617 S Westgate Ave

1617 S Westgate AveLos Angeles, CA 90025
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1733 Granville Ave
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

1733 Granville Ave

1733 Granville AveLos Angeles, CA 90025
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Solaire Venice
1 to 6 Bedroom Apartments

Solaire Venice

12518 Venice BlvdLos Angeles, CA 90066
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11511 Rochester Ave
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

11511 Rochester Ave

11511 Rochester AveLos Angeles, CA 90025
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Darlington Court Apartments
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

Darlington Court Apartments

11676-11678 Darlington AveLos Angeles, CA 90049
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1002 S Barrington Ave
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

1002 S Barrington Ave

1002 S Barrington AveLos Angeles, CA 90049

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.

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Corinth Apartments
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

Corinth Apartments

2440 Corinth AveLos Angeles, CA 90064
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11330 Ohio Ave
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

11330 Ohio Ave

11330 Ohio AveLos Angeles, CA 90025
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3714 Inglewood Blvd
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

3714 Inglewood Blvd

3714 Inglewood BlvdLos Angeles, CA 90066
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1521 Beloit Avenue,
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

1521 Beloit Avenue,

1521 Beloit AveLos Angeles, CA 90025
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1450 Brockton Ave
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

1450 Brockton Ave

1450 Brockton AveLos Angeles, CA 90025
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1626 Barry Ave
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

1626 Barry Ave

1626 Barry AveLos Angeles, CA 90025
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11865 Rochester Ave
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

11865 Rochester Ave

11865 Rochester AveLos Angeles, CA 90025
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Sepulveda Court
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Sepulveda Court

2840 S Sepulveda BlvdLos Angeles, CA 90064
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2589 S Sepulveda Blvd
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

2589 S Sepulveda Blvd

2589 S Sepulveda BlvdLos Angeles, CA 90064

Smart Renter's Guide: Calculating Affordable Rent & Housing Costs

Wondering how to determine your rental budget? This comprehensive guide covers everything from the 30% rule to hidden fees and effective budgeting strategies.

Santa Monica, CA Local Guide

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Written By:
Staff Writer
Local Guide Expert

Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Santa Monica, CA

Pricing Updated: 02/06/2026

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$5,859$1,500204

Cheapest Available Santa Monica Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in Santa Monica, CA is a Studio unit found at 101 Dudley Ave in the Ocean Park neighborhood priced from $1,298. 30 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
101 Dudley AveMicro StudioStudio,$1,298
30 Dudley AveStudioStudio,$1,298
Beloit Receivership# 02A1BR,1BA$1,500
1839-1841 Colby AveStudioStudio,1BA$1,500
1032 7th StSingleStudio,1BA$1,500
Matteson by CategoryPrivate Bedroom in Shared 5 Bed 3 Bath-D1BR,1BA$1,512
Olive Co-LivingFurnished Co-Living Studio SuiteStudio,1BA$1,550
1521 Beloit Avenue,0x1Studio,1BA$1,550
33 Brooks AveNorthStudio,1BA$1,550
Sepulveda CourtStudioStudio,1BA$1,595

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Santa Monica, CA

As of February 07, 2026 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 4 Bed 3 Bath Model at 11515 Ohio Ave starting at $4,490 with a $2.25 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.
Haven Coliving - PenmarColiving4BR,4BA$0.26
11515 Ohio Ave4 Bed 3 Bath4BR,3BA$2.25
Matteson by CategoryPrivate Bedroom in Shared 5 Bed 3 Bath-D1BR,1BA$0.98
1539 Beloit AveUnit 3084BR,3BA$1.20
4253 S Centinela Ave2BR2BR,1BA$1.96
1848 12th St1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$2.00
Champlin Properties2 bed 2 bath1BR,1BA$2.36
Porter Mar Vista - Co-Living3 Bedroom South3BR,3BA$2.11
Comma Barrington Co-Living4BR/2BA - Freeway4BR,2BA$1.51
Olive Co-LivingFurnished Co-Living Studio SuiteStudio ,1BA$2.23

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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The 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.

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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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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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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.

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 $1,595.

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

The cheapest apartment in Santa Monica is Beloit Receivership which is listed at $1,500, 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 8 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 $1,258 which is $4,601 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

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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

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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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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.

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18 Must-Ask Rental Tour Questions That Reveal the Truth about a Property

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Renting your next home can feel thrilling and overwhelming at the same time.

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A Renters Guide for Tips on Writing Your Notice for Not Renewing Your Apartment

Written by: Bob Mallory

Packing up everything you own to move is so stressful for many that ending your apartment lease can feel like a small or unimportant task. Ending your lease involves more than simply turning over your keys on the last day.

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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.