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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.
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Rent Specials
$1,595 - $2,095Studio Apartments Available Nov 19
Ocean Park Boulevard
1717-1723 Ocean Park BlvdSanta Monica, CA 90405
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$1,650 - $1,900Studio Apartments Available Now
1434 Santa Monica Blvd
1434 Santa Monica BlvdSanta Monica, CA 90404
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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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Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments
1010 Pico Blvd in Santa Monica. Walk to t
1010 Pico BlvdSanta Monica, CA 90405
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$1,100Studio Apartment Available Now
3571 S Sepulveda Blvd, Unit 5
3571 S Sepulveda BlvdLos Angeles, CA 90034
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Rent Specials
$1,198 - $2,498Studio Apartments Available Now
101 Dudley Ave
101 Dudley AveVenice, CA 90291
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Rent Specials
$1,426 - $1,6411 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
Matteson by Category
12602-12610 Matteson AveLos Angeles, CA 90066
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$1,550Studio Apartment Available Now
4118 Inglewood Blvd, Unit 4
4118 Inglewood BlvdLos Angeles, CA 90066
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$1,550 - $2,198Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
1275 Federal Ave
1275 Federal AveLos Angeles, CA 90025
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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$1,602 - $5,599Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
C1 by CLG ( + Coliving)
4210 Del Rey AveMarina Del Rey, CA 90292
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$1,650 - $2,700Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
Breeze Avenue Apartments
27-29 Breeze AveVenice, CA 90291
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$1,650Studio Apartments Contact Us For Availability
Venice-12915
12915 Venice BlvdLos Angeles, CA 90066
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$1,650Studio Apartment Available Now
11907 Brookhaven Ave, Unit studio
11907 Brookhaven AveLos Angeles, CA 90064
16 Clubhouse Ave
Los AngelesCA90291
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$1,695 - $5,512Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
Acacia
11649 Mayfield AveLos Angeles, CA 90049
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$1,700 - $7,000Studio to 4 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
G8 by CLG
13448 Beach AveMarina Del Rey, CA 90292
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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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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Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments
Darlington Court Apartments
11676-11678 Darlington AveLos Angeles, CA 90049
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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
How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Santa Monica?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheap Santa Monica Studio Apartments | $2,655 | $1,100 | $6,711 |
| Cheap Santa Monica 1 Bedroom Apartments | $3,335 | $1,426 | $8,491 |
| Cheap Santa Monica 2 Bedroom Apartments | $4,460 | $2,350 | $10,000+ |
| Cheap Santa Monica 3 Bedroom Apartments | $5,448 | $1,150 | $10,000+ |
| Cheap Santa Monica 4 Bedroom Apartments | $3,410 | $1,100 | $10,000+ |
| Santa Monica 5 Bedroom Apartments | $1,926 | $1,423 | $2,174 |
Browse Top Apartments in Santa Monica
See all Apartments in Santa MonicaExplore Santa Monica
Santa Monica, CA Local Guide
Written By:
Staff Writer Local Guide Expert
- Santa Monica Neighborhoods
- Nearby Cities
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Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Santa Monica, CA
Pricing Updated: 11/13/2025Current 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 | $1,695 | 162 |
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 $1,198. Matteson by Category in the Venice Beach neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $1,426. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Santa Monica apartments for rent:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| 101 Dudley Ave | Micro Studio | Studio, | $1,198 |
| Matteson by Category | Private Bedroom in Shared 5 Bed 3 Bath-A | 1BR,1BA | $1,426 |
| Beloit Avenue Apartments | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,450 |
| The Clover | SS-120 | Studio,1BA | $1,455 |
| Darlington Court Apartments | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,495 |
| Beloit Receivership | # 02A | 1BR,1BA | $1,500 |
| 130 W Channel Rd | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,500 |
| MVA | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio,1BA | $1,540 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Santa Monica, CA
As of November 13, 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 $1,426 with a $0.92 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 | $0.92 |
| 1539 Beloit Ave | Unit 203 | 4BR,3BA | $1.23 |
| 4253 S Centinela Ave | 2BR | 2BR,1BA | $1.96 |
| 1223 Federal Ave | 2BR/2.0BA | 2BR,2BA | $2.33 |
| Porter Mar Vista - Co-Living | 3 Bedroom South | 3BR,3BA | $2.11 |
| 1400 Camden Ave | 2 bed 2 bath | 2BR,2BA | $2.09 |
| Wiseman at Mayfield Swell | 2 Bed 2 Bath | 2BR,2BA | $2.21 |
| Comma Barrington | 4BR/2BA - Freeway | 4BR,2BA | $1.51 |
| 3571 S Sepulveda Blvd, Unit 5 | 3571 S Sepulveda Blvd | Studio ,1BA | $2.20 |
Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know
From the lounge to the laundry room, understand your rights and responsibilities in shared apartment spaces. Get tips on pet rules, noise, and security.
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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.
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If you’re an expert on all things Santa Monica, tell us what you love (and don't) by rating it and writing a review.
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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.
Best Local Schools in Santa Monica, CA
Roosevelt Elementary
Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District
Public School - Grades K-5 (594)
9 out of 10
Santa Monica High
Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District
Public School - Grades 9-12 (2678)
9 out of 10
Lincoln Middle
Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District
Public School - Grades 6-8 (854)
8 out of 10
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
Getting Around Santa Monica, CA
Walk Score®
87 / 100
Very Walkable
Most errands can be accomplished on foot
Bike Score®
90 / 100
Biker's Paradise
Daily errands can be accomplished on a bike
Transit Score®
65 / 100
Good Transit
Many nearby public transportation options
What Are Walk Score®, Transit Score®, and Bike Score® Ratings?
- Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address.
- Transit Score® measures access to public transit.
- Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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 $1,540.
What is the price of a cheap apartment in Santa Monica?
The cheapest apartment in Santa Monica is Matteson by Category which is listed at $1,426, 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 11 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 $1,628 which is $4,231 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Santa Monica.
Expert Rental Resources
Helpful Apartment Articles, How-To's and Tips
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.
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.
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.