Cheap Apartments for Rent in Santa Monica, CA from $500 (67 Rentals)

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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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Monterey Plaza
2 Bedroom Apartments

Monterey Plaza

11701 Texas AveSanta Monica, CA 90405
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2307 Ocean Ave
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

2307 Ocean Ave

2301-2307 Ocean AveSanta Monica, CA 90405
  • Utilities Included

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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1948 20th St
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

1948 20th St

1948 20th StSanta Monica, CA 90404
  • Utilities Included

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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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 1 Bedroom Apartments

10876 Palms Blvd

10876 Palms BlvdLos Angeles, CA 90034
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Sawtelle-1661
Studio Apartments

Sawtelle-1661

1661 Sawtelle BlvdLos Angeles, CA 90025
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1617 S Westgate Ave
1 Bedroom Apartments

1617 S Westgate Ave

1617 S Westgate AveLos Angeles, CA 90025
  • 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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11511 Rochester Ave
Studio Apartments

11511 Rochester Ave

11511 Rochester AveLos Angeles, CA 90025
  • Utilities Included
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Corinth Apartments
Studio Apartments

Corinth Apartments

2440 Corinth AveLos Angeles, CA 90064
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1309 Amherst Ave
1 Bedroom Apartments

1309 Amherst Ave

1309 Amherst AveLos Angeles, CA 90025
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11330 Ohio Ave
Studio Apartments

11330 Ohio Ave

11330 Ohio AveLos Angeles, CA 90025

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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1626 Barry Ave
Studio Apartments

1626 Barry Ave

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

1450 Brockton Ave

1450 Brockton AveLos Angeles, CA 90025
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33 Brooks Ave
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

33 Brooks Ave

33 Brooks AveVenice, CA 90291

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.

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2476 Corinth Ave
1 Bedroom Apartments

2476 Corinth Ave

2476 Corinth AveLos Angeles, CA 90064
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4006 East Blvd
1 Bedroom Apartments

4006 East Blvd

4006 East BlvdLos Angeles, CA 90066
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40 Brooks Ave
Studio Apartments

40 Brooks Ave

40 Brooks AveVenice, CA 90291
  • Utilities Included

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: 08/05/2025

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$4,950$1,650158

Cheapest Available Santa Monica Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in Santa Monica, CA is a Studio unit found at Sawtelle-1661 in the Sawtelle neighborhood priced from $1,195. 101 Dudley Ave in the Ocean Park neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $1,198. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Santa Monica apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Sawtelle-1661Apt-BachelorStudio,1BA$1,195
101 Dudley Ave1 Bed, 1 bath1BR,1BA$1,198
39 Sunset AveStudioStudio,1BA$1,295
Matteson by CategoryPrivate Bedroom in Shared 5 Bed 3 Bath-A1BR,1BA$1,380
1641 Westgate Avenue,0x1Studio,1BA$1,495
501 N Venice BlvdBACHELORStudio,1BA$1,595
1275 Federal Ave0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$1,598
Darlington Court ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$1,600
Venice-12915STUDIOStudio,1BA$1,622
13117-13121 Venice Blvd13117 1/2Studio,1BA$1,650

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Santa Monica, CA

As of August 05, 2025 the best value apartment in the Santa Monica area is the $0.89 price per square foot Private Bedroom in Shared 5 Bed 3 Bath-A Model at Matteson by Category in the in the Venice Beach neighborhood starting from $1,380. The second greatest value Santa Monica apartment is the Unit 307 Model at 1515 Colby Ave starting at $1,450 with a $1.10 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 3 Bath-A1BR,1BA$0.89
1515 Colby AveUnit 3074BR,3BA$1.10
1539 Beloit AveUnit 2114BR,3BA$1.06
Barrington Terrace2 bed2BR,1.5BA$2.26
Corinth Ave. ApartmentsCorinth2BR,2BA$2.35
4253 S Centinela Ave2BR2BR,1BA$1.96
1450 S Barrington AveUnit 1033BR,2BA$1.54
Porter Mar Vista - Co-Living3 Bedroom South3BR,3BA$2.11
Wiseman at Mayfield Swell2 Bed 2 Bath2BR,2BA$2.21
Comma Barrington4BR/2BA - Freeway4BR,2BA$1.61

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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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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

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 Sawtelle-1661 listed at $1,195.

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

The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom Santa Monica Apartment is $1,198 at 101 Dudley Ave.

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 $2,104 at Wiseman at Mayfield Swell.

What is the most affordable Santa Monica Three Bedroom Apartment?

The best deal on a cheap Santa Monica Three Bedroom Apartment rental is at Wiseman at Mayfield Swell and starts from $3,132.

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.

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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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The Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Hard truth. Moving is never easy. I’ve done it all – from local moves to cross-country relocations From packing to unpacking the last box, I have found moving to be an exhausting, expensive and stressful experience every time.

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

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Throughout the day, think about all the times that you have to pay for something. So many of us reach automatically for a credit card or even our phone for a quick payment.

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Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls

Written by: Cheryl Bowman

A fantastic way to save money and enjoy a built-in community is to share an apartment. However, a bad roommate situation can turn your dream rental into a nightmare.