
Cheap Apartments for Rent in Santa Monica, CA from $500 (64 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Santa Monica.


1434 Santa Monica Blvd

Matteson by Category
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.

40 Sunset Ave

Solaire Venice

101 Dudley Ave

Beloit Receivership

501 N Venice Blvd
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.

1275 Federal Ave

13117-13121 Venice Blvd

Acacia
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.
Navigating the Rental Market: Tips for First-Time Renters
Entering the rental market? Learn these simple tips and strategies to avoid common pitfalls and make confident choices. Rent with peace of mind.
Los Angeles's Best Affordable Neighborhoods
Learn about Los Angeles and the best places to live with original content written by our Los Angeles, CA Local Expert Rachel Presser
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 | $2,729 | $1,400 | $7,181 |
Cheap Santa Monica 1 Bedroom Apartments | $3,351 | $1,380 | $8,491 |
Cheap Santa Monica 2 Bedroom Apartments | $4,503 | $2,350 | $10,000+ |
Cheap Santa Monica 3 Bedroom Apartments | $5,285 | $1,025 | $10,000+ |
Cheap Santa Monica 4 Bedroom Apartments | $2,828 | $1,265 | $10,000+ |
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Santa Monica, CA Local Guide

- Santa Monica Neighborhoods
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Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Santa Monica, CA
Pricing Updated: 07/30/2025Current 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 | $5,737 | $1,650 | 158 |
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. 1641 Westgate Avenue, in the Sawtelle neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $1,495. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Santa Monica apartments for rent:
Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
---|---|---|---|
Sawtelle-1661 | Apt-Bachelor | Studio,1BA | $1,195 |
1641 Westgate Avenue, | 0x1 | Studio,1BA | $1,495 |
101 Dudley Ave | Studio | Studio, | $1,498 |
501 N Venice Blvd | BACHELOR | Studio,1BA | $1,595 |
1626 Barry Ave | ZERO | Studio,1BA | $1,595 |
1275 Federal Ave | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio,1BA | $1,598 |
Darlington Court Apartments | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,600 |
Venice-12915 | STUDIO | Studio,1BA | $1,622 |
13117-13121 Venice Blvd | 13117 1/2 | Studio,1BA | $1,650 |
1434 Santa Monica Blvd | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,650 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Santa Monica, CA
As of July 30, 2025 the best value apartment in the Santa Monica area is the $2.41 price per square foot 2 Bdrm Model at Chateau Brentana in the in the Brentwood neighborhood starting from $3,500. 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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
---|---|---|---|
Chateau Brentana | 2 Bdrm | 2BR,2BA | $2.41 |
1515 Colby Ave | Unit 307 | 4BR,3BA | $1.10 |
1539 Beloit Ave | Unit 211 | 4BR,3BA | $1.06 |
Barrington Terrace | 2 bed | 2BR,1.5BA | $2.26 |
Corinth Ave. Apartments | Corinth | 2BR,2BA | $2.35 |
4253 S Centinela Ave | 2BR | 2BR,1BA | $1.96 |
11015 National Blvd | 2 x 2 | 2BR,2BA | $2.45 |
1450 S Barrington Ave | Unit PH3 | 3BR,2BA | $1.50 |
Porter Mar Vista - Co-Living | 3 Bedroom South | 3BR,3BA | $2.11 |
Wiseman at Mayfield Swell | 2 Bed 2 Bath | 2BR,2BA | $2.21 |
Quick Rent Budget Calculator
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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
Franklin 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
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 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 $1,722 at Wiseman at Mayfield Swell.
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.

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.

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.

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.

The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour
Written by: Marie Brown
You’ve scrolled through countless listings, walked through a blur of rentals, and finally found what feels like the one. The pictures? Fantastic. The neighborhood seems just right.