
Cheap Apartments for Rent in Santa Monica, CA from $500 (173 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Santa Monica.


1434 Santa Monica Blvd

1731 Pico Blvd

1444 15th St, Unit 8

1517 11th St

1117 3rd St

Total Monthly Price
2436 3rd St, Unit B, Unit B

Belmar Apartments

1122 6th St

Monterey Plaza
What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much
Learn the official definition (spending 30% or more of your gross income on housing) and how to calculate your exact rent-to-income ratio. This guide offers expert tips on factoring in total housing costs (including utilities and fees) and budgeting accurately to avoid unnecessary financial strain.

1017 Ocean Park Blvd

2307 Ocean Ave

130 W Channel Rd

Avalon Apartments of Santa Monica

1837-1839 Euclid St

123 California Ave

1522 N Harvard St

1124 12th St

Ocean Park Boulevard

1042 6th St
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.

Yale Apartments

1748 18th St

The Sovereign

2535 Kansas Ave

1307 15th St

1218 6th St

1001 19th St

937 6th St

838 7th St

2302 32nd St
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.

1025 19th St

1420-1426 1/2 Maple St

Lincoln SM

928-934 12th St

Total Monthly Price
101 Dudley Ave

30 Dudley Ave

Matteson by Category

Total Monthly Price
4417 S Centinela Ave

Jefferson at Marina del Rey

MH 1726 Midvale 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.

33 Brooks Ave

1775 Beloit Ave

4061 McLaughlin Avenue

Total Monthly Price
4118 Inglewood Blvd, Unit 4, Unit 4

Olive Co-Living

1519 Armacost Ave

3544 S Centinela Ave, Unit 22

Total Monthly Price
4032 Inglewood Blvd

Mar Vista-Palms Apartments

Acacia
LA Alternatives: Find the Perfect Commuter City for Renting in the Los Angeles Metro Area
Get more breathing room without compromising proximity to LA. Our Los Angeles local expert breaks down the best neighboring cities for renting more affordable apartments with easier commutes.
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 | $2,632 | $1,298 | $6,055 |
| Cheap Santa Monica 1 Bedroom Apartments | $3,230 | $1,313 | $6,945 |
| Cheap Santa Monica 2 Bedroom Apartments | $4,463 | $1,480 | $10,000+ |
| Cheap Santa Monica 3 Bedroom Apartments | $5,566 | $1,205 | $10,000+ |
| Cheap Santa Monica 4 Bedroom Apartments | $2,086 | $1,250 | $10,000+ |
| Santa Monica 5 Bedroom Apartments | $1,490 | $1,350 | $1,650 |
Browse Top Apartments in Santa Monica
See all Apartments in Santa MonicaExplore Santa Monica
Santa Monica, CA Local Guide

- Santa Monica Neighborhoods
- Nearby Cities
- ZIP codes
- Local Counties
- School Districts
Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Santa Monica, CA
Pricing Updated: 05/11/2026Current 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 | $67,500 | $1,550 | 63 |
Cheapest Available Santa Monica Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in Santa Monica, CA is a 4 Beds unit found at 1539 Beloit Ave in the Sawtelle neighborhood priced from $1,250. 101 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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1539 Beloit Ave | Unit 304 | 4BR,3BA | $1,250 |
| 101 Dudley Ave | JUNIOR STUDIO | Studio, | $1,298 |
| 30 Dudley Ave | Studio | Studio, | $1,298 |
| Matteson by Category | Private Bedroom in Shared 5 Bed 3 Bath-E | 1BR,1BA | $1,313 |
| Jefferson at Marina del Rey | Venice (A1B) | 1BR,1BA | $1,386 |
| 1515 Colby Ave | Unit 103 | 4BR,3BA | $1,392 |
| Porter Mar Vista - Co-Living | 4 Bedroom Southwest | 4BR,3BA | $1,487 |
| 1775 Beloit Ave | # 02A | 1BR,1BA | $1,500 |
| 33 Brooks Ave | North | Studio,1BA | $1,500 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Santa Monica, CA
As of May 11, 2026 the best value apartment in the Santa Monica area is the $0.90 price per square foot Private Bedroom in Shared 5 Bed 4 Bath-G Model at Matteson by Category in the in the Venice Beach neighborhood starting from $1,508. The second greatest value Santa Monica apartment is the Unit 315 Model at 1539 Beloit Ave starting at $1,400 with a $1.05 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. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matteson by Category | Private Bedroom in Shared 5 Bed 4 Bath-G | 1BR,1BA | $0.90 |
| 1539 Beloit Ave | Unit 315 | 4BR,3BA | $1.05 |
| 4253 S Centinela Ave | 2BR | 2BR,1BA | $1.96 |
| 12323 Texas Ave | 2BR/1.5BA | 2BR,1.5BA | $2.27 |
| 11260 Westminster Ave | 2 bed 2 bath | 2BR,2BA | $2.18 |
| 1815 Greenfield Ave | 1Bd/1Ba | 1BR,1BA | $1.85 |
| Porter Mar Vista - Co-Living | 3 Bedroom South | 3BR,3BA | $1.82 |
| Venice Blvd Apartments | 2 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 2BR,1BA | $2.30 |
| Comma Barrington Co-Living | Co-Living | Freeway | 4 BR, 2 BA | 4BR,2BA | $1.56 |
| Olive Co-Living | Furnished Co-Living Studio Suite | Studio ,1BA | $2.29 |
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 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 ArticleReal Estate and Rental Term Glossary | ApartmentHomeLiving.com Renter University
From the letter A all the way to the letter Z, the Real Estate and Rental Term Glossary from the content team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provides our visitors and shoppers with a little clarity and helpful guidance in navigating the real estate world through definitions and explainers for the top subjects and terms that someone may come across during the leasing, buying, or selling process.
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.
Santa Monica, CAPopulation: 91,411
Ranked #361
in US Census Population by City
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
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 101 Dudley Ave listed at $1,298.
How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom Santa Monica Apartment?
The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom Santa Monica Apartment is $1,313 at Matteson by Category.
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 $2,200 at The Gorham Apartments.
What is the most affordable Santa Monica Three Bedroom Apartment?
The best deal on a cheap Santa Monica Three Bedroom Apartment rental is at The Gorham Apartments and starts from $3,000.
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.

The LA Price Check: Separating Cost of Living Myth from Reality
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

A Seasoned Property Manager's Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Deposit Back
Written by: Lauren Harrington
I’m going to talk with you as a seasoned property manager and friend. So, let’s start with your security deposit. I want you to think about this guide as insider information. You deserve your deposit back.

Expert Solutions for Creating the Perfect Work-From-Home Apartment Layouts
Written by: Lauren Harrington
This article is based on first-hand experience managing apartment communities and helping renters adapt to their spaces after moving in.

What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much
Written by: Lauren Harrington
This article draws from first-hand renter experiences and recurring financial challenges reported after moving in.

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.