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Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown Santa Monica Neighborhood of Santa Monica, CA from $500 (15 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Downtown Santa Monica area of Santa Monica.
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$2,1001 Bedroom Apartments Contact Us For Availability
Silvercrest Senior Residence
1530 5th StSanta Monica, CA 90401
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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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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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Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments
303 California Ave, 3 blocks to the beach
303 California AveSanta Monica, CA 90403
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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Downtown Santa Monica, Santa Monica, CA Local Guide
Copyright CoStar Group, Inc
How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Downtown Santa Monica?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Santa Monica Studio Apartments | $3,203 | $1,850 | $5,080 |
| Downtown Santa Monica 1 Bedroom Apartments | $3,783 | $2,100 | $6,945 |
| Downtown Santa Monica 2 Bedroom Apartments | $5,488 | $2,848 | $10,000+ |
| Downtown Santa Monica 3 Bedroom Apartments | $8,187 | $4,800 | $10,000+ |
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 15 rentals with your search options within a 2 mile radius of the Downtown Santa Monica Neighborhood of Santa Monica, CA.
See all Apartments in Santa MonicaExplore Santa Monica
Downtown Santa Monica, Santa Monica, CA Local Guide
- Nearby Santa Monica neighborhoods
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- Local Counties
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Cheapest Available Downtown Santa Monica Apartments for Rent
The cheapest available apartment rental in the Downtown Santa Monica area of Los Angeles, CA is a Studio unit found at 123 California Ave priced from $2,198. 1517 11th St has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $2,250. Here are the most affordable Downtown Santa Monica apartments for rent in Los Angeles, CA:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| 123 California Ave | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio,1BA | $2,198 |
| 1517 11th St | 1 Bed 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $2,250 |
| The Purser | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio,1BA | $2,325 |
| Lugano Apartments PR III LLC | Lugano Studio | Studio,1BA | $2,359 |
| Gibson Santa Monica | S1 | Studio,1BA | $2,397 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown Santa Monica, CA
As of November 15, 2025 the best value apartment in the Downtown Santa Monica area is the $4.26 price per square foot 2102 Neilson Way Model at 2102 Neilson Way, Unit none in the in the Ocean Park neighborhood starting from $7,250. The second greatest value Downtown Santa Monica apartment is the 3+1.5 Model at Casa Grande Apartments starting at $4,500 with a $3.75 price per square foot in the Pico neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Downtown Santa Monica apartments based on price per square foot:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2102 Neilson Way, Unit none | 2102 Neilson Way | 2BR,2.5BA | $4.26 |
| Casa Grande Apartments | 3+1.5 | 3BR,2.5BA | $3.75 |
| 2002 4th St, Unit 208 | 2002 4th St | 1BR,1BA | $3.37 |
| 231 California Ave, Unit 1056 | 231 California Ave | 2BR,1BA | $4.31 |
| Riva | 1 Bed/1 Bath Loft | 1BR,1BA | $4.20 |
| 1823 7th St | Model | 2BR,1BA | $4.14 |
| Bay on 6th | One Bedroom A | 1BR,1BA | $4.36 |
| 1523 11th St | 1 Bedroom and 1 Bath Unit I | 1BR,1BA | $4.08 |
| 1517 11th St | 1 Bed 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $3.75 |
| 325 Bay St. | 121 | 1BR,1BA | $4.40 |
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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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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Pet Friendly LifestyleDowntown Santa Monica, Santa Monica, CA
Ranked #4
Among cities in California for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.
Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score
3.0Pet Friendly
Getting Around the Downtown Santa Monica Neighborhood in Santa Monica, CA
Walk Score®
94 / 100
Walker’s Paradise
Daily errands do not require a car
Bike Score®
87 / 100
Very Bikeable
Biking is convenient for most trips
Transit Score®
77 / 100
Excellent Transit
Transit is convenient for most trips
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 Downtown Santa Monica Apartments
What is a cheap apartment in Downtown Santa Monica?
A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Downtown Santa Monica is under $2,542.
What is the price of a cheap apartment in Downtown Santa Monica?
The cheapest apartment in Downtown Santa Monica is 1517 11th St which is listed at $2,250, while the average apartment in Downtown Santa Monica costs $5,823.
What types of apartments are the cheapest in Downtown 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 14 regular apartments in Downtown 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 Downtown Santa Monica?
Cheap apartments in Downtown Santa Monica have an average cost of $1,847 which is $3,976 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Downtown 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.