Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown Santa Monica Neighborhood of Santa Monica, CA from $500 (97 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Downtown Santa Monica area of Santa Monica.

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1437 10th St, Unit C
$2,400
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$2,400
Total Monthly Price
$2,400
Studio Apartment Available Now

1437 10th St, Unit C

1437 10th StSanta Monica, CA 90401
Furnished
  • Smoke Free
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Living at Santa Monica
Rent Specials
$2,512 - $4,689
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$2,512 - $4,689
Total Monthly Price
Varies
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Living at Santa Monica

1519 6th StSanta Monica, CA 90401
Eco-Friendly
  • Verified
  • Customer Reviewed
  • 3D Tour

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.

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1926 3rd St, Unit 1926
$2,750
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$2,750
Total Monthly Price
$2,750
1 Bedroom Apartment Available Now

1926 3rd St, Unit 1926

1926 3rd StSanta Monica, CA 90405
Affordability
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Gibson Santa Monica
Rent Specials
$2,784 - $7,539
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$2,784 - $7,539
Total Monthly Price
Varies
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Gibson Santa Monica

1317 7Th StSanta Monica, CA 90401
Eco-Friendly
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  • Customer Reviewed
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Junction Santa Monica
Rent Specials
$2,906 - $4,382
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$2,906 - $4,382
Total Monthly Price
Varies
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Junction Santa Monica

1641 Lincoln BlvdSanta Monica, CA 90404
Transit Friendly
  • Verified
  • Customer Reviewed
  • 3D Tour

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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property at 1543 11th St

$2,974 - $2,999

1 Bedroom Rentals

Available Now

1543 11th St

Santa MonicaCA90401
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Catherine Santa Monica
Rent Specials
$3,055 - $9,238
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$3,055 - $9,238
Total Monthly Price
Varies
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Catherine Santa Monica

1625 Lincoln BlvdSanta Monica, CA 90404
Family Friendly
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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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Belmar Apartments
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Belmar Apartments

1725 Ocean AveSanta Monica, CA 90401
  • Utilities Included
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123 California Ave
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

123 California Ave

123 California AveSanta Monica, CA 90403
Student Housing
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1015 2nd Street
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

1015 2nd Street

1015 2nd StSanta Monica, CA 90403
Student Housing
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1218 6th St
Studio Apartments

1218 6th St

1218 6th StSanta Monica, CA 90401
  • 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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Lincoln SM
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Lincoln SM

829-829 Broadway StSanta Monica, CA 90401
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Ocean Park Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Ocean Park Apartments

2427 W 4th StSanta Monica, CA 90405
  • Utilities Included
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1528 12th St
1 Bedroom Apartments

1528 12th St

1528 12th StSanta Monica, CA 90401
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1843 7th St
1 Bedroom Apartments

1843 7th St

1843 7th StSanta Monica, CA 90401
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Bay on 6th
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Bay on 6th

1920 6th AveSanta Monica, CA 90405
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1661 Appian Way
Studio Apartments

1661 Appian Way

1661 Appian WaySanta Monica, CA 90401
Corporate Housing
  • Utilities Included
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1455 9th Street
1 Bedroom Apartments

1455 9th Street

1455 9th StSanta Monica, CA 90401
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PR SM Biella LLC
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

PR SM Biella LLC

1411 7th StSanta Monica, CA 90401
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4TH2015
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

4TH2015

2015-2019 4th StSanta Monica, CA 90405
  • Utilities Included

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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Showing Results 1-50, Page 1 of 2

Downtown Santa Monica, Santa Monica, CA Local Guide

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 $1,748. 1517 11th St has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $1,800. Here are the most affordable Downtown Santa Monica apartments for rent in Los Angeles, CA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
123 California Ave0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$1,748
1517 11th StStudioStudio,1BA$1,800
1117 3rd StStudioStudio,1BA$1,900
Criterion PromenadeStudio AStudio,1BA$2,095
Bay on 6thStudioStudio,1BA$2,199
303 California Ave, 3 blocks to the beach, North of Wilshire!1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$2,395
325 Bay St.1211BR,1BA$2,475
227 Strand St1BR/1BA1BR,1BA$2,500

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown Santa Monica, CA

As of June 05, 2026 the best value apartment in the Downtown Santa Monica area is the $3.16 price per square foot 1536 11th St Model at 1536 11th St, Unit 1536 in the in the Pico neighborhood starting from $3,795. The second greatest value Downtown Santa Monica apartment is the 2 Bed/2 Bath Penthouse Model at Riva starting at $4,911 with a $4.39 price per square foot in the Wilshire neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Downtown Santa Monica apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
1536 11th St, Unit 15361536 11th St2BR,1BA$3.16
Riva2 Bed/2 Bath Penthouse2BR,2BA$4.39
1534 11th St, Unit 11534 11th St2BR,2BA$3.05
1857 7th St1 Beds, 1 Baths1BR,1BA$2.75
1753 9th St2+22BR,2BA$4.11
Pacific Luxury Investments, LLCP2BR,1BA$3.86
1823 7th StModel2BR,1BA$4.14
225 Bay St1-Bedroom1BR,1BA$4.33
303 California Ave, 3 blocks to the beach, North of Wilshire!1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$3.99
123 California Ave0BR/1.0BAStudio ,1BA$2.94

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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Real 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.

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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 Lifestyle
Downtown Santa Monica, Santa Monica, CA

Ranked #3

Among cities in California for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

3.5
Pet Friendly

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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 $2,500.

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 $6,479.

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 6 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 $1,139 which is $5,340 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Downtown Santa Monica.

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.

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