Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown Santa Monica Neighborhood of Santa Monica, CA from $500 (15 Rentals)

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

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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Belmar Apartments
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Belmar Apartments

1725 Ocean AveSanta Monica, CA 90401
  • Utilities Included
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Lincoln SM
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

Lincoln SM

829-829 Broadway StSanta Monica, CA 90401
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1015 2nd Street
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

1015 2nd Street

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

1218 6th St

1218 6th StSanta Monica, CA 90401

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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Ocean Park Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Ocean Park Apartments

2427 W 4th StSanta Monica, CA 90405
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7th St.-1843
1 Bedroom Apartments

7th St.-1843

1843 7th StSanta Monica, CA 90401
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12TH ST., 1528
1 Bedroom Apartments

12TH ST., 1528

1528 12th StSanta Monica, CA 90401
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202 Bicknell Ave
1 Bedroom Apartments

202 Bicknell Ave

202 Bicknell AveSanta Monica, CA 90405
  • Utilities Included

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.

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1661 Appian Way
Studio Apartments

1661 Appian Way

1661 Appian WaySanta Monica, CA 90401
  • Utilities Included

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 1 Bed unit found at Silvercrest Senior Residence priced from $2,100. Criterion Promenade has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $2,195. Here are the most affordable Downtown Santa Monica apartments for rent in Los Angeles, CA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Silvercrest Senior Residence1 Bed1BR,1BA$2,100
Criterion PromenadeStudio AStudio,1BA$2,195
1517 11th St1 Bed 1 Bath1BR,1BA$2,250
Bay on 6thStudioStudio,1BA$2,390
Living at Santa MonicaStudioStudio,1BA$2,542

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown Santa Monica, CA

As of June 01, 2025 the best value apartment in the Downtown Santa Monica area is the $3.41 price per square foot 3BR/2.0BA Model at 123 California Ave in the in the Wilshire neighborhood starting from $4,598. The second greatest value Downtown Santa Monica apartment is the 2BR/2.0BA Model at 204 Washington Ave starting at $4,298 with a $4.30 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.
123 California Ave3BR/2.0BA3BR,2BA$3.41
204 Washington Ave2BR/2.0BA2BR,2BA$4.30
Casa Grande Apartments2X2 Renovated2BR,2BA$3.00
RivaLive Work Loft1BR,1BA$4.44
2216 Main St, Unit 2022216 Main St2BR,1BA$4.32
525 | SMB1 bed 1 bath1BR,1BA$4.02
Pacific Apartments2 bed / 1 bath2BR,1BA$3.88
Santa Monica Mariner Village1 Bed 1 Bath1BR,1BA$3.98
325 Bay St.1 Bed/1Ba1BR,1BA$4.18
1517 11th St1 Bed 1 Bath1BR,1BA$3.75

Quick Rent Budget Calculator

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Pet Friendly Lifestyle
Downtown Santa Monica, Santa Monica, CA

Ranked #1

Among neighborhoods in Santa Monica, CA for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

3.0
Pet Friendly

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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

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Downtown Santa Monica Apartments

What is the Cheapest Studio apartment in Downtown Santa Monica?

Currently the most affordable Cheap Studio Apartment in Downtown Santa Monica is at Criterion Promenade listed at $2,195.

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

The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom Downtown Santa Monica Apartment is $2,100 at Silvercrest Senior Residence.

What is the lowest price for a Cheap Two Bedroom Downtown Santa Monica Apartment for rent?

Today's best deal for a Cheap Two Bedroom Apartment in Downtown Santa Monica is starting from $2,798 at 1015 2nd Street.

What is the most affordable Downtown Santa Monica Three Bedroom Apartment?

The best deal on a cheap Downtown Santa Monica Three Bedroom Apartment rental is at Junction Santa Monica and starts from $4,150.

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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