Best Neighborhoods in Santa Monica, CA, for Renters

Santa Monica is one of SoCal’s most desirable places to rent thanks to its stunning beaches, vibrant downtown, walkable streets, and access to great food and culture. From laid back beachside vibes in Ocean Park to the bustling shopping and nightlife of Downtown, each neighborhood has something unique to offer renters whether you’re seeking convenience, community, or coastal living. Below, we’ve compiled a list of the best places to rent in Santa Monica based on the following factors:  

• Rental availability 

• Average rent relative to other neighborhoods in the city 

• Proximity to points of interest like work hubs, universities, downtown areas, shopping centers, or major parks 

• Niche.com’s neighborhood report cards 

The five best neighborhoods in Santa Monica for renters are: 

• Downtown Santa Monica 

• Ocean Park 

• Mid-City Santa Monica 

• Wilshire-Montana 

• Pico

Downtown Santa Monica 

• Average 1‑bedroom rent in Santa Monica: $2,958/month  

• Average 1‑bedroom rent in Downtown Santa Monica: $3,978/month 

• Average 1‑bedroom square footage: 610 sq ft  

Why Downtown Santa Monica is good for renters 

Downtown is the heart of Santa Monica with great access to shopping, dining, nightlife, and major transit lines. You’re a short walk from the beach and the Third Street Promenade, making it easy to enjoy both beach life and city amenities. There are a lot of newer apartment buildings with walkable streets and plenty of housing options in Downtown Santa Monica. 

Keep in Mind 

Because you’ll be in the middle of all the action, rent here tends to be higher than the Santa Monica average. Additionally, as a business hub, traffic can be challenging during peak hours. If you’re looking for an easier commute, consider public transit.  

Ocean Park 

• Average 1‑bedroom rent in Santa Monica: $2,958/month  

• Average 1‑bedroom rent in Ocean Park: $3,161/month  

• Average 1‑bedroom square footage: 623 sq ft  

Why Ocean Park is good for renters 

There’s a reason why Ocean Park often gets compared to Venice Beach, and that’s a good thing. Ocean Park offers a more relaxed, beachy vibe with easy access to the sand, local cafés, and cool boutique shops. The neighborhood has a mix of older buildings and newer developments, and it’s slightly less expensive on average than some of Santa Monica’s more centrally located areas. 

Keep in mind 

Being a popular beachside neighborhood, rents can still be high relative to other neighborhoods, and availability fluctuates with demand. Also, Ocean Park gets very busy during summer months and spring break.  

Mid-City Santa Monica 

• Average 1-bedroom rent in Santa Monica: $2,958/month 
• Average 1-bedroom rent in MidCity: $2,606/month  
• Average 1-bedroom square footage: 554 sq ft  

Why Mid-City Santa Monica is good for renters 

Mid-City Santa Monica is a  mixed-use neighborhood that packs a lot into its walkable streets. It's home to a variety of local businesses, from artisan coffee shops and health-focused eateries to yoga studios, indie cinemas, and niche boutiques. Living here means you're never far from groceries, gyms, and services with both public transit and the I-10 freeway offering quick access to the rest of Southern California. It’s for sure one of the best neighborhoods for renters who want an energetic, amenity-rich neighborhood that still feels distinctly Santa Monica. 

Keep in mind 

Mid-City can feel busy at all hours, and street parking is notoriously competitive. If you’re sensitive to noise or looking for a more tranquil setting, this may not be your ideal fit. 

Wilshire Montana 

• Average 1-bedroom rent in Santa Monica: $2,958/month 

• Average 1-bedroom rent in Wilshire Montana: $2,701/month 

• Average 1-bedroom square footage: 582 sq ft 

Why Wilshire Montana is good for renters 

This neighborhood sits just north of Downtown and has a nice balance of residential and retail areas. You’re close to Montana Avenue’s boutiques, cafés, and farmers’ market, and it’s a short ride to the beach. The streets in Wilshire Montana feel a bit quieter and more family oriented.  

Keep in mind 

Wilshire Montana is a calmer area than its neighbors. Therefore, it tends to have limited nightlife and can feel a bit sleepy after dark. If your ideal neighborhood has a lively bar scene, this may not be your best fit.  

Pico  

• Average 1-bedroom rent in Santa Monica: $2,958/month 

• Average 1-bedroom rent in Pico: $2,600/month 

• Average 1-bedroom square footage: 523 sq ft  

Why Pico is good for renters 

Looking for an affordable area that’s also among the best neighborhoods in Santa Monica? Pico’s your spot. Pico is one of Santa Monica’s most affordable neighborhoods without sacrificing amenities or accessibility. There are plenty of older apartment buildings that offer more space for the price.  

Keep in mind 

Some parts of Pico are more suburban and may require a short ride or bike trip to reach the beach or nightlife. 

California Dreaming? Apartments.com Can Help Make Those Dreams a Reality 

If you’ve been California dreaming, Apartments.com can help turn that daydream into an address. Whether you’re planning a short-term stay or want to put down roots by the shore, Apartments.com has you covered every step of the way. With powerful search tools and customizable filters, you can browse listings by price, amenities, and floor plans, so you’re not just dreaming about life by the coast, you’re actually finding it.  

Methodology 

Rent and cost of living data are sourced from the Apartments.com Rent Trends pages and Cost of Living Calculator. Walkability, transit, drivability, and bikeability ratings are sourced from the Apartments.com Area Guides, courtesy of Local Logic.