Apartments for Rent in Santa Monica, CA

Local insights: What it's like to live in Santa Monica, CA

With its beachfront location and vibrant atmosphere, Santa Monica attracts residents who appreciate the mix of outdoor activities and urban amenities. Many locals enjoy the accessible public transportation options and variety of dining choices, along with the lively farmers market. However, some renters point to affordability as a significant concern, noting that high prices can make finding suitable housing challenging. Additionally, the area can get quite crowded, especially during tourist season, which affects the overall sense of space and parking availability.

How much is the average rent in Santa Monica, CA for 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom apartments?

Based on Zumper's July 2026 data, one-bedroom apartments in Santa Monica average around $2,900/month and two-bedrooms approximately $4,480/month.

When is the best time to look for an apartment in Santa Monica, CA?

December offers the best opportunity for apartment hunting in Santa Monica, with lower prices and less competition from other renters. May typically sees the lowest rents of the year, while September commands the highest prices with roughly a 5.5% difference between peak and low seasons.

What are the best neighborhoods to rent an apartment in Santa Monica, CA?

Pico generates the highest renter interest at 1.4 times the market average, while Mid-City and Wilshire-Montana are also popular choices. Downtown Santa Monica and Ocean Park appeal to social renters with high walk scores and abundant restaurants, while Northeast Santa Monica and Sunset Park cater well to pet owners.

What areas of Santa Monica, CA are best for budget-conscious renters?

Based on our current listings data, Sunset Park offers the most affordable option with median rents around $2,930/month, followed by Pico at approximately $3,090/month and Downtown Santa Monica at roughly $3,410/month.

Are there pet-friendly apartments in Santa Monica, CA?

Pet owners will find excellent options in Northeast Santa Monica, Pico, Mid-City, and Sunset Park, where apartments feature pet-safe windows, dedicated pet spaces, and outdoor areas. These neighborhoods also offer pet events, waste stations, and convenient access to veterinary care.

Are utilities usually included in rent in Santa Monica, CA?

In our current listings, utilities-included rentals are extremely rare in Santa Monica, appearing in just 0.04% of all apartments. One-bedrooms and studios show the highest rates at 0.05% each, while larger units are even less likely to include utilities.

Are most apartments in Santa Monica, CA largely older buildings or new developments?

Based on our current listings data, Santa Monica's rental market is dominated by contemporary architecture at 49.4% of properties, reflecting mid-20th century design with open floor plans and large windows. Bungalow-style homes from the early 1900s account for 16.5%, while modern architecture comprises 12.4% of available rentals.