Landlord Resources
How to Get a Loan for a Rental Property
Rental property loans differ from traditional mortgages, needing larger down payments, higher interest rates, and reserves, often disregarding projected rental income.
•11 min read
What to Know About
Life in Santa Monica & Beyond
Santa Monica shares many of the great qualities that make California a desirable place to live.
California is the most populous state in the United States and is home to some of the world's most iconic cities, such as Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco. It's known for its thriving economy and diverse landscapes, including beaches, deserts, and mountains. Immerse yourself in the state's history and traditions by visiting museums like the California Science Center and the Getty Center or attending worldwide renowned universities like Stanford University and the University of California, Berkeley.
There are also many outdoor recreation opportunities in the state, such as skiing in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, surfing along the Pacific Coast, and hiking in Yosemite National Park. There's something for everyone. Sports fans can enjoy cheering on the San Francisco 49ers (NFL), Los Angeles Kings (NHL), Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB), San Francisco Giants (MLB), Los Angeles Lakers (NBA), or Golden State Warriors (NBA). Also, check out famous attractions like the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Disneyland, Hollywood, the historic city of San Francisco, and the mecca of Los Angeles.
With its warm and inviting climate, thriving economy, and high quality of life, Embrace the Golden State and discover why California is a great place to live.
Rental Market Trends
Santa Monica, CA
As of June 2026, Santa Monica's rental market is competitive, with strong renter demand causing quick leasing times for well-priced units. Santa Monica's average rent is 34.9% ($962) higher than the California average of $2,756 and 106.9% ($1,921) higher than the U.S. average of $1,797.
Average Rent
$3,718
Monthly ChangeMonth Over Month Change
3.1% ($113)
Yearly ChangeYear Over Year Change
13.9% ($453)
Avg. Days on MarketAverage Days on Market
27
| Unit Type | Average Rent | Monthly ChangeMonth Over Month Change | Yearly ChangeYear Over Year Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bed | $2,510 | 3.2% ($82) | 10.3% ($288) |
| 2 Beds | $4,351 | 0.3% ($12) | 16.1% ($602) |
| 3 Beds | $6,680 | 3.6% ($235) | 43.6% ($2027) |
| Nearby Cities | Average Rent | Avg. Rent vs. Santa MonicaAverage Rent vs. Santa Monica | Avg. Days on MarketAverage Days on Market |
|---|---|---|---|
| Venice | $3,431 | 7.7% ($287) | 24 days |
| Marina Del Rey | $5,015 | 34.9% ($1297) | 34 days |
| Playa Vista | $4,379 | 17.8% ($661) | 34 days |
| Pacific Palisades | $5,657 | 52.2% ($1939) | 32 days |
| Culver City | $3,423 | 7.9% ($295) | 24 days |
Rental market trends are calculated using listing data from RentalSource.
Frequently Asked Questions
Santa Monica Rental Market FAQs
Explore rental prices, market trends, and availability in Santa Monica, CA.
The average rent in Santa Monica, CA is $3,718 per month.
Homes in Santa Monica typically rent for between $1,757 and $8,684 per month, with an average of $3,718 per month.
In Santa Monica, the average rent for a 1-bedroom home is $2,510 per month, for a 2-bedroom home, $4,351 per month, and a 3-bedroom home is $6,680 per month.
The average rent in Santa Monica is 106.9% ($1,921) higher than the national average of $1,797 per month.
The average rent in Santa Monica has increased by 3.1% ($113) in the last month and increased by 13.9% ($453) over the past year.
The rental market in Santa Monica, CA, is currently competitive, with strong renter demand causing quick leasing times for well-priced units.
In Santa Monica, CA, the average rental stays on the market for approximately 27 days. While most properties are rented within this timeframe, factors like seasonality, demand, and property type can affect how quickly a rental leases.
There are currently 215 rental properties available in Santa Monica, CA.
Based on the current averages, a household would need an annual income of $174,040 to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom home in Santa Monica.
