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Cost of Living in Santa Monica

Santa Monica, California, United States · Population 91,169

▼ -6% vs United States average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)$1,246
Couple, monthly$2,273
Family of four, monthly$2,999

Estimated Prices in Santa Monica

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$11.25per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$45.00per meal
Cappuccino$3.38each
Monthly groceries (single person)$255per month
Monthly public transport pass$41.25per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$109per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$31.50per month
Fitness club membership$31.50per month
Cinema ticket$8.25each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$713per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$496per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$1,488per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Santa Monica is $3,900 per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of $1,246 with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly $1,620 per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre ($496) represents about 40% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Santa Monica

Santa Monica vs New YorkSanta Monica vs Los AngelesSanta Monica vs ChicagoSanta Monica vs MiamiSanta Monica vs HoustonSanta Monica vs Dallas

Nearby Cities

Marina del Rey

6 km away · California

Culver City

8 km away · California

Beverly Hills

10 km away · California

Los Angeles

12 km away · California

West Hollywood

12 km away · California

View Park-Windsor Hills

13 km away · California

El Segundo

14 km away · California

Topanga

14 km away · California

Other Major Cities in United States

New York

New York · pop. 19,268,388

$1,664 / mo

Los Angeles

California · pop. 11,984,083

$1,635 / mo

Chicago

Illinois · pop. 8,609,571

$1,635 / mo

Miami

Florida · pop. 6,391,670

$1,635 / mo

Houston

Texas · pop. 6,227,666

$1,635 / mo

Dallas

Texas · pop. 5,968,322

$1,635 / mo

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania · pop. 5,782,653

$1,635 / mo

Atlanta

Georgia · pop. 5,298,788

$1,635 / mo

Living in Santa Monica

Santa Monica is one of the key cities in United States. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is $1,246, placing it below the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around $496 per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to $2,999 per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately $2,273 monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Santa Monica is $3,900. To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least $1,620 per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Santa Monica expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated $1,246 per month in Santa Monica including rent outside the city centre. That is 6% less than the national average for United States.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Santa Monica?
A net salary of around $1,620 per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Santa Monica with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Santa Monica is $3,900.
How much is rent in Santa Monica?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated $713 per month in the city centre and $496 outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about $1,488.
Is Santa Monica cheaper than United States on average?
Yes — Santa Monica is estimated to be about 6% cheaper than the United States average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
What is the cost of groceries in Santa Monica?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at $255 in Santa Monica. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $11 and a cappuccino runs around $3.
How do transport costs in Santa Monica compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Santa Monica is estimated at $41. Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Santa Monica are estimates based on United States national averages adjusted for city size (population 91,169). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.