Cost of Living in Santa Monica, CA
Population 91,535 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Santa Monica's housing market is in a category of its own — median home values around $1.8 million sit roughly 6 times the US figure, reflecting a market driven as much by second-home and resort buyers as by year-round residents. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.1% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Located 5 miles west of Los Angeles, Santa Monica falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 106% higher than Los Angeles' $880,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Santa Monica
The median home value in Santa Monica is $1,810,200 — 494% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,338/month, 78% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $109,739/year is 47% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.1%, above the national average of 4.8%. California's top state income tax rate is 13.3% and the combined sales tax is 8.7%. The climate averages highs of 70.4°F and lows of 55.3°F. Overall, Santa Monica has a cost of living index of 427 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 327% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 66 | 66 | 66 | 68 | 69 | 71 | 75 | 77 | 76 | 74 | 70 | 66 |
| Low °F | 49 | 49 | 51 | 53 | 57 | 60 | 63 | 63 | 62 | 58 | 52 | 48 |
| Precip" | 3.28 | 3.34 | 2.09 | 0.56 | 0.26 | 0.08 | 0.04 | 0.01 | 0.14 | 0.55 | 0.76 | 2.34 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Santa Monica, CA?
Santa Monica has a cost index of 427 (100 = national average). It is 327% above the national average.
What is average rent in Santa Monica, CA?
The median gross rent in Santa Monica is $2,338 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Santa Monica?
The median home value in Santa Monica is $1,810,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Santa Monica?
The median household income in Santa Monica is $109,739 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Santa Monica, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Santa Monica is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Santa Monica, CA affordable?
Santa Monica is above average in cost of living, with an index of 427 — about 327% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Santa Monica?
Santa Monica has average high temperatures of 70.4°F and average lows of 55.3°F. Annual precipitation is 13.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Santa Monica at a Glance
- Population
- 91,535
- Median Income
- $109,739
- Home Value
- $1,810,200
- Median Rent
- $2,338/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.1%
- Avg High Temp
- 70.4°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data