Is a studio or 1-bedroom apartment a better value in Santa Monica?

In Santa Monica, studios average $2,155/mo versus $2,855/mo for a 1-bedroom. For solo renters on a tight budget, compare both filters on Rentler before applying. If you work from home or spend significant time in your apartment, the extra separation of a larger unit may be worth the difference.

Are studio apartments in Santa Monica pet-friendly?

Pet policies on studio apartments vary by landlord and building — there's no blanket rule. Use Rentler's pet-friendly filter to narrow your search, then confirm breed, weight, and deposit requirements directly with the landlord before applying.

Can I find furnished studios in Santa Monica, CA?

Furnished studios are available in Santa Monica but represent a smaller share of total inventory compared to unfurnished units. Use Rentler's furnished filter to surface move-in-ready options. Furnished units are most common in newer construction buildings and in complexes that cater to corporate or short-term renters.

How much should I earn to rent a studio in Santa Monica?

Most landlords in Santa Monica require gross monthly income of 2.5–3x the monthly rent. For a studio at Santa Monica's current average of $2,155/mo, that means demonstrating roughly 2.5–3x that amount in gross income. If you're below that threshold, a co-signer, larger security deposit, or prepaid rent may be accepted by some landlords — always worth asking.

Studio Apartments for Rent in Santa Monica, CA

58 Results

$2,500

Studio1 bathMultiplex

126 Galleon St Studio, Marina Del Rey, CA, 90292

$2,095

Studio1 bath450 sqftApartment

807 3rd St. J, Santa Monica, CA, 90403

$1,900

Studio1 bath500 sqftApartment

11408 Ohio ave 08, Los Angeles, CA, 90025

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$2,300

Studio1 bath500 sqftApartment

19 19th Ave 1, Los Angeles, CA, 90291

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$2,500

Studio1 bath500 sqftApartment

19 19th Ave 3, Los Angeles, CA, 90291

$1,850

Studio1 bathApartment

1519 Armacost Ave 8, Los Angeles, CA, 90025

$2,000

Studio1 bathCondo

28 Sunset Ave 15, Venice, CA, 90291

$2,350

Studio1 bathCondo

653 Flower Ave E, Venice, CA, 90291

$2,174

Studio1 bathCondo

2724 Abbot Kinney Blvd 218, Venice, CA, 90291

$2,200

Studio1 bath500 sqftCondo

40 Rose Ave 2, Venice, CA, 90291

$1,995

Studio1 bathCondo

928 4th St 13, Santa Monica, CA, 90403

$1,748

Studio1 bath395 sqftCondo

1275 Federal Ave 2, Los Angeles, CA, 90025

$1,595

Studio1 bath230 sqftCondo

1333 Barry Ave 8, Los Angeles, CA, 90025

$1,550

Studio1 bathCondo

11957 Rochester Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90025

$2,300

Studio1 bathCondo

905 2nd St 6, Santa Monica, CA, 90403

$2,350

Studio1 bathCondo

11827 Tennessee Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90064

$2,150

Studio1 bath450 sqftCondo

14 Wavecrest Avenue - 8, Venice, CA, 90291

$2,325

Studio1 bath375 sqftCondo

14 Wavecrest Avenue - 12, Venice, CA, 90291

$1,650

Studio1 bath223 sqftApartment

1117 3rd St 17, Santa Monica, CA, 90403

$2,295

Studio1 bathCondo

2201 Oak St B, Santa Monica, CA, 90405

$2,110

Studio1 bathCondo

30 Horizon Ave 5, Venice, CA, 90291

$1,880

Studio1 bathCondo

30 Horizon Ave 6, Venice, CA, 90291

$2,150

Studio1 bath450 sqftCondo

483 Washington Boulevard 483, Venice, CA, 90291

$2,300

Studio1 bath520 sqftCondo

161 West Channel Road 161-4, Santa Monica, CA, 90402

Showing 24 of 58 results

What to Know Before Renting a Studio in Santa Monica, CA

Studio apartments are a smart move for solo renters, minimalists, and anyone looking to maximize their budget in Santa Monica by cutting square footage they don't actually use. In most markets, a studio runs 20–35% cheaper than a comparable 1-bedroom in the same building — a meaningful difference when you're budgeting monthly. The tradeoff is that everything happens in one room, so layout matters more than it does in a larger unit. Before signing, check the kitchen size (a narrow galley kitchen in a small studio gets old fast), closet and storage space, and whether there's a dedicated sleeping area or alcove to create separation. In-unit laundry and a second-floor unit are both worth prioritizing if available in Santa Monica — shared laundry in a studio building means frequent trips, and ground-floor studios in urban areas can feel less secure. Studios in Santa Monica work best for people who spend more time out than in and treat their apartment as a home base rather than a living space.