Cost of Living in Santa Monica, CA
Population: 91,535 • 2026 Data
$109,739
Median Household Income
+42% vs national
$2,338
Median Monthly Rent
+73% vs national
$1,810,200
Median Home Value
+434% vs national
6.1%
Unemployment Rate
Housing in Santa Monica
The median home value in Santa Monica, CA is $1,810,200. Monthly rent for a typical unit averages $2,338, while total monthly housing costs (including utilities and insurance) average $2,492.
Rent-to-income ratio: 25.6%. This is within the recommended 30% threshold, suggesting housing is relatively affordable for median-income earners.
Income and Employment
The median household income in Santa Monica, CA is $109,739. The unemployment rate stands at 6.1%, with a labor force of 54,093 people.
Data Sources
All data from the US Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. National median figures used for comparison context.