Living in Santa Monica, California
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Santa Monica · Census data 2020–2024
Santa Monica has 91,169 residents with a median age of 42.7. The median household income is $114,885 (16% higher than the California median), the median home value is $1,755,500, the median rent is $2,402/month.
Santa Monica at a glance
- Population
- 91,169
- Median age
- 42.7State: 37.9
- Median household income
- $114,885State: $99,122
- Median home value
- $1,755,500State: $734,700
- Median rent
- $2,402/moState: $2,036
- Homeowners
- 27.9%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 70.7%
- Average commute
- 25 min
Is Santa Monica a good place to live?
Pros: Median household income 16% higher than the California median; an average commute of 25 minutes; a poverty rate of 11.2%.
Cons: Home values 139% higher than the state median; unemployment of 6.7%.
The weather is best in July to October.
Cost of living in Santa Monica
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Santa Monica the median home value is $1,755,500, 428% higher than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $2,402 per month, which is 27.5% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $4,001 a month in housing costs.
Santa Monica median household income
The median household income in Santa Monica is $114,885 and the income per person is $94,641. 11.2% of residents live below the poverty line (California: 12%).
Housing in Santa Monica: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 53,274
- Owner-occupied
- 27.9%
- Renter-occupied
- 72.1%
- Vacant
- 11.2%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1968
- Average household size
- 1.88
Santa Monica demographics
- Population
- 91,169
- Median age
- 42.7
- Under 18
- 13.8%
- 65 and older
- 19.5%
- Households
- 47,297
- Foreign-born
- 23.3%
- Veterans
- 2.6%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Santa Monica ›
Education in Santa Monica
70.7% of adults 25 and older in Santa Monica have a bachelor's degree or higher (California: 37.1%), and 30.5% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Santa Monica
- Unemployment rate
- 6.7%State: 6.6%
- Average commute
- 25 minState: 29 min
- Work from home
- 38.4%
- Drive alone
- 47%
- Public transit
- 2.2%
- Walk to work
- 4.8%
- Homes with broadband
- 94.1%
Santa Monica vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Monica | 91,169 | $114,885 | $1,755,500 | $2,402 |
| Marina del Rey | 9,176 | $146,623 | $458,800 | $3,501 |
| Los Angeles | 3,857,263 | $81,939 | $921,200 | $1,933 |
| Culver City | 39,931 | $117,389 | $1,142,900 | $2,737 |
| Beverly Hills | 31,624 | $132,977 | $2,000,001 | $2,830 |
| Ladera Heights | 7,334 | $167,065 | $1,661,600 | $2,875 |
| El Segundo | 16,769 | $150,737 | $1,587,500 | $2,556 |
| Topanga | 8,885 | $157,045 | $1,777,800 | $3,501 |
| View Park-Windsor Hills | 11,230 | $130,504 | $1,141,500 | $2,132 |
More for people moving to Santa Monica
Santa Monica ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Santa Monica: FAQ
What is the median household income in Santa Monica, CA?
The median household income in Santa Monica is $114,885, 16% higher than the California median of $99,122 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in Santa Monica?
The median home value in Santa Monica is $1,755,500, compared with $734,700 in California.
How much is rent in Santa Monica?
The median gross rent in Santa Monica is $2,402 per month, about 27.5% of household income.
Is Santa Monica, CA a good place to live?
Pluses: median household income 16% higher than the California median; an average commute of 25 minutes; a poverty rate of 11.2%. Minuses: home values 139% higher than the state median; unemployment of 6.7%.
What is the median age in Santa Monica?
The median age in Santa Monica is 42.7 years (California: 37.9).
How long is the commute in Santa Monica?
The average commute to work in Santa Monica is 25 minutes; 38.4% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Santa Monica?
The unemployment rate in Santa Monica is 6.7% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Santa Monica?
70.7% of adults in Santa Monica have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
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