Cost of Living in Santa Monica, CA - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,484 (excluding rent), and $4,522 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $3,247 (excluding rent), and $9,725 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$25.13 $25.13

$15.08 $15.08

$50.3 $50.3

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$99.2 $99.2

$59.5 $59.5

$129 $129

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$12.4 $12.4

$9.92 $9.92

$14.89 $14.89

Cappuccino

$5.84 $5.84

$4.06 $4.06

$8.12 $8.12

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.99 $2.99

$2.06 $2.06

$4.11 $4.11

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.29 $2.29

$2.01 $2.01

$3.02 $3.02

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$8.39 $8.39

$3.95 $3.95

$10.86 $10.86

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$9.34 $9.34

$5.9 $5.9

$9.83 $9.83

Milk (1 liter)

$1.22 $1.22

$0.8 $0.8

$1.6 $1.6

White Bread (500g)

$4.48 $4.48

$2.24 $2.24

$5.73 $5.73

Rice (white) (1kg)

$4.38 $4.38

$1.73 $1.73

$6.54 $6.54

Eggs

$6.87 $6.87

$2.92 $2.92

$10.7 $10.7

Local Cheese (1kg)

$12.85 $12.85

$6.7 $6.7

$33.51 $33.51

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$14.16 $14.16

$5.79 $5.79

$17.89 $17.89

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$14.69 $14.69

$8.91 $8.91

$37.45 $37.45

Apples (1kg)

$5.39 $5.39

$2.7 $2.7

$6.44 $6.44

Banana (1kg)

$1.95 $1.95

$1.32 $1.32

$6.72 $6.72

Oranges (1kg)

$4.03 $4.03

$1.63 $1.63

$8.74 $8.74

Tomato (1kg)

$5.5 $5.5

$1.63 $1.63

$8.69 $8.69

Potato (1kg)

$2.96 $2.96

$1.08 $1.08

$6.47 $6.47

Onion (1kg)

$2.51 $2.51

$1.11 $1.11

$4.44 $4.44

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.93 $1.93

$1.03 $1.03

$2.57 $2.57

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.2 $2.2

$1.31 $1.31

$2.61 $2.61

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$11.04 $11.04

$10.04 $10.04

$14.05 $14.05

Wine (Bottle)

$15.14 $15.14

$6.04 $6.04

$20.18 $20.18

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.55 $2.55

$1.72 $1.72

$3.98 $3.98

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$5.17 $5.17

$1.48 $1.48

$7.39 $7.39

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$2.18 $2.18

$1.8 $1.8

$2.57 $2.57

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$78.9 $78.9

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$3.04 $3.04

$9.81 $9.81

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.72 $1.72

$3.81 $3.81

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$29.4 $29.4

$32.34 $32.34

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.24 $1.24

$1.12 $1.12

$1.3 $1.3

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$24.2K $24.2K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$25.1K $25.1K

$23.5K $23.5K

$25.1K $25.1K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$191 $191

$99.4 $99.4

$348 $348

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$57.7 $57.7

$19.67 $19.67

$91.4 $91.4

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$66.8 $66.8

$50.2 $50.2

$95.4 $95.4

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$119 $119

$99.3 $99.3

$149 $149

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$44.56 $44.56

$24.76 $24.76

$64.4 $64.4

Cinema Ticket

$17.82 $17.82

$11.88 $11.88

$19.8 $19.8

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$1,797 $1,797

$1,175 $1,175

$2,413 $2,413

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$15K $15K

$40K $40K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$61 $61

$39.33 $39.33

$118 $118

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$35.01 $35.01

$25.22 $25.22

$60.6 $60.6

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$100 $100

$63.9 $63.9

$128 $128

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$151 $151

$50.4 $50.4

$201 $201

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$3,222 $3,222

$2,776 $2,776

$3,966 $3,966

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,895 $2,895

$2,368 $2,368

$3,454 $3,454

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$6,832 $6,832

$4,969 $4,969

$9,937 $9,937

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$5,914 $5,914

$4,857 $4,857

$7,930 $7,930

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$10.8K $10.8K

$9,510 $9,510

$12K $12K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$7,990 $7,990

$7,458 $7,458

$8,523 $8,523

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$6,959 $6,959

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.49

6.19

Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: November 30, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Santa Monica, CA - Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Monica delivers a sunny, beach-adjacent lifestyle with strong shopping, dining, and outdoor options, but affordability leans toward the premium end. You will notice that Cost of Living in Santa Monica, CA, United States sets the baseline higher than many peers, especially for housing near the sand or with ocean views. If you are exploring as a traveler, expat, or digital nomad, you will likely balance quality amenities with longer leases or higher deposits. Local services, groceries, and wellness options are convenient but come with a price tag. For value, consider inland pockets or adaptable coworking plans to save. Tip: Map out a monthly housing cap and test a short-term stay before signing contracts.

Daily life in Santa Monica is a mix of breezy beach vibes and efficient city services. Housing search benefits from a strong rental market near the coast, but competition and upfront costs are common; test neighborhoods like Ocean Park, Montana Avenue, or Pico Boulevard to gauge vibe and commute. Food options range from casual cafes to farmers markets with seasonal produce. For getting around, biking along the Marvin Braude path, rideshares, and a reliable bus network support a car-light routine, though peak times can be busy. If you work remotely, explore coworking spaces near the Third Street Promenade or downtown pockets, where short-term passes can be cost-effective. The Santa Monica, CA, United States living cost varies by location. Tip: Plan a weekly route that balances beachtime with errands to cut unnecessary travel.

Quality of life here hinges on balancing priorities, which you can frame with a simple budgeting approach. Start with a clear housing line item and allocate discretionary funds for dining, activities, and remote-work setups. Seasonal patterns matter: summer crowds boost activity and prices in popular areas, while shoulder seasons can offer quieter mornings and smaller crowds. For neighborhoods, test a few spots that suit your pace - beachside rows for walkability, or inland pockets for calmer evenings and better parking. Practical tips include using longer-term coworking passes, joining local buy/sell groups for gear, and cooking at home to save while still enjoying fresh produce. Tip: Create a monthly plan with a flexible buffer for unexpected expenses.