Santa Monica, Ca, United States Of America, United States Of America — cost of living
Wikipedia · Santa Monica, California

Santa Monica, Ca, United States Of America

Trust 77
Country
United States Of America
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Relocation
Santa Monica, Ca, United States Of America

About Santa Monica, Ca, United States Of America

Costs exclude rent
Single / month
$1,129
Family of 4 / mo
$2,921
Avg salary (after tax)
$8,791

Santa Monica, California, is a beautiful coastal city located just west of Los Angeles. Known for its stunning beaches, Santa Monica offers visitors a perfect mix of sun, sand, and fun. The famous Santa Monica Pier is a must-see, featuring an amusement park, an aquarium, and many restaurants. People love to stroll along the lively Third Street Promenade, where they can shop, eat, and enjoy street performances. The city also has beautiful parks and bike paths, making it easy to explore. With its warm weather and vibrant atmosphere, Santa Monica is a great place for families, friends, and anyone looking to relax by the ocean.

Data aggregated from public cost-of-living sources. See About for methodology.· Wikipedia · Santa Monica, California· Updated May 22, 2026

Cost breakdown by category

Cost breakdown

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Fashion

  • Midrange Nike Running ShoesUSD $122.62
  • Summer Dress from Chain Stores (e.g., Zara, H&M)USD $57.94
  • Classic Jeans (e.g., Levi's 501)USD $84.43
  • Men's Dress ShoesUSD $169.59

Financial

  • Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed)USD $5
  • Average Monthly Salary After TaxUSD $8,791

Food - Beverages

  • CappuccinoUSD $6.51
  • Local Draft Beer (Pint)USD $9.45
  • Imported Beer (Small Bottle)USD $10.8
  • Soft Drinks (350 ml Bottle)USD $3.43
  • Bottled Water (350 ml)USD $2.96

Food - Dining

  • Casual Dining ExperienceUSD $24.3
  • Upscale Dinner for TwoUSD $108
  • Fast Food ComboUSD $10.8

Food - Grocery

  • Chicken Fillets (1 kg)USD $8.91
  • Beef Round (1 kg)USD $21.77
  • Apples (1 kg)USD $5.55
  • Bananas (1 kg)USD $2.55
  • Oranges (1 kg)USD $4.87
  • Tomatoes (1 kg)USD $7.19
  • Potatoes (1 kg)USD $3.62
  • Onions (1 kg)USD $3.03
  • Lettuce (1 Head)USD $2.46
  • Bottled Water (1.5L)USD $2.67
  • Midrange Bottle of WineUSD $14.85
  • Marlboro (20-Pack)USD $14.84
  • White Rice (1 kg)USD $7.57
  • Dozen EggsUSD $3.38
  • Local Cheese (1 kg)USD $16.69
  • Fresh White Bread (1 kg)USD $10.25
  • Milk (1 litre)USD $1.69

Housing

  • Average Rent of 3-Bedroom Apartment in City CenterUSD $6,615
  • Average Rent of 3-Bedroom Apartment Outside City CenterUSD $4,995
  • Average Cost per Square Foot for Apartments in City CenterUSD $1,890
  • Average Cost per Square Foot for Apartments Outside City CenterUSD $1,173
  • Average Rent of 1-Bedroom Apartment in City CenterUSD $3,578
  • Average Rent of 1-Bedroom Apartment Outside City CenterUSD $2,846

Leisure

  • Monthly Fee for Fitness Club Membership (1 Adult)USD $116.49
  • Monthly Fee for Private Kindergarten (1 Child)USD $1,710
  • Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend)USD $60.75
  • Cinema Ticket (International Release)USD $21.25
  • Yearly Cost for International Primary School (1 Child)USD $34,330

Transportation

  • 1 Hour Taxi WaitUSD $39.41
  • Average Price of a New Sedan CarUSD $34,425
  • One-Way Local Transport FareUSD $2.36
  • Average Rate to Start a Taxi RideUSD $4.73
  • Average Monthly Cost of Public Transport PassUSD $135
  • Average Taxi Fare for 1 kmUSD $3.71
  • Average Price of a New Compact Hatchback CarUSD $33,750

Utilities (Monthly)

  • Internet Service (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited)USD $90.45
  • Average Monthly Cost for Essential Utilities in a 915 sq. ft. ApartmentUSD $194.01

Costs reflect a typical lifestyle in each place, excluding rent unless stated. Numbers are a starting point — always cross-check before big decisions.

  • Single / Family of 4 toggle. Family ≈ 2.7× single when no verified figure exists.
  • Estimated values use a ~ prefix and an "Estimated" label.
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How we calculate these numbers

When local data is missing (e.g. salary for a smaller city), we estimate from peer cities in the same country using a median ratio.

Full methodology, assumptions, and formulas live on our About page.