Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Santa Monica, CA
Considering a move to Santa Monica, CA? This vibrant coastal city of 91,105 residents is known for its stunning beaches, mild Mediterranean climate with 72% sunny days, and excellent access to healthcare and education. Expect a high cost of living with median home prices around $1.65M and average rents near $3,100, but also enjoy strong income levels and a well-educated community (62% with bachelor’s or higher). Commute times average about 27 minutes, and while property crime is above average at 2,780 per 100k, Santa Monica offers outstanding schools, a diverse community, and an iconic California lifestyle.
Demographics - Santa Monica, CA
Demographics - Santa Monica, CA
Santa Monica is home to just over 91,000 residents, featuring a diverse population with a median age of 41.8 and a notable presence of non-English speakers at nearly 22%. The city has a higher proportion of females, and its population density reflects a vibrant, urban coastal community. Ethnic diversity and a mix of ages contribute to the city's dynamic atmosphere.
Population:
91,105
Density:
10,800 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.8
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
21.7%
Ethnic Composition
White:
62.5%
Black:
4.0%
Asian:
10.2%
Others:
23.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Santa Monica, CA?
Living in Santa Monica comes with a premium, as the median home value is approximately $1.65 million and average rents are around $3,100 per month. The overall cost of living index is significantly higher than the national average, driven mainly by housing and everyday expenses. Residents should budget for elevated utility and transportation costs, along with California’s progressive state taxes.
Median House Value:
$1,650,000
Gross Rent:
$3,100
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$180
Auto Insurance:
$2,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$4,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$1,250
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
294.0
Grocery:
129.3
Housing:
535.5
Utilities:
110.6
Transportation:
136.9
Health Care:
123.0
Miscellaneous:
127.0
Crime
Is Santa Monica, CA a safe place to live?
Santa Monica experiences higher property crime rates, with about 2,780 incidents per 100,000 residents, and a chance of 1 in 36 for property crime. Violent crime remains less common, with a rate of 440 per 100,000 people. Overall, while the city offers a desirable lifestyle, newcomers should be mindful of local crime trends and take standard safety precautions.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
440
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,780
Crime Index:
3,220
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 227
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 36
Weather
What is the weather like in Santa Monica, CA year-round?
Santa Monica enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate, with summer highs averaging 77°F and winters rarely dipping below 48°F. The city boasts 72% sunny days annually and receives about 12.5 inches of rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities year-round. Residents benefit from comfortable temperatures and plenty of sunshine near the coast.
Winter
Min:
48°F
Max:
65°F
Spring
Min:
54°F
Max:
72°F
Summer
Min:
63°F
Max:
77°F
Fall
Min:
57°F
Max:
74°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
12.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
72%
Neighbors
Santa Monica’s community is well-educated, with over 62% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, and household incomes averaging $106,600. The poverty rate is relatively low at 8.5%, and the area is known for moderate unemployment and a diverse mix of long-term residents and newcomers. Commute times average about 27 minutes, and public transport is used by a small but steady share of locals.
Median Income:
$59,000
Household Income:
$106,600
Family Income:
$141,000
Per Capita Income:
$80,600
Income Male:
$84,000
Income Female:
$67,000
Poverty Rate:
8.5%
Non English Speakers:
21.7%
Rent:
$3,100
Unemployment Rate:
5.2%
Public Transport Usage:
8.5%
Commute Time:
27.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
95.9%
Bachelors or More:
62.3%
Education
How are the schools in Santa Monica, CA?
Santa Monica features highly rated public and private schools, including Santa Monica High School and Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences. The presence of Santa Monica College, as well as proximity to UCLA just six miles away, provides residents with access to quality higher education. The city is recognized for its strong educational attainment and vibrant academic community.
Public Schools
Name:
Santa Monica High School
Street:
601 Pico Blvd
Phone:
310-395-3204
Students:
2,900
Student Teacher Ratio:
22.4
Name:
John Adams Middle School
Street:
2425 16th St
Phone:
310-452-2326
Students:
1,000
Student Teacher Ratio:
21.1
Private Schools
Name:
Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences
Street:
1714 21st St
Phone:
310-829-7391
Students:
1,180
Colleges
Name:
Santa Monica College
City:
Santa Monica
State:
CA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
23,000
Name:
UCLA
City:
Los Angeles
State:
CA
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
47,500
Healthcare
Santa Monica offers excellent healthcare access, with major hospitals like UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center and Providence Saint John's Health Center providing comprehensive services. The city boasts a high physician-to-resident ratio and nearly 94% of residents have health insurance coverage. Quality healthcare and emergency services are readily available for individuals and families.
Major Hospitals
Name:
UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center
Address:
1250 16th St, Santa Monica, CA 90404
Phone:
(424) 259-6000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Providence Saint John's Health Center
Address:
2121 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90404
Phone:
(310) 829-5511
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
4.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.7%
Health Care Index:
79.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Santa Monica, CA?
Santa Monica’s housing market is competitive, with median home prices at $1.65 million and average two-bedroom rents of $3,100. Only about 27% of homes are owner-occupied, reflecting a strong rental market. Home values continue to appreciate modestly, while vacancy and foreclosure rates remain low.
Median Home Price:
$1,650,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$3,100
Owner Occupied Rate:
27.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.4%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Santa Monica residents are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles located on Colorado Avenue, offering standard licensing and registration services. The office is easily accessible, and additional resources are available through the statewide DMV website. Newcomers can expect convenient support for vehicle and driver needs.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
2235 Colorado Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90404
Phone:
1-800-777-0133
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.