California / County

Moving to Santa Monica, CA

Thinking of making a move to Santa Monica, CA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Santa Monica, CA

Considering a move to Santa Monica, CA? This welcoming community of 91,105 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $1,650,000 and average rents near $3,100. Commute times average 27 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (72% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Santa Monica's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Santa Monica, CA

Santa Monica has a population of 91,105 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 42 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 63% White, 4% Black, and 10% Asian residents, and over 22% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban 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?

The cost of living in Santa Monica is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 294.0. Median home values are around $1,650,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $3,100. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

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 is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 440 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 36. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in California.

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 experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 77°F and cold winters dipping to 48°F. The area receives about 13 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 72% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
48°F
Max
65°F

Summer

Min
63°F
Max
77°F

Spring

Min
54°F
Max
72°F

Fall

Min
57°F
Max
74°F
Average Rainfall Inches
12.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
72%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $106,600 and a low poverty rate of 8.5%. Over 96% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 62% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 27 minutes, and almost 9% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

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 offers quality education options, with public schools like Santa Monica High School and John Adams Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Santa Monica College and UCLA. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

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 residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center and Providence Saint John's Health Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 4.2 per 1,000 people and 93.7% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

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

Healthcare Access

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?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $1,650,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 27%. The market has seen a 2.4% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 4.9%. Santa Monica offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

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

Residents of Santa Monica handle vehicle services through the California Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Santa Monica. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
California
Department
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address
2235 Colorado Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90404
Phone
1-800-777-0133

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.

FAQs About Moving to Santa Monica, CA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Santa Monica, review the core fields on this page: population 91,105, median home value $1,650,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $3,100, commute time 27.4 minutes, and sunny days percentage 72%.

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