What to Know Before Moving to Santa Monica

Cost of Living

Given the beautiful coastal lifestyle, fabulous climate, and proximity to Los Angeles, Santa Monica is understandably an expensive city to live in. Living costs are about three times the national average. Housing accounts for the highest cost at seven times the U.S. median home cost. Thankfully, the mild climate helps keep utilities low – residents pay about 20% less than average for utilities. Health costs are also lower than average by about 11%. Another thing to take into consideration is that the Santa Monica sales tax rate is 10.3% – 3% higher than the U.S. average. However, Santa Monica residents do bring home a healthier paycheck than the average American – about $20,000 more.

Getting Around

Southern California is known for its bumper-to-bumper traffic and car-dependent lifestyle. Santa Monica is one of the few exceptions. Most of the community’s eight square miles are walkable and a variety of public transportation is accessible when you need it. Cycling is a way of life for many Santa Monica residents who can commute, ride to the beach, or shop via their sturdy and colorful California Cruisers or on ever more popular electric bikes. Bike lanes are plentiful and according to walkscore.com, the bike score is 86. The walk score is 82 and the transit score is 62.

Metro Expo Line, with three Santa Monica stations, connects Santa Monica to Los Angeles in just under 50 minutes. The Big Blue Bus is super-affordable and runs from L.A. to Santa Monica, within Santa Monica City limits, and to LAX. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is a mere 8 miles south. Locals and tourists alike make good use of Santa Monica Circuit, free golf cart-type cabs that run from 11 am to 9 pm and later on weekends.

Santa Monica’s Neighborhoods

Every one of Santa Monica’s eight neighborhoods is unique and beautiful. Some offer classic California bungalows along palm tree-lined streets. Others are exciting urban enclaves that team with restaurants, shopping, and nightlife. Four of the most popular neighborhoods are Pier Area, Downtown, Montana Avenue, and Mid City.

Pier Area is popular with those who love living on or near the sand. The Santa Monica Pier features the famous carousel and the world’s first solar-powered Ferris wheel! Downtown, where you’ll find mostly condos, is hip and happening with open-air restaurants, shopping, and exciting nightlife at Third Street Promenade and Santa Monica Place. Downtown also has year-round farmers’ markets every Wednesday and Saturday. Mid City is an entertainment and arts-centered neighborhood. The homes here range from high-rise apartments and condos to standalone single-family homes. Montana Avenue has upscale shops, restaurants and cafes, bars, and more. The homes, many of which are single-family and have been renovated, are more traditional and the properties are beautifully landscaped. Whichever Santa Monica neighborhood you choose, you simply can’t go wrong!