Cost of Living in Santa Monica, CA
Cost indexes, living wages, and fair market rents — 2024 Data
Cost of Living Overview
Overall Index
241.2
100 = national avg
+141.2 vs national average
Living Wage (1 Adult)
$106,106
per year
Living Wage (Family of 4)
$250,796
per year
Cost Index by Category
Housing400.0
Food133.9
Transportation167.8
Healthcare127.1
Utilities180.3
100 = national average. Higher = more expensive.
Fair Market Rent
Source: HUD1 Bedroom
$2,085
per month
2 Bedroom
$2,601
per month
The overall cost of living index in Santa Monica is 241.2, which is 141.2% above the national average. Housing costs are above the national average at an index of 400.0. A single adult needs to earn approximately $106,106 per year to cover basic expenses.