If you're looking for an apartment on Los Angeles' Westside, two neighborhoods are almost always at the top of the list: Santa Monica and Venice.
Both offer beautiful beaches, walkable streets, and easy access to restaurants and entertainment. But they each have a very different personality, and choosing the right one depends on your budget, commute, and lifestyle.
Here's everything renters should know before deciding between Santa Monica and Venice.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Santa Monica | Venice |
|---|---|---|
| Beach Access | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Walkability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Nightlife | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Shopping | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Apartment Prices | Higher | Slightly Lower |
| Public Transit | Excellent | Good |
| Quiet Residential Areas | More | Fewer |
| Creative Culture | Moderate | Excellent |
| Luxury Apartments | Excellent | Good |
Living in Santa Monica
Santa Monica is one of Southern California's most desirable places to live.
You'll find:
- Beautiful beaches
- The Third Street Promenade
- Santa Monica Pier
- Excellent restaurants
- Farmers markets
- Bike paths
- Public transportation
- Ocean views
Many renters choose Santa Monica because it offers a balance between city life and a relaxed beach atmosphere.
It's especially popular with:
- Young professionals
- Families
- UCLA students
- Remote workers
- Healthcare professionals
Living in Venice
Venice has a completely different personality.
Known for its artistic culture, street performers, murals, and famous Venice Boardwalk, it's one of the most unique neighborhoods in Los Angeles.
Venice offers:
- Abbot Kinney Boulevard
- Boutique shopping
- Coffee shops
- Local restaurants
- Beach access
- Fitness culture
- Surfing
- Creative community
Many startups, entrepreneurs, and creators call Venice home.
Apartment Prices
Generally speaking:
Santa Monica
- More luxury apartment communities
- Higher average rents
- Strong demand year-round
Venice
- Mix of older apartments and modern developments
- Often slightly less expensive than Santa Monica
- Greater variety of housing styles
Prices vary depending on location, amenities, and proximity to the beach.
Commuting
Santa Monica
Excellent access to:
- Metro E Line
- Pacific Coast Highway
- Interstate 10
- Downtown Los Angeles
- UCLA
- Century City
Venice
Convenient access to:
- Marina del Rey
- Culver City
- Playa Vista
- LAX
- Santa Monica
- Westchester
Most residents rely on driving, biking, or local bus routes.
Walkability
Both neighborhoods are extremely walkable.
Santa Monica
Perfect for people who enjoy:
- Shopping
- Grocery stores
- Dining
- Public transit
- Walking almost everywhere
Venice
Ideal for:
- Beach walks
- Biking
- Coffee shops
- Outdoor fitness
- Local boutiques
Beaches
This one is almost a tie.
Santa Monica Beach
- Wide sandy beaches
- Family-friendly atmosphere
- Volleyball courts
- Bike paths
- Easy parking (depending on the season)
Venice Beach
- More energetic
- Skatepark
- Muscle Beach
- Street performers
- Surfing
- Boardwalk attractions
Nightlife
Santa Monica
Offers:
- Rooftop bars
- Upscale restaurants
- Cocktail lounges
- Live music
Venice
Known for:
- Trendy bars
- Breweries
- Local music venues
- Casual nightlife
- Beachfront hangouts
Which Neighborhood Is Better for Students?
Santa Monica
Great for students attending:
- UCLA
- Santa Monica College
- Pepperdine University (with a commute)
Venice
Popular among students who want beach living while staying close to:
- Loyola Marymount University
- Santa Monica College
- UCLA
Know the Rental Requirements Before You Apply
Apartment application fees in Los Angeles can quickly become expensive.
Before applying, always check:
- Credit score requirements
- Income requirements
- Co-signer policies
- Pet policies
- Security deposit requirements
Knowing these qualifications before applying can save both time and money.
How ZRently Helps Westside Renters
ZRently makes apartment hunting more transparent by allowing renters to search apartments based on:
- Credit score requirements
- Income requirements
- Flexible credit policies
- Co-signer acceptance
- Pet policies
- Verified rental criteria
Whether you're searching in Santa Monica, Venice, Marina del Rey, Playa Vista, Mar Vista, Culver City, West Los Angeles, or Brentwood, ZRently helps you find apartments that match your qualifications before you apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Santa Monica more expensive than Venice?
In general, yes. Santa Monica tends to have higher average rents, especially for apartments close to the beach. However, prices vary depending on the building, amenities, and exact location.
Which neighborhood is better for young professionals?
Both are excellent choices.
Choose Santa Monica if you want a polished, walkable city with shopping and public transportation.
Choose Venice if you prefer a creative, beach-focused lifestyle with a more laid-back atmosphere.
Which neighborhood has better nightlife?
Venice generally has a more casual nightlife scene, while Santa Monica offers a mix of upscale restaurants, rooftop bars, and entertainment.
Can I search apartments by rental requirements?
Yes. ZRently allows renters to search apartments by:
- Credit score requirements
- Income requirements
- Co-signer policies
- Pet policies
- Verified rental criteria
Final Thoughts
You really can't go wrong with either Santa Monica or Venice. Both offer some of the best beach living in Southern California, with easy access to the ocean, great restaurants, and vibrant communities.
If you value a polished, walkable environment with excellent shopping and transit, Santa Monica may be the better fit. If you're drawn to a more creative, eclectic atmosphere with a strong beach culture, Venice could be your ideal neighborhood.
No matter which neighborhood you choose, understanding a property's credit requirements, income requirements, co-signer policies, pet policies, and move-in qualifications before applying can save you time, money, and unnecessary application fees.
At ZRently, we're helping renters across Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Venice, and all of Southern California find apartments with transparent rental requirements so they can apply with confidence.