Is Santa Monica Expensive? (Food, Stays & Transport)

Along the sun-kissed shores of Southern California, Santa Monica beckons travelers with its iconic pier, sandy beaches and distinctive coastal charm.

As one of the most famous beach cities in the world, Santa Monica promises an escape that’s ever so dreamy.

Yet, before you head to this picture-perfect paradise, you may be wondering whether or not it’s expensive.

Let’s try an unravel the truth behind this question.

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Discovering Santa Monica: A Coastal Paradise with a Price Tag

Flights booked, travel insurance sorted, bags packed and off you go! But you’ve perhaps forgotten one last thing – just how much spending money should you take with you?

First things first, it’s true that Santa Monica comes with a bit of a hefty price tag. Its appeal is one of beachside glamour in an enviable location right near Los Angeles.

cost of vacation Santa Monica — Santa Monica on a Budget

It has an iconic pier lined with vibrant shops, amusement park rides and delicious eateries, and its beaches take your breath away.

The sands play hose to sunbathers, surfers and beachcombers enjoying the soothing embrace of the Pacific Ocean.

Sounds almost poetic, not to mention idyllic, doesn’t it? When you put it like that, it’s no surprise it comes at a price!

Read later – Best Party Beaches In The USA

The Costa Santa Monica

Forgive the play on words! Whilst Santa Monica’s beauty is undeniable, it’s important to take heed of the cost of visiting this coveted beach city.

Let’s discover the cost of experiencing the city and how to make the most of your visit without breaking the bank.

Where to Stay in Santa Monica

When you travel to Santa Monica, your accommodation costs are often your biggest expense, along with your flights perhaps.

where stay in Santa Monica — Best places to stay in Santa Monica

Here’s what you can expect in terms of lodging expenses:

Hotels and Resorts: Santa Monica offers a range of upscale hotels and beachfront resorts. As you may expect, these tend to be on the pricier side, especially during the peak travel season.
Alternative Lodging Options: If hotels are out of your budget or you’re wanting something different, there are many vacation rentals, guest houses and hostels that are more budget-friendly. You can still have a comfortable stay without the premium price tag.

Hotels and Resorts

If you’re prepared for the expense and want that luxury experience, these hotels and resorts in Santa Monica will be sure to meet your expectations.

Shutters on the Beach: A luxurious beachfront hotel with stunning ocean views, offering upscale amenities and personalized service.
Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows: A high-end resort featuring elegant rooms, a beautiful pool area with loungers, and the lushest of gardens.
The Huntley Hotel: A sophisticated boutique hotel with a rooftop restaurant offering panoramic views of both city and ocean.

Alternative Lodging Options

For something a little different (and more affordable), take a look at these alternatives to the bigger, more luxurious hotels.

Hostelling International Santa Monica: This hostel is located near the beach and offers dormitory-style rooms and shared facilities for budget-conscious travelers.
Ocean Park Hotel: This is a mid-range option with comfortable rooms and convenient access to Santa Monica’s attractions.
Airbnb: For those of you not familiar with Airbnb, take a look at the app and the options for Santa Monica will just come rolling in! From individual rooms to whole homes and apartments, Airbnb has options to suit all budgets.

Dining and Cuisine

If you’re concerned about spending your hard-earned dough on dinner and just how much it might cost you, take a look at these options for food and dining out in Santa Monica:

Rusty’s Surf Ranch: A lively beachside restaurant with a diverse menu, including seafood, burgers, and live music on weekends.
Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery: A local favorite serving delicious Italian sandwiches, pasta and freshly baked bread.
The Lobster: A fine dining restaurant overlooking the ocean, specializing in seafood and classic Californian dishes.

Travel and Transport

public transport cost Santa Monica — The cost of getting around Santa Monica

For getting around Santa Monica you will have lots of options that are friendly to the budget.

Walking around it is an adventure in itself!

Big Blue Bus: This is Santa Monica’s local public bus service, providing affordable transportation within the city and connecting nearby areas.
Metro Expo Line: This is a light rail system that links Santa Monica to downtown Los Angeles and other parts of the city. It’s an economical way of exploring beyond Santa Monica.
Biking and Walking: Santa Monica is pedestrian-friendly and offers bike rental options, making it easy to explore the city on foot or two wheels without additional costs.

Activities and Attractions

Santa Monica is primarily a beach resort, so you’ll find plenty to do on the shoreline.

Santa Monica State Beach: The city’s main public beach, offering free access to the sands and ocean waters. You’ll find beachcombers, beach volleyball and sunbathers here. You can catch the stunning sunsets here too.
Santa Monica Pier: While some attractions on the pier may come at a cost, you can stroll along, take in the views and enjoy the street performers without charge.
Santa Monica Twilight Concerts: These free summer concerts are held at the Santa Monica Pier and feature a diverse lineup of musical performances.
Bergamot Station: This is an art complex featuring various galleries and art exhibitions, with some offering free admission.
Budget-friendly shopping: Santa Monica’s shopping scene can be a temptation btu there are ways to indulge without overspending too. Third Street Promenade is a pedestrian-only shopping district with a mix of shops, boutiques and street performers. It’s perfect for window shopping and free entertainment. The Santa Monica Farmers Market is also a great place to find affordable souvenirs, local crafts and fresh produce.

Making the Most of Your Santa Monica Visit

Whether you’re rolling in it or counting the pennies, you can be sure to have a great time in Santa Monica.

Whilst it does have a reputation for being an upscale, high-end destination, it is entirely possible to explore this coastal gem on a budget.

With careful planning and smart choices, visitors can enjoy the sun, surf and atmosphere of Santa Monica without too much expense.

You can embrace the free and lost-cost attractions, enjoy the local cuisine at affordable eateries and opt for alternative accommodation to make the most of it.

Remember, Santa Monica’s allure goes beyond the price tag.

Its picturesque beauty, beachfront charm, and lively atmosphere are yours to explore, no matter your budget. So, pack your bags, hit the beach, and let Santa Monica enchant you with its coastal wonders and budget-friendly delights. Happy travels!