How much does a one-week (7 days) trip to Santa Monica cost?

A one week trip to Santa Monica costs $1,736 per person on average. This information comes from the actual expenses of travelers and includes accommodation, food, local transportation, sightseeing, and other typical travel costs.

How much does a two-week (14 days) trip to Santa Monica cost?

Two weeks in Santa Monica costs $3,472 per person on average. This information comes from the actual expenses of travelers and includes accommodation, food, local transportation, sightseeing, and other typical travel costs.

How much does a one-month (4 weeks) trip to Santa Monica cost?

One month in Santa Monica costs $7,440 per person on average. This information comes from the actual expenses of travelers and includes accommodation, food, local transportation, sightseeing, and other typical travel costs.

How much do hotels cost in Santa Monica?

The average daily cost per person, per day for Accommodation in Santa Monica is $123

How much does transportation cost in Santa Monica?

The average daily cost per person, per day for Transportation in Santa Monica is $50

How much does food cost in Santa Monica?

The average daily cost per person, per day for Food in Santa Monica is $91

How much do alcoholic beverages cost in Santa Monica?

The average daily cost per person, per day for Alcohol in Santa Monica is $21

Santa Monica Travel Cost - Average Price of a Vacation to Santa Monica: Food & Meal Budget, Daily & Weekly Expenses

Q: How much does it cost to travel to Santa Monica?

$248 is the average daily price for traveling in Santa Monica. The average price of meals in Santa Monica for one day is $91. The average price of local transportation in Santa Monica for one day is $50. The average price of a hotel in Santa Monica for a couple is $246.

Santa Monica is a lively town known for its active lifestyle and fun-filled activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. Whether you're eating the delicious cuisine, enjoying the nightlife, or relaxing on the beaches, we'll help you plan the ideal trip to Santa Monica that stays within your budget.

How much does it cost to travel to Santa Monica?

You should plan to spend around $248 per day on your vacation in Santa Monica. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

$91 on meals
$50 on local transportation
$246 on hotels

A one week trip to Santa Monica for two people costs, on average, $3,472. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

Travel Style:
Average Daily Cost Per person, per day

$248

One Week Per person

$1,736
2 Weeks Per person

$3,472
One Month Per person

$7,440
One Week For a couple

$3,472
2 Weeks For a couple

$6,944
One Month For a couple

$14,880

This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. .

How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Santa Monica cost?

A one week trip to Santa Monica usually costs around $1,736 for one person and $3,472 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Santa Monica on average costs around $3,472 for one person and $6,944 for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Santa Monica will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Santa Monica on average costs around $7,440 for one person and $14,880 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.

Is Santa Monica expensive to visit?

Santa Monica is a terrific town that attracts a multitude of tourists with a broad spectrum of travel styles and budgeting preferences. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.

Santa Monica can be very expensive if you want it to be, but there are ways to cut down on your costs, like eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.

On average, budget travelers spend $108 per day, mid-range travelers spend $248 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $484 per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Santa Monica.

Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Santa Monica is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Wilmington or Mystic.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Santa Monica Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Santa Monica?

The average Santa Monica trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Santa Monica travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Santa Monica cost?

Santa Monica on a Budget

Category	Budget	Mid-Range	Luxury
Accommodation ¹ For 1 person in double occupancy	$53	$123	$245
Local Transportation ¹	$22	$50	$95
Food ²	$40	$91	$173
Entertainment ¹	$17	$38	$72
Alcohol ²	$5-14	$10-31	$20-60

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

It's important to be realistic about your budget for Santa Monica. Many assume they can visit on a shoestring, but most travelers find that to be very challenging. Think about what matters to you when traveling. Is it staying in a resort, visiting all the attractions, or dining out at nice restaurants? These factors will determine how much you spend on your trip.

What is a budget traveler, anyway?

You might think that you're a budget traveler. But unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a lot more than the daily average of $108 that backpackers often get by on.

Young backpackers often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.

The town features a strong public transit system that helps budget travelers bypass expensive taxi or rideshare expenses. Dining is a highlight for all types of visitors in Santa Monica, but budget travelers typically settle for street food or hostel meals, meaning they may not fully enjoy the delightful local cuisine.

Are You Considered an Average Traveler?

As a couple or family looking for fun, you're likely to choose a mid-range hotel, dine at popular restaurants, and explore the major museums and attractions with entry fees. It's a common desire for visitors to Santa Monica to experience the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. After all, most activities do cost money. Therefore, it's sensible to expect your daily budget to be approximately $248 per person, per day.

There are plenty of hotels and vacation rentals available in Santa Monica. If you're traveling with companions, sharing a hotel with a partner, friend, or kids can help lower costs. Families should seek out hotels and dining options that are suitable for children. Shore Hotel Santa Monica is a wonderful family-friendly hotel, and Le Meridien Delfina Santa Monica is another excellent choice. For more family and couple-oriented hotels, visit our hotel cost guide for Santa Monica here.

Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?

If you're looking for an all-encompassing vacation filled with luxurious amenities and higher-level service, prepare your budget for around $484 per day. Selecting nicer hotels, savoring meals at award-winning establishments, indulging in lavish adventures, and traveling around the town with taxis or private drivers will call for a luxury budget. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Private Surfing Lesson in Santa Monica - offered by Viator.

Accommodation Budget in Santa Monica

The price of hotels in Santa Monica can be quite surprising. Higher-end hotels offer more luxury and amenities, but with much higher price tags, especially during peak season. Off-season averages are around $361, while peak summer season averages can reach $674. Prices range from $210 to $1,385, but hostels are usually cheaper. Traveling during the low season and booking early are good ways to save money.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Santa Monica for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $246. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $123 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

Accommodation¹ Hotel or hostel for one person

$123
Accommodation¹ Typical double-occupancy room

$246

Hotels in Santa Monica

Looking for a hotel in Santa Monica? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

The most affordable highest rated hotels in Santa Monica include:

Shore Hotel Santa Monica starting at $270

Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Santa Monica

Santa Monica's public transportation allows you to stay further away from the town for cheaper lodging, but commuting might add extra transportation costs and eat up your time.

Santa Monica is known as a family-friendly town, so if you're traveling with kids, be sure to look for an apartment with extra space.

By skipping summer and traveling during the low or shoulder season, you'll enjoy lower accommodation rates and fewer crowds.

Exploring Santa Monica by foot is a favorite activity for many, so it's wise to find a centrally located place to stay. Just be aware that this may cost more.

Recommended Properties

Transportation Budget in Santa Monica

In Santa Monica, the public transportation system is excellent. The Metro E Line connects the city to downtown Los Angeles. There's also the Big Blue Bus as well the Santa Monica Circuit, which are small electric carts that offer free rides between Wilshire Boulevard and Marine Street, and from the ocean to Fifth Street. For quick and affordable travel, use public transit, though taxis and rideshares are available for convenience.

For those who enjoy foot exploration, this destination is perfect. The city is very walkable, particularly in the more touristy areas.

Public Transit: (great)
Walkability: (great)

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

On average, past travelers have spent $50 per person, per day, on local transportation in Santa Monica. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Santa Monica is significantly more than public transportation.
Transportation¹ Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.

$50

A few of the typical transportation options and hotel transfers include:

Santa Monica to Los Angeles Airport (LAX) - Departure Private Transfer for $217 details
Santa Monica to Los Angeles Airport Departure Private Transfer for $238 details
Santa Monica to Long Beach Airport (LGB) - Deparure Private Transfer for $269 details

Recommended Services

Flights to Santa Monica

How much does it cost to go to Santa Monica? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Santa Monica

The price of renting a car in Santa Monica will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.

Food Budget in Santa Monica

The food scene in Santa Monica is incredible, so be sure to spend time tasting all the local dishes. You'll find a diversity of restaurants in the area, many of which make use of the town's many farmer's markets. The restaurant scene has a beachy vibe with a lot of outdoor dining opportunities. There are also a range of cuisines to choose from such as Mexican, Italian, casual, and upscale.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

While restaurant and meal prices in Santa Monica can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Santa Monica is $91 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
Food² Meals for one day

$91

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Santa Monica is around $91 ($91) per person, with previous travelers spending from $40 to $173. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Santa Monica are as follows:

Breakfast: $9 to $27
Lunch: $14 to $36
Dinner: $27 to $63
Coffee: $7
Fast Food or Street Food: $14

Santa Monica boasts the trendiest and newest restaurants, whether you're into farm-to-table organics, vegan, or the most innovative California fusion cuisine.

For quick, inexpensive, and casual dining, try the famous Godmother sandwich at Bay Cities Italian Deli and Bakery, the place to go for a hearty Italian sandwich as well as imported Italian products and groceries to bring home.

Nearby, Milo and Olive is a trendy but moderately-priced restaurant and bakery, especially known for their famous burrata pizza, garlic knots and chicken meatballs. If you want to avoid a wait, the restaurant offers communal seating and bar seating, which may be a quicker way to sit, check out what others are ordering and possibly even make a few new friends.

For one of the most raved-about burgers in the neighborhood, stop by Father's Office for an artisan burger, sweet potato fries, and an extensive selection of beers, both on tap and in bottles.

If you're looking for fine dining, you're in the right neighborhood. Melisse is one of the most highly-regarded restaurants with 2 Michelin stars, serving French fare and seafood. Diners love the egg caviar, lobster bolognese, and full 15-course Carte Blanche tasting menu. If you order the latter, be sure to reserve several hours for a leisurely and luxurious dining experience.

Tar & Roses serves new American fare in a rustic and intimate, yet modern and hip environment. Customer favorites consist of decadent menu items such as bone marrow, oxtail dumplings and braised lamb belly, with honeycomb ice cream and ricotta crostata for dessert.

For an altogether different shopping and dining experience, visit one of the four Santa Monica Farmer's Markets, which take place on Wednesday mornings, Saturday mornings, and Sunday mornings in different locations. Don't be surprised by A-list celebrity sightings; even renowned chefs from all over Los Angeles frequent these markets for their fresh produce and seafood.

Food & Dining Tips

When you're on the road with kids, look for eateries that have a kids' menu. This can lead to considerable savings, as those meals are generally less expensive. Some restaurants might not highlight their kids' options, so don't hesitate to ask the waiter before you order.

Lots of hotels throw breakfast into the room rate, but some will charge for it. The quality and price can differ by hotel. Understanding this in advance can help you figure out if you'll need to spend extra money. It may be worth splurging on the hotel buffet, or you could find a less expensive option at a nearby bakery or cafe.

Fill a water bottle rather than purchasing drinks constantly. It's a smart and eco-friendly choice.

Before booking a tour, make a point of knowing which meals are part of the package. You may be responsible for some of your food costs, which can increase your overall budget.

Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Santa Monica. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:

Los Angeles Premier Dinner Cruise from Marina del Rey for $142 details
Flavors of Venice Beach Food Tour By Junket for $94 details
Marina del Rey Father's Day Plated Dinner Cruise for $187 details

Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Santa Monica

The reason people visit Santa Monica is clear, as it offers beaches, family-friendly activities, food, and nightlife.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Santa Monica typically cost an average of $38 per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
Entertainment¹ Entrance tickets, shows, etc.

$38

Walk down the iconic Santa Monica Pier and see fishermen patiently waiting for their daily catches. Children (and the child in you) will enjoy the classic Playland Arcade, which still takes quarters and dispenses tickets for prizes. Head toward Pacific Park for midway games, specialty foods like funnelcakes, souvenir shops, and of course, thrill rides on the pier.

Just south of the Pier is the retired Original Muscle Beach, where you can swing on the rings and ropes at this the outdoor gym. If you're up for a walk, take the 2.5 mile beachfront path south, toward Venice Beach, where you'll come across the world-famous Venice Beach Freakshow, the Venice Beach Boardwalk featuring street performers, restaurants, and a multitude of independent and souvenir shops.

Don't forget to stop by the Venice Public Art Walls for a look at fresh street art, much-loved by the community. Want to contribute to the wall? Anyone is welcome to paint on weekends and city holidays, after signing an Artist's Agreement and presenting a photo I.D. to the In Creative Unity arts organization.

Keep heading south and you'll reach the newer Muscle Beach, Venice, where it's not uncommon to see body-builders and fitness fanatics pumping iron and their admirers nearby.

Head inland to visit the homes that line the tranquil Venice Canals Historic District, where each home has its own dock and the sidewalks run along the waterfront.

Head to Downtown Santa Monica where the famous Third Street Promenade and Santa Monica Place are located for designer shopping, movies, and the trendiest of restaurants and pubs in the area. If smaller boutique shopping is what you prefer, Montana Avenue may be more your pace with unique small shops along a quieter neighborhood from 7th to 17th Street.

Besides fun in the sun, sea, and sand with the usual watersports such as swimming surfing, paddle-boarding and skim boarding activities, fitness buffs may want to bike or skate down the 26-Mile Bike Path, also known as the Marvin Braude Bike Trail or The Strand, which runs along the shorefront from Will Rogers State Beach south to Torrance State Beach. Santa Monica Bike Center and Sea Mist Rentals are nearby for bike rentals.

If you're feeling daring, Trapeze School New York has a location on the Santa Monica Pier for thrill-seekers who want to learn from trapeze, aerial, or trampoline classes.

To take in the natural scenery of the mountains and Pacific Ocean, head to the Santa Monica Mountains, the largest urban national park in the world. The Santa Monica Mountains Natural Recreational Area offers more than 30 hiking trails at different levels of difficulty whether you're a beginner or seasoned hiker. The park is also a popular spot for mountain biking, rock climbing, horseback riding and camping.

Art and culture lovers are bound to find something that piques their interest, whether it's a photo exhibit at the Annenberg Space for Photography, the Bergamot Station Arts Center which houses more than 30 art galleries, or artists outside performing, exhibiting, or peddling their works at the Third Street Promenade.

Sightseeing Tips

Beaches:
Many visitors are drawn to Santa Monica for its inviting beach atmosphere. Santa Monica Beach is large and lined with bike trails. It's also filled with activity and you'll find many water sports, beach volleyball, and surfing in the area. There's also the famous Santa Monica Pier, which has an amusement park aquarium, Ferris wheal, dining, and shopping.

Shopping:
Shopping in this area is a must-do experience. It's easy to pass the time shopping in Santa Monica. There are independent vendors, fashion boutiques, and art galleries. Head to Montana Avenue or Main Street for some of the best shopping.

Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Santa Monica. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

Private Rickshaw Tour of Santa Monica and Venice Beach for $120 details
15 Passengers Open Ocean/Harbor Cruise Party Boat Marina Del Rey for $129 details
Romantic Luxury Boat Cruise with Wine Cheese Sea LionTours for $119 details

Recommended Activities

Nightlife Budget in Santa Monica

With its fun and active nightlife, Santa Monica attracts visitors eager to experience the local bars, clubs, and parties. There's a relaxed and laid back vibe to the nightlife scene. Many venues offer outdoor seating and live music in a casual setting. You can hang out on a patio and enjoy the California climate while you sip cold drinks and the beach town atmosphere.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average person spends about $21 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Santa Monica per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
Alcohol² Drinks for one day

$21

Nightlife Tips

Nightlife is a blast when traveling, but scaling back on drinks can really help stretch your travel budget.

When you're out at night and drinking, be aware of what's going on around you. You could become a target for pickpockets or other crimes, so it's safest to stay in groups.

Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Santa Monica. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:

Vintage VW Hippie Shared Tour to Malibu with Wine Tasting for $199 details
Food and Wine Tour Santa Monica for $149 details

Budgeting and Travel Tips for Santa Monica

During summer, the town can get really crowded, and prices go up significantly. To avoid the crowds and save some money, it's best to visit during the shoulder seasons or low season.
Slowing down while you travel can lead to significant savings, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of your surroundings. If you overload your itinerary with activities, you'll likely spend a lot more. However, embracing a slower pace can help you enjoy your trip and cut costs.

Budgeting Challenges

If your travel group includes young children, consider getting a private vehicle or taxi. It's often easier to skip the public transit hassle, although this option may require a bit more spending.
Santa Monica isn't a hotspot for hostels, so if you were hoping to find a cheap dorm, you might need to adjust your plans. Instead, consider a budget hotel or an apartment rental.

Traveling in Santa Monica

Santa Monica, California

When it comes to visiting Los Angeles, Santa Monica is high on the must-see-and-do list. Chances are you'll recognize the iconic ferris wheel from Pacific Park in films and TV shows, and nothing beats the relaxed yet bustling vibe of this laid-back city.

Santa Monica is a popular and diverse beach town, cultural hub, fitness venue, shopping district, and neighborhood full of unique and trendy restaurants, all rolled into one. Visited by more than 6 million people a year, it's no wonder you'll always find a crowd there.

So whether you're up for a high-end shopping spree, bicycling down the waterfront, an eclectic food crawl or simply a stroll down the promenade, Santa Monica is sure to have something in store for you.

The weather in Santa Monica is moderate, with average summer highs in the low to mid 70s and winter climate that rests comfortably around the low 50s. Though flip flops and sandals are considered year-round footwear in Los Angeles, bring comfortable walking shoes for browsing galleries, malls, and boutiques. Santa Monica is the perfect place to break out your California-casual wardrobe.

Travel Budget for Santa Monica Visit Santa Monica on a Budget or Travel in Style

How much does it cost to travel to Santa Monica?