Can A Welder Afford Rent in Santa Monica, CA?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 69.1% of gross income.
Santa Monica rent: July 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (California state estimate).
About rent and a welder salary
Welder pay tracks the US median household income closely. Pipeline and underwater welders earn materially more. At the national-average welder salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,285 a month in rent.
Cheaper rent nearby
These California cities have lower median rent than Santa Monica, which improves the affordability math on a welder salary:
Compare with full rent data for Santa Monica
View full rent data for Santa Monica, CA →Frequently asked questions
Can a welder afford rent in Santa Monica, CA?
Median rent in Santa Monica is $3,493 a month. A typical welder in California earns about $60,664 a year, which makes that rent 69.1% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a welder afford in Santa Monica?
Using the 30% rule, a welder salary in California (~$60,664/yr) supports up to $1,517 a month in rent. Santa Monica's current median rent is $3,493/mo, which is $1,976/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a welder work to cover rent in Santa Monica?
At an hourly equivalent of about $29 an hour, a welder in California works roughly 119.8 hours a month to cover Santa Monica's median rent of $3,493.
Where is rent cheaper than Santa Monica for a welder?
Nearby California cities with lower median rent include Capitola ($3,492/mo), Burlingame ($3,492/mo), Santa Clara ($3,491/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a welder salary.