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ZIP Code · CA

ZIP 90404

Pop. 22,978·Los Angeles County·227th most expensive ZIP in California
Median rent (all units)
$3,363/mo
Year-over-Year
-2.4%
Month-over-Month
+2.3%
vs US Median
+$1,398
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
ZIP 90404 · $3,363
More expensive than 94% of US ZIP codes · National median $1,965/mo
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Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$2,130
1 BR
$2,390
2 BR
$2,980
3 BR
$3,780
4 BR+
$4,210
Research median
$2,980/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$40,356/yr
At $3,363/mo median
Location
StateCA
CountyLos Angeles County
Rent Market Meter
Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are climbing (2.4% YoY), so leverage tilts toward landlords. Act sooner rather than later.
Based on rent-price momentum (-2.4% YoY, +2.3% MoM), not inventory.
Demographics

Who lives here

ZIP 90404 (Santa Monica, CA) is majority renter-occupied, has a median income above the national average, 61.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
22,978
Median income
$95,139
Median age
40.5
Renters
78.6%
Age distribution
13%
27.8%
26.9%
12.9%
19.4%
Under 1813%
18–3427.8%
35–5426.9%
55–6412.9%
65+19.4%
Gender
46.7%
53.3%
Male46.7%
Female53.3%
Race & ethnicity
50.4%
24.1%
White50.4%
Black10%
Hispanic24.1%
Asian11.5%
Other4%
Education (25+)
12.5%
16.6%
61.1%
No HS diploma9.8%
HS diploma12.5%
Some college16.6%
Bachelor's+61.1%
Housing tenure
21.4%
78.6%
Owner21.4%
Renter78.6%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How ZIP 90404 in Santa Monica, CA has changed in 5 years

Rent
$2,702 → $3,363
up 24.5%
Income
$74,591 → $95,139
up 27.5%
Population
23,460 → 22,978
down 2.1%
Renter share
78.3% → 78.6%
+0.3 pts
Bachelor's+
56.8% → 61.1%
+4.3 pts
Median age
38.1 → 40.5
+2.4 yrs

The median rent in ZIP 90404 in Santa Monica, CA stood at $2,702 in 2021 and currently runs about $3,363, reflecting a 24.5% increase over the period. Census figures show median household income at $95,139 today, compared with $74,591 five years earlier. On paper, paychecks moved up faster than rent, which softens the affordability squeeze versus the 2021 baseline. The population has contracted by 2.1% since 2021, moving from about 23,460 residents to roughly 22,978. College-educated residents now make up 61.1% of adults here, versus 56.8% in 2021. The combined trend lines point to a market that has changed measurably from where it stood in early 2021.

Community

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Local insights

Tips for renters in ZIP 90404

About renting in ZIP 90404

Last updated: July 20, 2026

ZIP code 90404 covers Santa Monica, CA. The median rent here is $3,363/mo as of July 2026. A 1-bedroom rents for a median of $2,390/mo. A 2-bedroom rents for a median of $2,980/mo.

At 42% of local median household income ($95,139/yr), ZIP 90404 ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have decreased 2.4% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much is rent in ZIP code 90404?

As of July 20, 2026, the median monthly rent in ZIP 90404 (Santa Monica, CA) is $3,363. This is based on aggregated data from public sources and community submissions.

How does ZIP 90404 rent compare to the US average?

ZIP 90404's median rent of $3,363/mo is $1,398 (71%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo.

How does ZIP 90404 compare to other ZIPs in California?

ZIP 90404 is one of the pricier ZIP codes in California, ranking #227 out of 907 ZIPs tracked at $3,363/mo.

How much income do you need to rent in ZIP 90404?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $135,000/year (~$65/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $3,363/mo in ZIP 90404. The local median household income is $95,139/yr, meaning the typical household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in ZIP 90404?

Rent in ZIP 90404 has decreased 2.4% over the past year as of July 20, 2026, offering some relief compared to 12 months ago.

Is ZIP 90404 an affordable place to rent?

ZIP 90404 is considered stretched for renters. At $3,363/mo, rent takes approximately 42% of the local median household income ($95,139/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. ZIP 90404 significantly exceeds that threshold, making it challenging for many renters.

What percentage of ZIP 90404 residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 78.6% of ZIP 90404 households are renters, while 21.4% are owner-occupied. With a majority renter population, ZIP 90404 has a strong rental market.

How does ZIP 90404 compare to the rest of Santa Monica?

ZIP 90404 is more affordable than Santa Monica overall. At $3,363/mo, it's $154 below the Santa Monica citywide median of $3,517/mo.

When was rent data for ZIP 90404 last updated?

Rent data for ZIP 90404 reflects July 20, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.
Income Affordability
42%
STRETCHED

At $3,363/mo, rent takes ~42% of ZIP 90404's median household income ($95,139/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

ZIP 90404 42%Benchmark 30%
State income tax1–13.3%
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Schools nearby

Public schools near ZIP 90404 (Santa Monica, CA)

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