About Assisted LivingAssisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.Complete guide to assisted livingBest of 2025 Assisted Living Winners
About Memory CareMemory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering. Complete guide to memory careBest of 2025 Memory Care Winners
About Independent LivingIndependent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.Complete guide to independent livingBest of 2025 Independent Living Winners
About Senior LivingSenior living is a term used to describe various housing and care options for older adults from maintenance-free, 55+ facilities for active seniors, to secure, fully staffed facilities for seniors with Alzheimer's or dementia. Complete guide to senior livingFind senior living facilities near you
About Nursing HomesNursing homes provide short-and long-term care for seniors who have physical or mental health conditions that require 24-hour nursing and personal care.Complete guide to Nursing Homes
About Senior ApartmentsSenior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.Complete guide to Senior Apartments
About Care HomesResidential care homes are shared neighborhood homes for seniors who need a live-in caregiver to assist with activities of daily living, like dressing and bathing.Complete guide to care homes
Veteran ResourcesVA benefits for long-term care, such as Aid and Attendance benefits, can help eligible veterans and their surviving spouses pay for senior care.Guide to VA benefits for long-term care
Senior Living Home

10 Best Independent Living Communities in Santa Monica, CA

Answer a few questions to get personalized results
Who are you searching for?

The cost of independent living in Santa Monica is about $5,005 per month. To find the best independent living for your preferences and budget, browse these 66 options. Read 921 reviews, see photos, and learn about amenities that make independent living the ideal next step for adults 55+ who wish to enjoy friendships and hobbies without the hassle of cooking and home maintenance.

As you explore independent living near you, you may also want to consider options in areas like You may also consider nearby communities such as Los Angeles, San Fernando and Pasadena.

Santa Monica Independent Living Facilities | 921 Reviews

Showing 62 communities
Last Updated: 12/3/25
Sort by
Filter by
Review Score
Distance
See communities with
Amenities
Providers
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
5 star
30%
4 star
39%
3 star
18%
2 star
5%
1 star
8%
See all reviews
Lovely people and a well maintained facility. They answer our questions and inquiries about mom’s care quickly and are always friendly and welcoming when we visit. They are caring and patient with the...
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
The balmy Mediaterranean climate and lively culture scene of the Southern California community of Inglewood, Los Angeles County combine to make life pleasant and comfortable for residents of Westchester Villa assisted living community. Efforts by the Inglewood Cultural Arts, Inc. ensure that...
Photo of Baldwin Villa Plaza
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Fairfax Tower
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Regency Towers
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Melrose Villas
11 Photo available
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
See details
Photo of Centinela Assisted Living Centre
5 star
25%
4 star
25%
3 star
25%
2 star
0%
1 star
25%
See all reviews
The director is very wonderful. If there’s a problem they help us take care of it right away. They stay in touch with us. We’re out of state so the communication is really helpful! It’s been a really good...
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Photo of Independent Square
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of St. John of God Retirement and Care Center
5 star
56%
4 star
32%
3 star
4%
2 star
0%
1 star
8%
See all reviews
I am extremely happy with how things are going for my father since she has made the move into this community. The staff have been very friendly and I am comfortable with the care he has been receiving. The...
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Inline cta image

Our free advisors can help

  • Compare local facilities
  • Determine care type
  • Schedule tours
  • Evaluate pricing
Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Mu-gung-hwa Silver Town
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.

Cost of independent living in Santa Monica, CA

The average cost of senior living in Santa Monica is $5,005 per month. Cheaper nearby regions include Vernon, CA with an average of $4,502 per month.

Independent living costs in Santa Monica, CA, vs. nearby cities

Santa Monica, CA
$5,005/mo

Independent living costs in Santa Monica, CA, vs. state and national averages

Santa Monica, CA
$5,005/mo
U.S. national average
$4,203/mo

Independent living costs in Santa Monica, CA, vs. other senior living options

$5,600/mo
Independent Living
$5,005/mo

Independent living costs in Santa Monica, CA, by floor plan type

Semi-Private
$5,820/mo
Studio
$7,577/mo
1 Bedroom
$9,799/mo
2 Bedroom
$13,700/mo
Detached Cottage/Bungalow
$11,432/mo

Senior living costs in Santa Monica vs. state and national costs

Cost comparison table showing community type costs by location. This table contains 3 rows of data across 4 columns.
Column communityType: Community type
Column destination: Santa Monica, CA
Column state: California
Column national: U.S.
Community typeSanta Monica, CACaliforniaU.S.
Independent Living$5,005/mo$4,697/mo$4,203/mo
Assisted Living$4,481/mo$4,503/mo$4,740/mo
Memory Care$5,600/mo$5,458/mo$5,004/mo
Independent Living
Santa Monica, CA:$5,005/mo
California:$4,697/mo
U.S.:$4,203/mo
Assisted Living
Santa Monica, CA:$4,481/mo
California:$4,503/mo
U.S.:$4,740/mo
Memory Care
Santa Monica, CA:$5,600/mo
California:$5,458/mo
U.S.:$5,004/mo
Table showing 5 of 3 items. Click to show less.
Table showing 5 of 3 items. Click to show less.

Independent living costs in Santa Monica, CA, over time

The line graph below shows how monthly independent living costs have shifted over the past five years in Santa Monica and how those changes compare with state and national trends. The figures represent quarterly averages of what seniors actually paid after moving into A Place for Mom partner communities.

Santa Monica, CACA stateNational

Independent living cost trends in Santa Monica, CA

The table below shows how monthly independent living costs in Santa Monica have changed in the last two years and how those changes compare with state and national trends. The figures represent averages of actual costs paid by seniors who moved into A Place for Mom partner communities in 2023 and 2024.

Cost comparison table showing 2023 and 2024 median costs by location. This table contains 3 rows of data across 4 columns.
Column location: Location
Column cost2024: 2024 average cost
Column cost2023: 2023 average cost
Column percentChange: Percent change
Location2024 average cost2023 average costPercent change
Santa Monica, CA$6,812/mo$8,050/mo-15.4%
California$3,425/mo$3,299/mo+3.8%
National$3,044/mo$2,867/mo+6.2%
Santa Monica, CA
2024 average cost:$6,812/mo
2023 average cost:$8,050/mo
Percent change:-15.4%
California
2024 average cost:$3,425/mo
2023 average cost:$3,299/mo
Percent change:+3.8%
National
2024 average cost:$3,044/mo
2023 average cost:$2,867/mo
Percent change:+6.2%
Table showing 5 of 3 items. Click to show less.
Table showing 5 of 3 items. Click to show less.

Discover the many ways to pay for senior living

Planning ahead can better position you to make good choices for your loved one’s care in the future. But if your aging family member needs care now, there are ways to finance the cost of long-term care through a combination of approaches.

What families are saying about independent living in Santa Monica

Recent reviews for independent living in Santa Monica

Vista Del Mar Senior Living in Long Beach, CA

4.8
My Brother has been a resident of Vista del Mar Senior Living for nearly 3 years, and we were very happy with our choice. We had problems finding another Assisted Living facility in Culver City, and Vista del Mar was perfect. It has met all of my Brother's needs and he has been very happy ...
Read more

Brookdale Gardens of Tarzana

5.0
I have no complaints about the care my mother has been receiving at this community. The housekeeping does a great job at keeping her bedroom nicely maintained as well as the rest of the building. The staff have been very friendly and are always attentive to her needs. I overall have been very ...
Read more

Terraza of Cheviot Hills Assisted Living in Los Angeles, CA

4.0
It has been a really good overall positive experience. They are really good at following up with me and letting me know how brother is doing. Meal preparations are really good as well. The house-keeping and laundry services are very good as well. The one thing that they can improve on is ...
Read more

Santa Monica independent living services and amenities

These charts highlight some of the many care, dining, and entertainment offerings available in Santa Monica independent living communities. They don’t represent all possible services and amenities available at assisted living communities in Santa Monica, but support comparisons against nationwide offerings. Our Senior Living Advisors can help you find communities that fit your preferences.

Availability of select dietary accommodations in Santa Monica independent living

Independent living communities help seniors maintain a balanced diet by accommodating their health needs, allergies, and other restrictions. Below you’ll find the percentage of Santa Monica partners making specific dietary accommodations for seniors compared to the percentage of assisted living partners making those accommodations nationally.
Santa Monica, CANational
Nutritionist / dietician
Nutritionist / dietician
40.3%
20.5%
Low / no sodium
Low / no sodium
54.8%
34.4%
No sugar
No sugar
48.4%
30.9%
Vegetarian
Vegetarian
46.8%
33.6%
Pureed meals
Pureed meals
17.7%
10.5%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Availability of select dining options in Santa Monica independent living

Our independent living communities know that seniors want top-quality meals and options for how they dine. The chart below indicates the percentage of Santa Monica communities that offer dining options to their discerning residents compared to our partners nationally.
Santa Monica, CANational
Professional chef
Professional chef
45.2%
36.5%
Restaurant style dining
Restaurant style dining
50%
43.5%
Room service
Room service
50%
37%
Anytime dining
Anytime dining
29%
17.2%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Availability of select programs and activities in Santa Monica independent living

Senior living communities offer a variety of programming to keep seniors socially, mentally, and physically vibrant. The chart below shows what percentage of partnered independent living communities in Santa Monica offer the selected activities, amenities, and programs compared to the percentage of partners nationwide.
Santa Monica, CANational
Activity director
Activity director
53.2%
45.1%
Pet-focused programs
Pet-focused programs
29%
28.3%
Community service programs
Community service programs
24.2%
33%
Devotional activities on-site
Devotional activities on-site
51.6%
47.5%
Parties / BBQs / happy hour
Parties / BBQs / happy hour
58.1%
48.9%
Outings / off-site activities
Outings / off-site activities
51.6%
54%
Piano or organ
Piano or organ
41.9%
42.9%
Arts and crafts center
Arts and crafts center
35.5%
38.1%
Educational speakers / life long learning
Educational speakers / life long learning
50%
41.8%
Clubs / games / karaoke
Clubs / games / karaoke
54.8%
47.1%
Live performances
Live performances
54.8%
46.8%
Dances
Dances
35.5%
33%
Fitness center
Fitness center
33.9%
39.5%
Fitness classes
Fitness classes
53.2%
46.4%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Frequently Asked Questions

Savant of Santa Monica, Brookdale Ocean House and Brookdale Santa Monica Gardens are the top-rated independent living facilities near Santa Monica, California. See full list of communities.
There are 66 independent living facilities near Santa Monica, California. See the full list.
The best independent living facilities near you in Santa Monica, California are Palos Verdes Villa, Nikkei Senior Gardens by Cogir and Harbor Terrace Retirement Community. These independent living communities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews.
Photo cta image

More questions?

Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical, legal or financial advice or create a professional relationship between A Place for Mom and the reader. Always seek the advice of your health care provider, attorney or financial advisor with respect to any particular matter, and do not act or refrain from acting on the basis of anything you have read on this site. Links to third-party websites are only for the convenience of the reader; A Place for Mom does not endorse the contents of the third-party sites.
Back to top