StayAreasSanta Monica or Venice: where should you stay in Los Angeles?
- Venice is cheaper: a mid-range double costs about $300 a night, against $400 in Santa Monica.
- Santa Monica is closer to 6 of the 9 big sights we timed; Venice wins on 1.
- Santa Monica has an easier time with kids.
- From Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Venice is quicker: 25 min against 30 min.
Santa MonicaBeach, pier & walkable streetsPick Santa Monica if
- First-time visitors
- Families
- Beach lovers
VeniceBoardwalk, canals & Abbot KinneyPick Venice if
- Creative and young travellers
- Beach lovers
- Food lovers
Santa Monica vs Venice, side by side
The better one in each row is in green| What | Santa Monica | Venice |
|---|---|---|
| What a night costs · typical double outside peak events, Oct 2026 | ||
| Budget double | $230 | $180 (better) |
| Mid-range double | $400 | $300 (better) |
| Luxury double | $850 | $550 (better) |
| Door to door · public transport or on foot, weekday morning | ||
| To Downtown LA | 50 min (better) | 60 min |
| Third Street Promenade | 8 min walk (better) | 26 min |
| Santa Monica Pier | 14 min walk (better) | 27 min |
| Venice Boardwalk | 23 min | 16 min walk (better) |
| Rodeo Drive | 47 min (better) | 70 min |
| LACMA | 54 min | 53 min |
| The Grove | 57 min (better) | 61 min |
| Arriving · weekday afternoon | ||
| From Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) | 30 min | 25 min (better) |
| What it's like · our ratings | ||
| Sights on foot | Good | Good |
| Nightlife | Good | Very good (better) |
| Quiet at night | Good | Good |
| Food | Very good | Very good |
| Families | Excellent (better) | Good |
| Transport | Good (better) | Limited |
Hotels in Santa Monica and Venice
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Santa Monica or Venice: questions
Is Santa Monica or Venice better to stay in?
Venice is cheaper: a mid-range double costs about $300 a night, against $400 in Santa Monica. Santa Monica is closer to 6 of the 9 big sights we timed; Venice wins on 1. Santa Monica has an easier time with kids. From Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Venice is quicker: 25 min against 30 min. Santa Monica suits first-time visitors and families; Venice suits creative and young travellers and beach lovers.
Which is cheaper, Santa Monica or Venice?
Typical doubles in Santa Monica: $230 budget, $400 mid-range, $850 luxury. In Venice: $180, $300 and $550. Rates outside peak events, updated Oct 2026.
Which is closer to the sights, Santa Monica or Venice?
Door to door: Third Street Promenade is 8 min walk from Santa Monica and 26 min from Venice; Santa Monica Pier is 14 min walk from Santa Monica and 27 min from Venice; Venice Boardwalk is 23 min from Santa Monica and 16 min walk from Venice; Rodeo Drive is 47 min from Santa Monica and 70 min from Venice.
How far is Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) from Santa Monica and Venice?
30 min to Santa Monica and 25 min to Venice, door to door by public transport.