Apartments Near RAND School of Public Policy
Your 2026 guide to finding affordable, student-friendly housing in Santa Monica, CA — with real prices, best neighborhoods, and tips to avoid common mistakes.
Average 1BR Rent
$2,700/mo
Best Neighborhoods
Santa Monica Heights · College Hill
Walk to Campus
5–20 min walk
Housing Near RAND School of Public Policy: What to Expect
RAND School of Public Policy, creating steady demand for off-campus housing in Santa Monica, CA. Most students move off-campus after their first or second year either to save money or gain more independence.
Rent near campus ranges from $2,200/mo for a studio to $3,750/mo for a 2-bedroom — with 3 and 4-bedroom shared units often bringing individual rent down to $1550–$2350/person/mo.
The area is one of the more expensive student housing markets in the country. Planning ahead and securing roommates early is key.
Apartment Listings Near RAND School of Public Policy
Representative listings — prices reflect current market rates for Santa Monica, CA.
Park Station
Best ValueQuiet residential complex with off-street parking, covered bike storage, and a community garden.
$1,977–$2,250/mo
Studio · 1 BA · 0.3 mi from campus
The Square
Most PopularSpacious layouts with in-unit laundry and a resident study lounge — popular with upperclassmen.
$2,562–$2,950/mo
1 BR · 1 BA · 0.5 mi from campus
Landmark Landing
Older building with character — garden courtyard, lower rents, walkable location.
$3,311–$3,800/mo
2 BR · 1 BA · 0.7 mi from campus
Campus Park
Gated community with resort-style amenities — pool, gym, and on-site maintenance.
$4,376–$5,050/mo
3 BR · 2 BA · 0.9 mi from campus
Midtown Station
Urban living with walkable access to restaurants, coffee shops, and grocery stores.
$2,483–$2,850/mo
1 BR · 1 BA · 1.1 mi from campus
University Crossing
New BuildingLow-rise townhomes arranged around a central green — perfect for small groups.
$3,138–$3,600/mo
2 BR · 2 BA · 1.4 mi from campus
Heritage Court
Steps from the light rail stop, ideal for students who commute to internships.
$3,851–$4,450/mo
4 BR · 2 BA · 1.6 mi from campus
Best Areas to Live Near RAND School of Public Policy
Santa Monica Heights
The closest neighborhood to RAND School of Public Policy's main entrance. Walk to class in minutes — coffee shops and convenience stores line the main strip.
College Hill
A lively area with bars, restaurants, and weekend activity. Ideal if you want a social scene steps from your apartment.
The Loop
Quieter residential streets with single-family homes converted into multi-unit rentals. More space, lower prices, a short bike ride to campus.
Near North
Downtown location with walkable access to the transit hub, employers, and city amenities — best for students with internships or part-time jobs.
Cost of Living Near RAND School of Public Policy
Student Housing Tips
Start Early
The best apartments near campus get leased 6–9 months before move-in. If you want August housing, start searching in January–February.
Read the Lease
Check: who pays utilities, guest policies, subletting rules, and what happens if a roommate leaves. Never sign anything you haven't fully read.
Choose Roommates Carefully
Split a 3–4 bedroom and each person's share drops by 30–40%. Use a roommate agreement to align on noise, guests, cleanliness, and bills.