Santa Monica, United States 🇺🇸
#1271
,
Nomad Score:
65%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Santa Monica is a beachfront city located in Los Angeles County, known for its picturesque ocean views and vibrant community. |
| 👥 Population | 93,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | 300 Mbps (average download speed) |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD is the currency. Major banks include Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Chase. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and meets federal and state standards. |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, Type A/B sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon are popular mobile providers. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Chase and Citibank offer accounts for expats with international services. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Airbnb and Vrbo are popular for short-term rentals; long-term rentals via Zillow. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely throughout the city. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb, Vrbo, and local property management companies like Stay Luxury. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel HI Los Angeles, with dormitory beds starting at $40 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Santa Monica Pier and Third Street Promenade are popular tourist areas. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Downtown Santa Monica offers good amenities, coworking spaces, and vibrant nightlife. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | WeWork Santa Monica is well-rated, offering flexible memberships and networking opportunities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Caffe Luxxe has a quiet atmosphere, good coffee, and ample seating. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Tech Meetup events are held regularly at various locations, check Meetups for specific dates. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Santa Monica Expats Facebook Group hosts regular meetups and events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber and Lyft operate in Santa Monica for convenient rides. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bird and Lime offer electric scooter rentals across the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Santa Monica Beach is located directly adjacent to the city, perfect for sunbathing and events. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Alaska Airlines offers regional flights to various California destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines and Delta are major international carriers flying from LAX. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Interstate 10 provides easy access to downtown Los Angeles and beyond. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Santa Monica Metro Expo Line connects to Downtown LA. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Metro TAP cards are available for local transit, with a daily pass costing $7. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Metrolink trains provide service to nearby cities like Burbank and Glendale. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center offers comprehensive medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | YogaWorks provides a variety of classes and wellness programs in the area. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | 24 Hour Fitness offers all-day access with memberships starting around $30/month. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundromat We Wash 24 is popular for self-service and drop-off laundry. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Postmates and DoorDash are popular for delivering food from local restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Fish Tacos at The Lobster, known for its fresh catches. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Butcher's Daughter offers plant-based dishes in a hip environment. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Sweet Rose Creamery serves artisanal ice cream made with fresh ingredients. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Santa Monica Farmers Market on Wednesdays and Saturdays offers local produce and goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon operates locally for quick deliveries in the area. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Instacart provides grocery delivery from local stores such as Ralphs and Whole Foods. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Third Street Promenade features multiple bars and nightlife options. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Santa Monica Brew Works is a local craft brewery with tasting room and tours. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Wine House offers a wide selection of wines and tasting events. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Santa Monica's Food Truck lot features diverse food vendors on Thursdays. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Cafe Bizou presents French cuisine alongside a selection of local favorites. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Santa Monica Pier and the iconic Ferris wheel are must-visit attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Santa Monica Museum of Art showcases local and international artists. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Original Muscle Beach is a historic bodybuilding site dating back to the 1930s. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Monica Catholic Church is a notable local religious landmark. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Santa Monica Film Festival takes place every April, showcasing independent films. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The downtown area is rich with galleries, theaters, and cultural events. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Broad Stage hosts a variety of performances, from theater to music. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Santa Monica Farmers Market is a popular weekly event for locals. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | The Santa Monica Pier hosts live music events during the summer months. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Santa Monica features vibrant murals and street art throughout the district. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | The Gourmandise School offers cooking classes focusing on local ingredients. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Bergamot Station is a well-known arts complex with multiple galleries. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Santa Monica Looff Hippodrome is a historic carousel building on the pier. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Santa Monica has a rich history tied to the early development of Los Angeles. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Pacific Palisades offers hiking trails and scenic views just a short drive away. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is accessible for hiking and outdoor activities. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Marvin Braude Bike Trail runs along the beach, perfect for cycling or walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Palisades Park offers stunning views of the ocean and sunset. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Santa Monica Beach and the marina provide great spots for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated fire pits are available on Santa Monica Beach. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | UPS, FedEx, and USPS all have services available throughout Santa Monica. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | iFixit offers repair services for smartphones and laptops. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Several community centers offer table tennis facilities, including the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Santa Monica College offers affordable language classes for all levels. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Santa Monica Public Library has quiet areas ideal for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Santa Monica Main Library hosts various community events and classes. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Players Guild offers a space for gamers with plenty of gaming options. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There are no casinos in Santa Monica; the nearest is in Los Angeles. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $900,000 (e.g., 40 m² = $900,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $600,000 (e.g., 40 m² = $600,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200,000 (e.g., 60 m² = $1,200,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800,000 (e.g., 60 m² = $800,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500,000 (e.g., 80 m² = $1,500,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200,000 (e.g., 80 m² = $1,200,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Based on state regulations, corporate tax is around 8.84% in California. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | The federal dividend withholding tax is typically 15% for international investors. |
| 🏦 Tax System | U.S. tax system is based on worldwide income for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | The maximum personal income tax rate in California is 13.3%. |
| 🧾 VAT | California sales tax is approximately 7.25%, varying by locality. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, the U.S. has CFC rules that govern taxation of foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax in California is roughly 1.1% of assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Property transaction tax varies, typically around 0.5% - 1.0% for real estate transactions. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | California does not offer special tax benefits for digital nomads, standard taxation applies. |