Santa Monica, United States 🇺🇸
#1271
34.01947, -118.491227
Nomad Score:
67%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Santa Monica is a beachfront city located in Los Angeles County, California, known for its iconic pier and vibrant lifestyle. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 90,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed is around 100 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD = 1 USD (local currency), mainstream banks include Bank of America, Chase, and Wells Fargo |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Wells Fargo, Chase, and Capital One, with options for online banking like Revolut |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, VRBO, and various apartment rentals |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted widely |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Predominantly available through platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options include HI Los Angeles Santa Monica Hostel |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | WeWork Santa Monica offers flexible workspaces with amenities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Groundwork Coffee offers a great ambiance for working. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Look for events on Meetup.com focused on tech and entrepreneurship. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Join the 'Santa Monica Expats' group on Facebook for local meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber and Lyft are widely used for rides. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Lime and Bird offer electric scooter rentals around the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Santa Monica beach itself is a prime location. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Alaska Airlines serves nearby regional routes. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines and Delta offer international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Well-connected to the I-10 and Pacific Coast Highway. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Santa Monica's Expo Line station connects to the Metro system. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | TAP cards are used for bus and train services. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Amtrak and Metrolink trains connect Santa Monica to adjacent areas. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Saint John's Health Center |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | The Yoga Collective offers various classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gold's Gym and 24 Hour Fitness have facilities in the area. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundromats are widely available, e.g., Santa Monica Laundromat. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | UberEats and DoorDash are popular for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Fish tacos at The Albright on Santa Monica Pier. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Leaf Vegan and The Butcher's Daughter are great choices. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Sweet Rose Creamery offers delightful ice creams. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Santa Monica Farmers Market on Wednesdays and Saturdays. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon and local marketplace platforms like Postmates. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Instacart delivers from local stores including Trader Joe's. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Third Street Promenade has numerous bars and entertainment. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Santa Monica Brew Works specializes in locally crafted beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Corks & Caps offers a curated selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Various food trucks on Ocean Avenue near the park. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Tar & Roses offers a range of American fare. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Santa Monica Pier and the iconic Ferris wheel. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Santa Monica Museum of Art showcases various artists. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Old Santa Monica Post Office is a historic building. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The First United Methodist Church is notable. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Santa Monica Film Festival takes place annually. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Main Street is known for its bohemian vibe. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Broad Stage hosts a variety of performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Santa Monica Farmers Market is popular on Sundays. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | The Santa Monica Pier hosts live music events. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Art murals can be found throughout the city, notably on Arizona Avenue. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | The Gourmandise School offers a range of cooking courses. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Bergamot Station Arts Center features various galleries. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Santa Monica Clock Tower is an iconic structure. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Santa Monica has a rich history tied to the beach culture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Topanga State Park offers scenic hiking trails. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is nearby. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Marvin Braude Coastal Bike Trail is ideal for cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Santa Monica Pier offers stunning sunsets. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The wetlands at Santa Monica are great for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | There are designated bonfire pits on Santa Monica beach. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | UPS Store and FedEx services are available. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Best Buy offers tech repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Paddle Tennis courts at the beachfront area. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Santa Monica Adult Education Center offers various language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Santa Monica Public Library is a great study place. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Virginia Avenue Park Community Center hosts events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | eSports Arena offers gaming tournaments and lounges. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos within Santa Monica, but nearby places are accessible. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $850,000 per unit, example in downtown vicinity. |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $650,000 per unit in surrounding areas. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1.2 million per unit, typically around 700 sq. ft. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $900,000 for 800 sq. ft. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1.6 million for 1,200 sq. ft. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1.2 million for 1,100 sq. ft. |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 21% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Approximately 15% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Worldwide income basis for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 13.3% |
| 🧾 VAT | Sales tax around 10.25%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable regulations exist. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Based on assessed value, averaging 1.1%. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Generally, around 0.11% of the purchase price. |