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Santa Monica vs Culver City: Full Comparison

Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data

Quick Answer

Culver City is 2% safer. Santa Monica population: 90,082. Culver City population: 39,452.

Which city is better for you?

SafetyTie

Based on cost of living indices, FBI crime data, and NOAA climate records.

Cost of Living

Cost of living data is not available for either city. Try the salary calculator for cities with data.

Safety: Santa Monica vs Culver City

Culver City is 2% safer overall, with a crime rate of 23.7 per 1,000 residents vs Santa Monica's 24.1. Culver City earns a C+ safety grade compared to Santa Monica's C+. Based on 2023 FBI data.

C+

Santa Monica

California

Overall GradeC+
Violent CrimeC
Property CrimeB-
Crime Rate24.1/1K
TrendStable
C+

Culver City

California

Overall GradeC+
Violent CrimeC+
Property CrimeB-
Crime Rate23.7/1K
TrendImproving
MetricSanta MonicaCulver City
Overall Crime Rate24.1/1K23.7/1K
Violent Crime Rate454.2449.9
Property Crime Rate1959.31918.1
Murder Rate8.17.4
Assault Rate329.5358.5
Robbery Rate92.560.7
Burglary Rate211.8252.5
Theft Rate1667.21453.3
Vehicle Theft Rate366.6413.0

Crime rates per 100,000 residents. 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data. Lower rates are better (safer).

Victim Odds

In Santa Monica, you have a 1 in 41 chance of being a crime victim per year vs 1 in 42 in Culver City.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Santa Monica safer than Culver City?
Culver City is 2% safer overall, with a crime rate of 23.7 per 1,000 residents vs Santa Monica's 24.1. Culver City earns a C+ safety grade. Based on 2023 FBI data.
Should I move to Santa Monica or Culver City?
It depends on your priorities. Culver City is safer (C+ grade). Santa Monica has a population of 90,082 and Culver City has 39,452. Consider job market, culture, and proximity to family alongside these data points.
How big is Santa Monica compared to Culver City?
Santa Monica has a population of 90,082 and Culver City has 39,452. Santa Monica is 128% larger by population.

Learn More About Each City

Safety data: 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report. Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities and C2ER Cost of Living Index. Climate: NOAA 30-year normals. Not a substitute for local guidance.

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