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Santa Monica, Los Angeles County, California Property Taxes

Median Santa Monica, CA effective property tax rate: 1.22%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%, but lower than the California state median of 1.21%. Median Santa Monica, CA home value: $884,564. Median annual Santa Monica, CA tax bill: $10,460, $8,060 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400. How are property taxes in Los Angeles calculated? Property taxes in Santa Monica, CA are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which is often lower than the actual market value due to property tax exemptions such as the homestead or senior exemption. Understanding Santa Monica’s property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in Santa Monica, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.

Last Updated March 1, 2025

Santa Monica, Los Angeles County, California Property Tax Bill Calculator

$100,000

$1,500,000

$3,000,000

Median Effective Tax Rate

1.22%

Estimate Property Tax Bill

$10,792

$10,014

SAVE WITH OWNWELL

$1,102

Average Tax Savings

Ownwell’s Santa Monica Property Tax Bill Calculator empowers homeowners, real estate investors, and potential buyers to estimate their annual property taxes in Santa Monica with just two data points. By entering your property's estimated assessed value, our calculator applies Santa Monica’s median effective tax rate to accurately estimate your property tax bill. Note that your property's assessed value — determined by your county — reflects any exemptions you may have, ensuring a more precise calculation for your property tax obligations. This insightful tool helps you understand potential tax liabilities and highlights how Ownwell can assist in reducing property taxes in Los Angeles County. For those interested in more localized information, please scroll down to explore city-level trends!

Property Tax Rates Across Santa Monica, Los Angeles County, California

Local government entities set tax rates, which can vary widely within a state. This is because each county estimates its required budget to provide services annually and divides that by the total value of all taxable property within its jurisdiction. This calculation results in the property tax rate. While there are votes and laws involved in setting tax rates and budgets, in a nutshell, this is the annual process. In Santa Monica, located in Los Angeles County, the effective property tax rate can be compared to other cities in California and the median property tax rates in California and the U.S. Santa Monica's property tax rate reflects the balance between necessary public services and the value of real estate, a common theme across the nation. While California's property tax rates may seem high compared to the national median, they are essential for maintaining the quality of life and public services in the state. Understanding how these rates are determined can help property owners make informed decisions and potentially reduce their tax burden through appeals and exemptions.

Property Tax Rates Across Santa Monica, Los Angeles County, California

Source: Ownwell

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1.08%

1.43%

1.78%

Our median effective property tax rate (tax bill ÷ assessor's market value) accounts for exemptions and deductions, making it more accurate than the general median tax rate, which is the midpoint of statutory rates before adjustments.

Median Effective Santa Monica Tax Rate

1.22%

Our median effective property tax rate (tax bill ÷ assessor's market value) accounts for exemptions and deductions, making it more accurate than the general median tax rate, which is the midpoint of statutory rates before adjustments.

Median Effective Los Angeles County Tax Rate

1.24%

Median Effective California Tax Rate

1.21%

Median Effective United States Tax Rate

1.02%

Property Tax Rates Across Santa Monica, Los Angeles County, California

Zip10th Percentile25th PercentileMedian Tax Rate75th Percentile90th Percentile
904011.16%1.20%1.22%1.28%1.39%
904021.15%1.16%1.18%1.22%1.30%
904031.17%1.19%1.22%1.28%1.39%
904041.19%1.21%1.24%1.31%1.43%
904051.17%1.19%1.23%1.30%1.48%

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Santa Monica, Los Angeles County, California

When examining property taxes in Santa Monica, CA, understanding the distinction between "market value" and "assessed value" is crucial. The market value is what a willing buyer would pay to a willing seller in an open and competitive market, often influenced by location, property condition, and economic market trends. The Los Angeles County Assessor’s Office estimates the market value for tax purposes. The assessed value is the market value minus any applicable exemptions or limits determined by local laws and offerings. The tax assessed value is the figure used to calculate your property taxes or the amount multiplied by your tax rate to get your tax bill.

In Los Angeles County, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They’ll typically reach your mailbox by the middle of April. Each property owner receives an assessment notice that contains both the market value and assessed value, along with an estimate of your property tax bill. By providing insights into how assessed and market values are determined, this section helps property owners navigate their tax responsibilities and understand the valuation processes affecting their property taxes in Santa Monica.

For example, the median home price in Santa Monica is $884,564, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Zip code 90402 has the highest median home price at $1,823,781.

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Santa Monica, Los Angeles County, California

Source: Ownwell

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$54,919

$1,436,037

$2,817,155

Median Santa Monica Market Value

$884,564

Median Los Angeles County Market Value

$434,238

Median California Market Value

$378,421

Median United States Market Value

$235,294

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Santa Monica, Los Angeles County, California

Zip10th Percentile25th PercentileMedian Home Price75th Percentile90th Percentile
90401$264,597$450,515$751,720$1,175,626$2,169,979
90402$337,588$819,918$1,823,781$3,555,246$5,379,889
90403$227,664$456,206$823,365$1,421,784$2,176,446
90404$213,130$397,305$659,302$1,029,868$1,466,964
90405$154,098$413,845$788,476$1,448,724$2,153,587

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Bills Across Santa Monica, Los Angeles County, California

In Santa Monica, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of a home, which is determined by the Los Angeles County Assessor. The assessed value typically starts at the purchase price and can increase annually by up to 2% under California's Proposition 13. The property tax rate is applied to this assessed value to determine the tax bill. Homeowners in Santa Monica experience a wide range in their property tax bills, with the 25th percentile at $5,728 and the 75th percentile reaching $19,096. In the 90402 zip code, the highest median tax bill is $20,829, significantly above the national median of $2,400. These variations can strain homeowners, especially in high-value areas. Ownwell can assist homeowners by identifying potential savings through appeals and exemptions, ensuring they don't overpay. By leveraging expert knowledge and personalized support, Ownwell helps homeowners navigate the complexities of property taxes, potentially leading to substantial savings on their annual tax bills.

Property Tax Bills Across Santa Monica, Los Angeles County, California

Source: Ownwell

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$823

$15,724

$30,625

Median Santa Monica Tax Bill

$10,460

Median Los Angeles County Tax Bill

$5,343

Median California Tax Bill

$4,683

Median United States Tax Bill

$2,400

Property Tax Bills Across Santa Monica, Los Angeles County, California

Zip10th Percentile25th PercentileMedian Tax Bill75th Percentile90th Percentile
90401$3,552$5,651$9,101$13,857$29,005
90402$4,303$9,481$20,829$40,045$60,160
90403$3,120$5,659$9,886$16,439$25,021
90404$2,542$4,905$7,873$12,090$16,756
90405$2,388$5,179$9,404$16,713$24,519

Source: Ownwell

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