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Cheap eats in Santa Monica

A meal that is genuinely cheap without the usual trade-off of questionable quality or a depressing environment.

Based on 493 Opinions
+490
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Updated May 2026
01
Trader Joe's image 1
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Grocery store

Underground supermarket with spacious, modern layout and easy navigation offers a calm, welcoming atmosphere. Shoppers find wide organic selections and competitive prices alongside convenient parking and no checkout lines.

Food here is good and cheap but not as fast or cheap as Smart and Final.

Prices stay consistently affordable compared to other spots in the area. It feels like a budget-friendly bodega with good value for the Santa Monica market.

People are saying

"I found an amazing selection of fresh, organic healthy foods here."

"I found the prices to be affordable for the area."

"I found the prices here to be cheaper than other grocery stores."

Good to know

1

Trader Joe's offers one hour of free parking with a validated ticket.

2

The store is located underground with parking accessible from 5th Street.

3

Expect a wide selection of organic and gluten-free products.

02
Santa Monica Postal Services image 1

Small postal office with friendly atmosphere and neighborhood feel offers affordable mailbox rentals and late hours. Customers experience no lines and convenient shipping options including FedEx and USPS. Staff provide helpful services like key copying and package drop-off.

Mailbox rentals come at super cheap prices here. The place offers really cheap deals on mailboxes consistently.

Mailbox rentals come with very affordable prices here. The service offers the most affordable mailbox rentals compared to similar places, all in a clean and friendly setting.

People are saying

"The postal service here is so helpful and friendly, they even stayed late for me."

"I found the mailbox rentals to be very affordable."

"I found the mailbox rental prices to be really cheap."

Good to know

1

Santa Monica Postal Services is open late for convenience.

2

They offer mailbox rentals at very affordable prices.

3

The postal service is open 7 days a week.

03
Rae's Restaurant image 1

Tiny diner from the 1950s offers an authentic old-fashioned atmosphere with classic decor and neon sign. Calm vibe features quiet chatter and classic tunes with employees singing along. Outdoor seating includes a gazebo-covered patio and bar seats for solo diners.

Prices stay consistently cheap here. Food serves up classic diner style dishes without breaking the bank.

Food stays inexpensive and comes out fast. Breakfasts are hearty and prices stay very affordable.

People are saying

"I loved the classic diner experience and ambiance here."

"I found the food to be delicious and super affordable."

"I found the food here to be cheap and amazing."

Good to know

1

They now accept card and Google Pay for payments.

2

On Sunday at 10:30 am, the wait for two was not bad.

3

The pricing is very reasonable with good serving sizes.

04
Pier Burger image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Retro style and ocean views create a unique Californian vibe with plenty of outdoor seating on the terrace. The atmosphere is lively and sometimes noisy, with loud order announcements and occasional chaos. Vintage flair and great music add to the energetic, casual dining experience.

Prices stay surprisingly cheap for the pier area. Food comes out fast and offers a good value for a quick bite.

Prices stay consistently affordable and inexpensive. Convenience pairs well with the budget-friendly options.

People are saying

"I thought the burger I had was the best I've ever tasted."

"I thought the prices were pretty affordable."

"It's a nice, cheap, and fast food place."

Good to know

1

Pier Burger offers affordable prices for a quick bite on the pier.

2

The restaurant is family-friendly and suitable for casual dining.

3

Expect a busy atmosphere, especially during peak hours.

05
Santa Monica IPhone Screen Repair MacBook Repair image 1

Small repair shop offers fast turnaround and affordable pricing for phone and laptop fixes. Atmosphere feels chill and friendly, with technicians providing clear explanations and honest service. Easy to find with convenient street parking and quick repairs often done within 30 minutes.

Prices stay very cheap for repairs and accessories, often much lower than the Apple Store. Repair service runs super fast but some parts like batteries can be low quality and cause issues.

Repairs happen fast and cost less than Apple. Staff offer helpful advice and affordable prices on fixes and cases.

People are saying

"I found the repair service to be fast and affordable."

"Luciano's professionalism made my battery replacement pleasant."

"I got the repair service at a super cheap price."

Good to know

1

The repair shop offers a quick turnaround for repairs, typically within 30 minutes.

2

Prices for repairs are competitive, often cheaper than the Apple Store.

3

Parking is available on the street, making it easy to access the shop.

06
Tacos 1986 image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican street taco spot with a no-frills atmosphere and loud bachata music creates a lively vibe. Seating consists mostly of counter-height stools along plain walls, keeping the space casual and simple. A self-serve salsa bar adds variety and interaction to the experience.

Tacos come at a very cheap price here. The low cost is clear, and some quality trade-offs show in the food.

Tacos come out speedy and inexpensive with solid flavor. Meals rank as some of the most affordable near the water without resorting to fast food chains.

People are saying

"The Mexican food, especially the tacos, is authentic and delicious."

"I found it affordable and satisfying for the area."

"I found the tacos to be cheap and good."

Good to know

1

The pork taco is priced at $3.75 each.

2

There are no pick-up orders available.

3

The restaurant is located next to the Santa Monica Pier.

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Santa Monica, California

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