Landscaping cost in Santa Monica, CA
Santa Monica homeowners typically pay $4,150 – $20,700 for landscaping. Local labor and materials price 38% above the national average.
Santa Monica average
$10,400
Typical low
$4,150
Typical high
$20,700
Per square foot
$6 – $55
Sample ZIP
90401
What drives Santa Monica pricing
Local labor
Licensed Santa Monica contractors carry California workers' comp and prevailing wage pressure, and crews here quote roughly 38% above the national labor average. Demand in the Los Angeles market peaks in spring, so booking early usually beats a rush premium.
Permits & code
Santa Monica follows the California Building Standards Code, so most structural, electrical, plumbing and re-roof work needs a permit from the Santa Monica building department plus Title 24 energy compliance. Seismic bracing and soft-story retrofit rules apply to many older LA-area properties, and hillside lots trigger extra geotechnical review.
Climate & conditions
Santa Monica sits in a warm Mediterranean climate with intense summer sun, so expect UV-stable, heat-tolerant materials and shaded scheduling in peak summer.
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Estimated project cost
$2,070 – $8,280
Most homeowners pay around $5,175
Compare type of work
Cost by material in Santa Monica
Installed Santa Monica pricing per square foot.
| Option | Installed cost |
|---|---|
| Sod | $1 – $4 |
| Hydroseed / seed | $0 – $1 |
| Mulch beds | $3 – $8 |
| Gravel / xeriscape | $4 – $14 |
| Paver patio | $21 – $41 |
| Retaining wall | $35 – $83 |
Where the money goes in Santa Monica
A typical $10,400 Santa Monica project, broken down by line item.
- Labor45% · $4,680
- Plants and materials30% · $3,120
- Hardscape materials15% · $1,560
- Design, permits and disposal10% · $1,040
Common add-ons
Extras that show up on Santa Monica quotes but rarely in the headline price.
Landscape lighting
Sprinkler system
Fire pit
Drainage / French drain
Mature tree planting
Per tree
Sod removal
Per square foot
Ways to save in Santa Monica
- Phase the project: hardscape and grading first, plantings the following season.
- Use smaller plants — a 1-gallon shrub becomes a 5-gallon shrub in two years at a quarter of the price.
- Seed instead of sod where you can wait; the savings are dramatic.
- Do your own demo, mulching and cleanup and pay for skilled work only.
- Choose native plants to cut irrigation and replacement costs long term.
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