How much does landscaping cost in Santa Monica?

Most Santa Monica projects land between $4,150 – $20,700, with an average near $10,400. Local crews quote roughly $6 – $55 per square foot.

What is included in the Santa Monica price per square foot?

Typically materials, labor and cleanup. Permits, disposal and access challenges are usually quoted separately.

Unit pricing

Santa Monica landscaping pricing per square foot

Landscaping cost per square foot in Santa Monica, California in 2026.

Low

$4,150

Average

$10,400

High

$20,700

Santa Monica crews quote about $6 – $55 per square foot.

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Multiply local unit rates by your real measurements.

What drives landscaping prices in Santa Monica

Local labor, permitting and climate move Santa Monica prices away from the national average.

Labor market

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

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

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.

Santa Monica unit pricing by material

Sod$1 – $4

Hydroseed / seed$0 – $1

Mulch beds$3 – $8

Gravel / xeriscape$4 – $14

Paver patio$21 – $41

Retaining wall$35 – $83

Ways to lower your Santa Monica price

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.

Santa Monica questions

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