If being close to the beach isn't an issue and you want to live in the Santa Monica area another alternative would be West L.A. or Culver City. Not sure how rents are there but most definitely cheaper than SM. As was said, be prepared for a nasty commute on the 405 but to be honest no matter where you live in L.A. you're gonna deal with traffic. You'll get used to it though and find ways to get around it or travel times that work best. By the way, it was 95 by me yesterday...how's that ND weather?
