
Apartments for Rent in Costa Mesa, CA (1,449 Rentals)


Madison Newport Apartment Homes

The Grand Costa Mesa

Lux Costa Mesa

Newport Village Apartments

Missions at Back Bay
The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour
Touring a rental? This guide helps you know exactly what to look for, from safety features to hidden flaws, so you can confidently sign your lease or keep searching.

The Enclave at South Coast

South Pointe

Harbor at Mesa Verde

Pinecreek Village Apartments

AVA Newport

27 Seventy Five Mesa Verde

Wimbledon Glen

Mediterranean Village Costa Mesa

580 Anton

The Hamilton Apartments

Pinecreek Apartments

The Village at South Coast
Smart Renter's Guide: Calculating Affordable Rent & Housing Costs
Wondering how to determine your rental budget? This comprehensive guide covers everything from the 30% rule to hidden fees and effective budgeting strategies.

Park Mesa Villas

Newport Palms Apartments

Apex Apartments

Harbor Village Apartments

The Parsons

eaves South Coast

Lido Apartments - 241 Avocado St

Westbay Apartments
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South Coast Fountains

Eastside Apartments

Westside Apartments

Ponderosa Mobile Estates

Prada Pointe Apartments

Bay Street Apartments

Charle Square Apartments

Hamilton Courtyard Apartments
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Casa Victoria Apartments

Monte Sereno Apartments

Monrovia Arms Apartments

Costa Mirage

301 Santa Isabel Ave, Unit 301 Santa Isabel

2115 Placentia Ave

2115 Placentia Ave

3111 Mace Ave
Costa Mesa, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Costa Mesa?
Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
---|---|---|---|
Costa Mesa Studio Apartments | $2,761 | $1,500 | $6,900 |
Costa Mesa 1 Bedroom Apartments | $3,189 | $1,000 | $10,000+ |
Costa Mesa 2 Bedroom Apartments | $4,050 | $1,995 | $10,000+ |
Costa Mesa 3 Bedroom Apartments | $6,490 | $3,095 | $10,000+ |
Costa Mesa 4 Bedroom Apartments | $6,599 | $1,100 | $10,000+ |
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Costa Mesa, CA Local Guide

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Costa Mesa Overview
Costa Mesa is the heartbeat of Orange County in many ways, just an arm's stretch to first-class shopping, dining, colleges and beaches, as well as minutes from renowned cultural arts venues and hundreds of major employers. Apartment living in Costa Mesa means quick and easy freeway access to the entire SoCal lifestyle!
What is the history of Costa Mesa?
"Costa Mesa was once a Native American village known as Lukup, and then the Spanish settlement of Harper. After changing its name in 1920, Costa Mesa (meaning ""coastal tableland"") flourished as an agricultural hub for oranges, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, apples and strawberries. After the Depression and an earthquake in 1933, the city rebuilt into the major commercial and industrial center that it remains today. "
How is the weather in Costa Mesa?
Weather in Costa Mesa is generally mild and sunny year round, though it cools down to an average 66 degrees F. in December. Slight winds from the coastline (just one mile away) cool things down considerably in the summer. Hot and dry Santa Ana winds blow in from the desert several times a year, creating arid conditions for a few days.
How do I get around town?
Most people living in Costa Mesa apartments get around by car because of the excellent freeway system in which Interstates 405 and 5 connect. Public transportation options include extensive bus routes, and Metrolink and Amtrak stations in nearby Santa Ana. John Wayne Airport is just 6 miles away.
What is the Costa Mesa commute like?
Traffic on both freeways gets heavy during morning and evening commutes to and from jobs in Los Angeles and South Orange County. Expect delays during major events at the performing arts center and at South Coast Plaza.
What are the local media outlets?
Costa Mesa residents primarily get printed news from the Orange County Register and the LA Times, and tune in to TV or internet reports from stations such as ABC7 or KTLA. A free copy of OC Weekly reveals what's going on around town.
Why live in Costa Mesa, CA?
Costa Mesa apartments put you right in the center of the OC, within about 15 minutes of everything – rather than 30 minutes or more. Exits off the 405 give direct access to the world-famous coastlines of Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach and Newport Beach for surfing, bonfires, rollerblading and pier fishing. Costa Mesa itself has 28 parks and two municipal golf courses, so you can easily hop a bus for some local outdoor fun. Shopping is a major thing, with more than 250 boutiques and restaurants at South Coast Plaza, and some interesting indie shops at The Lab, The Camp and the SoCo Collection.
What Costa Mesa landmarks should I see?
One of the most recognizable cultural venues in Costa Mesa is the Orange County Fairgrounds, and almost nobody misses the annual fair in July (proven by the 1 million plus visitors each year!) Just across the street, Pacific Amphitheatre cranks out plenty of live music. Higher education gets more than a fair shake with the campuses of Orange Coast College, Coastline Community College, Vanguard University and Whittier Law School.
What is there to do around Costa Mesa?
There are plenty of nightlife options, including Mansion Costa Mesa and Time Nightclub, but the main entertainment actually takes place at South Coast Repertory theater. You can experience the works of acclaimed playwrights and Broadway musicals, as well as experimental theater and improv. Feeling artistic yourself? Take some acting classes to find your inner star!
Any annual festivals or Costa Mesa events to know?
In addition to the Orange County Fair, special events and festivals include the Winterfest in December and the Pacific Playwrights Festival in April. Highlights at Winterfest are ice skating, snow play and a 150-foot ice slide.
Where are the nearby vacation spots?
You don't have to travel far to be in theme park heaven, Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm are less than 30 minutes away, while Universal Studios and Sea World are about an hour. Indulge in coastal weekend getaway spots such as Carmel-by-the-Sea and Monterey, or hop aboard a passenger catamaran from Newport Beach to Catalina Island. Go camping at Crystal Cove State Park, or snow-skiing at Big Bear Mountain (about a 2.5-hour drive).
Where is the best place to move in Costa Mesa?
Narrowing down the best location for your apartment in Costa Mesa is important. Check out the Fairview Park neighborhood on the westernmost side if you love open green spaces. Canyon Park is a classic family-friendly area bustling with activity. If you love being in the center of art, shopping and entertainment, look for a place near South Coast Plaza. The southwestern tip of the city puts you on the border of Newport Beach for surf and sand. Whichever area you choose, there are plenty of apartment communities in which to put down roots and make yourself at home in Costa Mesa.
Pet Friendly LifestyleCosta Mesa, CA
Ranked #74
Among cities in California for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities
Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score
2.5Pet Friendly
Best Local Schools in Costa Mesa, CA
Maude B. Davis Elementary
Charles W. Tewinkle Middle
School data provided by Great Schools
Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:Location, Location, Location!
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Getting Around Costa Mesa, CA
Walk Score®
73 / 100
Very Walkable
Most errands can be accomplished on foot
Bike Score®
66 / 100
Bikeable
Some bike infrastructure
Transit Score®
38 / 100
Some Transit
A few nearby public transportation options
What Are Walk Score®, Transit Score®, and Bike Score® Ratings?
- Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address.
- Transit Score® measures access to public transit.
- Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Frequently Asked Questions about Costa Mesa
How much are Studio apartments in Costa Mesa?
There are currently 82 Studio Apartments in Costa Mesa with rent ranges from $1,500 to $6,900 with an average price of $2,761.
What is the current price range for One Bedroom Costa Mesa Apartments for rent?
Today's rental pricing for One Bedroom Apartments in Costa Mesa ranges from $1,000 to $10,000 with an average monthly rent of $3,189.
What does renting a Two Bedroom Apartment in Costa Mesa cost?
The monthly rent prices of Two Bedroom Apartments currently available in Costa Mesa range from $1,995 to $14,995. Today's average rental price for Two Bedrooms here is $4,050.
How expensive are Costa Mesa Three Bedroom Apartments?
There are currently 287 Three Bedroom Apartments listings available in Costa Mesa on ApartmentHomeLiving.com. The pricing ranges from $3,095 to $48,000 - averaging $6,490 for the location.
Expert Rental Resources
Helpful Apartment Articles, How-To's and Tips
The rental experts at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provide you with top advice, tools, and tips for understanding the leasing process and finding the perfect rental. Here are a few helpful rental and leasing articles from our experts to guide you on your search.

Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls
Written by: Cheryl Bowman
A fantastic way to save money and enjoy a built-in community is to share an apartment. However, a bad roommate situation can turn your dream rental into a nightmare.

The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour
Written by: Marie Brown
You’ve scrolled through countless listings, walked through a blur of rentals, and finally found what feels like the one. The pictures? Fantastic. The neighborhood seems just right.

Know Your Budget: Calculating What You Can Realistically Afford When Renting
Written by: Lauren Harrington
Renting an apartment or house isn’t just about looking through online ads, choosing a few apartments or homes you want to tour, filling out an application, and putting down a deposit. Those things are all necessary and important.

The Freedom of Short-Term Leases: Exploring the Advantages for Renters
Written by: Bobbi Jackson
If you’re looking to relocate right now, a popular solution that may best fit your current rental needs is a short-term lease.