Cheap Apartments for Rent in Costa Mesa, CA from $1,000 (84 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Costa Mesa.

Your Guide to Co-Signers: The Risks, Rewards, and Everything in Between

Thinking about getting a co-signer for your rental application? We break down what a co-signer is, the potential benefits, and the serious risks for both parties. Find out if it's the right choice for you.

Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls

When searching for a roommate, follow this list of essential steps and set clear expectations to create a solid foundation for a harmonious living situation.

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Wallace Apartments
1 Bedroom Apartments

Wallace Apartments

1915 Wallace AveCosta Mesa, CA 92627
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Bay Village Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Bay Village Apartments

409 W Bay StCosta Mesa, CA 92627
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Cash or credit? Understanding the Importance of Credit Score in Real Estate and Renting

Discover how your credit score impacts your ability to lease or buy a home. Learn how credit scores are determined, how to check yours, and strategies to improve it for real estate success.

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Pine Tree Villa
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Pine Tree Villa

114 E 20th StCosta Mesa, CA 92627
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Sus Casitas
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

Sus Casitas

2110 Newport BlvdCosta Mesa, CA 92627
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145 East 18th
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

145 East 18th

145 E 18th StCosta Mesa, CA 92627
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Trio Apartment Homes
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Trio Apartment Homes

879, 887-897 Center StCosta Mesa, CA 92627
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The Arbors
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

The Arbors

140 W Wilson StCosta Mesa, CA 92627
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Sea Wind II Apartments
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Sea Wind II Apartments

398 Wilson StCosta Mesa, CA 92626
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Sundance West
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Sundance West

1990-2002 Maple AveCosta Mesa, CA 92627
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Pacific Park
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Pacific Park

1760 Pomona AveCosta Mesa, CA 92627

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.

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Casa Serena Townhomes
2 Bedroom Apartments

Casa Serena Townhomes

2045 Wallace AveCosta Mesa, CA 92627
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994 Valencia Street
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

994 Valencia Street

994 Valencia StCosta Mesa, CA 92626
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Orange Bungalows
2 Bedroom Apartments

Orange Bungalows

2666 Orange AveCosta Mesa, CA 92627
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Pacifica Apartments
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Pacifica Apartments

710 W 18th StCosta Mesa, CA 92627
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La Mancha Apartments
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

La Mancha Apartments

778 Scott PlCosta Mesa, CA 92627
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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.

Costa Mesa, CA Local Guide

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Written By:
Staff Writer
Local Guide Expert

Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Costa Mesa, CA

Pricing Updated: 10/23/2025

Current apartment rentals in the Costa Mesa, CA area range in price from $1,500 to $18,325 with an overall median price of $7,616. The three Costa Mesa neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Bungalows at Bay Street at $4,200, Orange County Airport at $1,500, and College Park at $3,800. Here is today’s list of the top 8 neighborhoods with the lowest median pricing for Costa Mesa Apartments for rent:

NeighborhoodMedian PriceMin PriceAvailable Units
Bungalows at Bay Street$4,500$4,2003
Orange County Airport$6,900$1,50021
College Park$7,900$3,8006
Cornerstone$7,900$3,8007
Downtown Costa Mesa$7,900$2,69518
Newport Heights$7,950$5,0002
Westside Costa Mesa$8,390$1,80052
East Side Costa Mesa$9,495$3,80017

Cheapest Available Costa Mesa Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in Costa Mesa, CA is a Studio unit found at Apex Apartments in the Cornerstone neighborhood priced from $1,600. Costa Mirage in the Cornerstone neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $1,875. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Costa Mesa apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Apex ApartmentsStudio XSStudio,1BA$1,600
Costa MirageStudioStudio,1BA$1,875
Harbor Village ApartmentsPlan AStudio,1BA$1,995
Casa Victoria Apartments1BR/1BA1BR,1BA$1,995
Harbor at Mesa VerdePlan E1BStudio,1BA$1,999
Cherry Creek ApartmentsPlan 21BR,1BA$2,025
Newport Village ApartmentsJunior 1 BedroomStudio,1BA$2,050
Pacifica Apartments1 Bedroom, 1 Bath - Upstairs1BR,1BA$2,075
27 Seventy Five Mesa VerdeE1-RStudio,1BA$2,089
Monte Sereno Apartments1b/1b1BR,1BA$2,095

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Costa Mesa, CA

As of October 23, 2025 the best value apartment in the Costa Mesa area is the $2.64 price per square foot 4150 Patrice Rd Model at 4150 Patrice Rd, Unit Patrice Road in the in the Newport Heights neighborhood starting from $6,995. The second greatest value Costa Mesa apartment is the 3 Bedroom Model at Fairway Villas Apartment Homes starting at $3,995 with a $2.85 price per square foot in the Avenue One neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Costa Mesa apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
4150 Patrice Rd, Unit Patrice Road4150 Patrice Rd5BR,3BA$2.64
Fairway Villas Apartment Homes3 Bedroom3BR,2BA$2.85
Plaza Townhomes2+12BR,1BA$2.71
Ponderosa Mobile Estates2 Bedroom 2 Bath2BR,2BA$2.56
Huntington VistaBarcelona2BR,2BA$2.54
Valley Park2 Bed 1.5 Bath2BR,1.5BA$2.49
Sea Environment Apartments1x11BR,1BA$2.56
3400 South Main StreetOne Bedroom One Bath1BR,1BA$2.79
Pacifica Apartments1 Bedroom, 1 Bath - Upstairs1BR,1BA$2.73
Casa Victoria Apartments1 B With Patio1BR,1BA$2.83

Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know

From the lounge to the laundry room, understand your rights and responsibilities in shared apartment spaces. Get tips on pet rules, noise, and security.

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Don't Settle: How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

Discover the insider tips from an attorney and real estate agent on how to negotiate your next apartment lease. Find out what's on the table and what's not, so you can save money and get the best terms possible.

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The Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro

Moving is tough, especially long-distance. Learn how to minimize stress & expenses with proven strategies from a real estate pro, covering everything from logistics to finances.

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Quick Rent Budget Calculator

How much rent can you afford?

The common "Rule of Thumb" is that rent should be no more than 30% of your income. How much is that? Enter your monthly income and click "Calculate My Budget" to find out.

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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!

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.

Pet Friendly Lifestyle
Costa Mesa, CA

Ranked #79

Among cities in California for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

2.5
Pet Friendly

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Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:
Location, Location, Location!

Explore Costa Mesa, CA Rentals by Map

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Getting Around Costa Mesa, CA

Walk Score®

73 / 100

Very Walkable

Most errands can be accomplished on foot

Bike Score®

65 / 100

Bikeable

Some bike infrastructure

Transit Score®

38 / 100

Some Transit

A few nearby public transportation options

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Costa Mesa Apartments

What is the Cheapest Studio apartment in Costa Mesa?

Currently the most affordable Cheap Studio Apartment in Costa Mesa is at Apex Apartments listed at $1,600.

How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom Costa Mesa Apartment?

The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom Costa Mesa Apartment is $1,995 at Casa Victoria Apartments.

What is the lowest price for a Cheap Two Bedroom Costa Mesa Apartment for rent?

Today's best deal for a Cheap Two Bedroom Apartment in Costa Mesa is starting from $2,299 at Palm Island 55+ Active Senior Community.

What is the most affordable Costa Mesa Three Bedroom Apartment?

The best deal on a cheap Costa Mesa Three Bedroom Apartment rental is at Harbor Village Apartments and starts from $3,200.

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.

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Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Back in the day when I rented one of my first apartments, the property didn’t even have laundry in the building. Now, rental properties are often competing against each other to provide the best amenities.

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How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Everything is a negotiation in real estate! 

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The Rental Move-In Inspection Checklist: A Guide for Renters

Written by: Trey Huguley

The move-in inspection checklist is a crucial tool for both tenants and landlords. This checklist, provided by the team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com, helps document the condition of an apartment at the time of move-in.

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Your Guide to Co-Signers: The Risks, Rewards, and Everything in Between

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

For many people, obstacles can arise during the rental application process for a variety of issues.