Cheap Apartments for Rent in Costa Mesa, CA from $1,000 (51 Rentals)

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Wallace Apartments
1 Bedroom Apartments

Wallace Apartments

1915 Wallace AveCosta 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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Sus Casitas
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

Sus Casitas

2110 Newport BlvdCosta Mesa, CA 92627
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Pine Tree Villa
1 Bedroom Apartments

Pine Tree Villa

114 E 20th StCosta 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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Sea Wind Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Sea Wind Apartments

2250 Vanguard WayCosta Mesa, CA 92626
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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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Sundance West
2 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
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Casa Serena Townhomes
2 Bedroom Apartments

Casa Serena Townhomes

2045 Wallace AveCosta Mesa, CA 92627
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Orange Bungalows
2 Bedroom Apartments

Orange Bungalows

2666 Orange AveCosta 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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404 E Balboa Blvd
Studio Apartments

404 E Balboa Blvd

404 E Balboa BlvdNewport Beach, CA 92661
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Seashore Apartments
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Seashore Apartments

19822 Brookhurst StHuntington Beach, CA 92646
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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: 07/24/2025

Current apartment rentals in the Costa Mesa, CA area range in price from $1,500 to $20,000 with an overall median price of $13,204. The three Costa Mesa neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Downtown Costa Mesa at $2,895, College Park at $3,500, and Cornerstone at $3,500. 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
Downtown Costa Mesa$9,897$2,89519
College Park$10,647$3,5009
Cornerstone$10,647$3,5005
East Side Costa Mesa$12,800$2,25018
Westside Costa Mesa$12,800$1,70046
Orange County Airport$13,945$1,50021
Bungalows at Bay Street$14,900$2,2501
Newport Heights$20,000$3,4003

Cheapest Available Costa Mesa Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in Costa Mesa, CA is a Studio unit found at Palm Island 55+ Active Senior Community in the South Harbor neighborhood priced from $1,825. 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
Palm Island 55+ Active Senior CommunityAntiguaStudio,1BA$1,825
Costa MirageStudioStudio,1BA$1,875
Casa Victoria Apartments1BR/1BA1BR,1BA$1,995
Harbor Village ApartmentsPlan AStudio,1BA$1,995
Newport Village ApartmentsJunior 1 BedroomStudio,1BA$1,999
Apex ApartmentsStudio XSStudio,1BA$2,000
Harbor at Mesa VerdePlan E1AStudio,1BA$2,015
Monte Sereno Apartments1b/1b1BR,1BA$2,095
Villa Marseilles ApartmentsThe Vineyard-1 BR, 1 BA1BR,1BA$2,095
Eight 80 Newport BeachPeninsula (A1A-S)1BR,1BA$2,107

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Costa Mesa, CA

As of July 24, 2025 the best value apartment in the Costa Mesa area is the $2.46 price per square foot 22CMS Model at Axis 2300 Apartments in the in the UC Irvine neighborhood starting from $4,010. The second greatest value Costa Mesa apartment is the 2860 La Salle Ave Model at 2860 La Salle Ave, Unit # 1 starting at $4,295 with a $2.68 price per square foot in the South Harbor 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.
Axis 2300 Apartments22CMS2BR,2.5BA$2.46
2860 La Salle Ave, Unit # 12860 La Salle Ave3BR,2.5BA$2.68
Wimbledon GlenThe Kingston2BR,2.5BA$2.78
Westbay Apartments2bedroom 2 Bath2BR,2BA$2.40
Fairway Villas Apartment Homes2 Bedroom2BR,2BA$2.75
1002 Mission Dr, Unit D1002 Mission Dr2BR,1.5BA$2.46
Versailles on the Lake ApartmentsCannes2BR,2BA$2.66
Newport Villa Apartments2 Bedroom2BR,2BA$2.74
Valley Park2 Bed 1.5 Bath2BR,1.5BA$2.62
Sea Environment Apartments1x11BR,1BA$2.56

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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 #76

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®

66 / 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 Palm Island 55+ Active Senior Community listed at $1,825.

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

The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom Costa Mesa Apartment is $1,925 at Palm Island 55+ Active Senior Community.

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 $2,355 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 Greystone and starts from $3,447.

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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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.