
Cheap Apartments for Rent in Costa Mesa, CA from $1,000 (84 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Costa Mesa.


Costa Mirage

Ponderosa Mobile Estates

Westlake Village

AVA Newport

Harbor Village Apartments

Casa Victoria Apartments

Harbor at Mesa Verde

Newport Village Apartments
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.

27 Seventy Five Mesa Verde

eaves South Coast

943 Sunset Dr

Pacific Villas

Missions at Back Bay

Lido Apartments - 241 Avocado St

1887 Monrovia

AtWater Cove
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.

Pinecreek Apartments

The Grand Costa Mesa

The Parsons

Westbay Apartments

The Hamilton Apartments

Newport Senior Village Apartments
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.
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.
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

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Costa Mesa?
Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
---|---|---|---|
Cheap Costa Mesa Studio Apartments | $2,553 | $1,300 | $3,700 |
Cheap Costa Mesa 1 Bedroom Apartments | $3,034 | $1,900 | $7,760 |
Cheap Costa Mesa 2 Bedroom Apartments | $3,791 | $2,320 | $10,000+ |
Cheap Costa Mesa 3 Bedroom Apartments | $5,656 | $3,025 | $10,000+ |
Cheap Costa Mesa 4 Bedroom Apartments | $6,847 | $5,195 | $8,500 |
Browse Top Apartments in Costa Mesa
See all Apartments in Costa MesaExplore Costa Mesa
Costa Mesa, CA Local Guide

- Costa Mesa Neighborhoods
- Nearby Cities
- ZIP codes
- Local Counties
- School Districts
Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Costa Mesa, CA
Pricing Updated: 10/23/2025Current 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:
Neighborhood | Median Price | Min Price | Available Units |
---|---|---|---|
Bungalows at Bay Street | $4,500 | $4,200 | 3 |
Orange County Airport | $6,900 | $1,500 | 21 |
College Park | $7,900 | $3,800 | 6 |
Cornerstone | $7,900 | $3,800 | 7 |
Downtown Costa Mesa | $7,900 | $2,695 | 18 |
Newport Heights | $7,950 | $5,000 | 2 |
Westside Costa Mesa | $8,390 | $1,800 | 52 |
East Side Costa Mesa | $9,495 | $3,800 | 17 |
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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
---|---|---|---|
Apex Apartments | Studio XS | Studio,1BA | $1,600 |
Costa Mirage | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,875 |
Harbor Village Apartments | Plan A | Studio,1BA | $1,995 |
Casa Victoria Apartments | 1BR/1BA | 1BR,1BA | $1,995 |
Harbor at Mesa Verde | Plan E1B | Studio,1BA | $1,999 |
Cherry Creek Apartments | Plan 2 | 1BR,1BA | $2,025 |
Newport Village Apartments | Junior 1 Bedroom | Studio,1BA | $2,050 |
Pacifica Apartments | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath - Upstairs | 1BR,1BA | $2,075 |
27 Seventy Five Mesa Verde | E1-R | Studio,1BA | $2,089 |
Monte Sereno Apartments | 1b/1b | 1BR,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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
---|---|---|---|
4150 Patrice Rd, Unit Patrice Road | 4150 Patrice Rd | 5BR,3BA | $2.64 |
Fairway Villas Apartment Homes | 3 Bedroom | 3BR,2BA | $2.85 |
Plaza Townhomes | 2+1 | 2BR,1BA | $2.71 |
Ponderosa Mobile Estates | 2 Bedroom 2 Bath | 2BR,2BA | $2.56 |
Huntington Vista | Barcelona | 2BR,2BA | $2.54 |
Valley Park | 2 Bed 1.5 Bath | 2BR,1.5BA | $2.49 |
Sea Environment Apartments | 1x1 | 1BR,1BA | $2.56 |
3400 South Main Street | One Bedroom One Bath | 1BR,1BA | $2.79 |
Pacifica Apartments | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath - Upstairs | 1BR,1BA | $2.73 |
Casa Victoria Apartments | 1 B With Patio | 1BR,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.
Read ArticleDon'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.
Read ArticleThe 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.
Read ArticleQuick 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.
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 LifestyleCosta Mesa, CA
Ranked #79
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
Charles W. Tewinkle Middle
School data provided by Great Schools
Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:Location, Location, Location!
Explore Costa Mesa, CA Rentals by Map
See the most popular apartments and homes in Costa Mesa, CA
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
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 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.

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.

How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Everything is a negotiation in real estate!

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.

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.