Cheap Apartments for Rent in Costa Mesa, CA from $1,000 (51 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Costa Mesa.

Apex Apartments

Costa Mirage

Ponderosa Mobile Estates

3048 Kittendale Bay

The Hamilton Apartments

Westbay Apartments

AVA Newport

Casa Victoria Apartments

Harbor Village Apartments

Newport Village Apartments

Harbor at Mesa Verde

Pinecreek Apartments

Newport Senior Village Apartments

21372 Brookhurst St

21372 Brookhurst St

310 E Balboa Blvd

3661 S Bear St

Palm Island 55+ Active Senior Community

Eight 80 Newport Beach

17200 Newhope St

100 Scholz Plaza

413 W Stevens Ave

Villa Marseilles Apartments
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 | $2,652 | $1,500 | $6,900 |
Cheap Costa Mesa 1 Bedroom Apartments | $3,168 | $1,499 | $10,000+ |
Cheap Costa Mesa 2 Bedroom Apartments | $4,102 | $2,300 | $10,000+ |
Cheap Costa Mesa 3 Bedroom Apartments | $6,704 | $3,095 | $10,000+ |
Cheap Costa Mesa 4 Bedroom Apartments | $3,300 | $1,100 | $5,500 |
Browse Top Apartments in Costa Mesa
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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: 07/24/2025Current 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:
Neighborhood | Median Price | Min Price | Available Units |
---|---|---|---|
Downtown Costa Mesa | $9,897 | $2,895 | 19 |
College Park | $10,647 | $3,500 | 9 |
Cornerstone | $10,647 | $3,500 | 5 |
East Side Costa Mesa | $12,800 | $2,250 | 18 |
Westside Costa Mesa | $12,800 | $1,700 | 46 |
Orange County Airport | $13,945 | $1,500 | 21 |
Bungalows at Bay Street | $14,900 | $2,250 | 1 |
Newport Heights | $20,000 | $3,400 | 3 |
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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
---|---|---|---|
Palm Island 55+ Active Senior Community | Antigua | Studio,1BA | $1,825 |
Costa Mirage | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,875 |
Casa Victoria Apartments | 1BR/1BA | 1BR,1BA | $1,995 |
Harbor Village Apartments | Plan A | Studio,1BA | $1,995 |
Newport Village Apartments | Junior 1 Bedroom | Studio,1BA | $1,999 |
Apex Apartments | Studio XS | Studio,1BA | $2,000 |
Harbor at Mesa Verde | Plan E1A | Studio,1BA | $2,015 |
Monte Sereno Apartments | 1b/1b | 1BR,1BA | $2,095 |
Villa Marseilles Apartments | The Vineyard-1 BR, 1 BA | 1BR,1BA | $2,095 |
Eight 80 Newport Beach | Peninsula (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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
---|---|---|---|
Axis 2300 Apartments | 22CMS | 2BR,2.5BA | $2.46 |
2860 La Salle Ave, Unit # 1 | 2860 La Salle Ave | 3BR,2.5BA | $2.68 |
Wimbledon Glen | The Kingston | 2BR,2.5BA | $2.78 |
Westbay Apartments | 2bedroom 2 Bath | 2BR,2BA | $2.40 |
Fairway Villas Apartment Homes | 2 Bedroom | 2BR,2BA | $2.75 |
1002 Mission Dr, Unit D | 1002 Mission Dr | 2BR,1.5BA | $2.46 |
Versailles on the Lake Apartments | Cannes | 2BR,2BA | $2.66 |
Newport Villa Apartments | 2 Bedroom | 2BR,2BA | $2.74 |
Valley Park | 2 Bed 1.5 Bath | 2BR,1.5BA | $2.62 |
Sea Environment Apartments | 1x1 | 1BR,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 LifestyleCosta Mesa, CA
Ranked #76
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!
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®
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 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.

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.