Cheap Apartments for Rent in Costa Mesa, CA from $1,000 (164 Rentals)

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

What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much

Learn the official definition (spending 30% or more of your gross income on housing) and how to calculate your exact rent-to-income ratio. This guide offers expert tips on factoring in total housing costs (including utilities and fees) and budgeting accurately to avoid unnecessary financial strain.

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Pinecreek Apartments
Rent Specials
$2,150 - $2,850
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$2,150 - $2,850
Total Monthly Price
$2,150 - $2,850
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Pinecreek Apartments

2300 Fairview RdCosta Mesa, CA 92626
Corporate Housing
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  • Customer Reviewed
  • Utilities Included

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.

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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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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
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Bay Village Apartments

409 W Bay StCosta Mesa, CA 92627
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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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145 E 18th St
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

145 E 18th St

145 E 18th StCosta Mesa, CA 92627
  • Utilities Included

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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Costa Mesa, CA Local Guide

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Written By:
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Local Guide Expert

Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Costa Mesa, CA

Pricing Updated: 06/07/2026

Current apartment rentals in the Costa Mesa, CA area range in price from $1,481 to $10,937 with an overall median price of $4,071. The three Costa Mesa neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Bungalows at Bay Street at $1,986, Cornerstone at $1,481, and East Side Costa Mesa at $1,481. 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$3,249$1,98648
Cornerstone$3,597$1,48193
East Side Costa Mesa$3,700$1,481171
Newport Heights$3,962$3,2502
College Park$4,315$1,48168
Westside Costa Mesa$4,315$1,481339
Orange County Airport$4,650$1,508299
Downtown Costa Mesa$4,780$1,48165

Cheapest Available Costa Mesa Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in Costa Mesa, CA is a Studio unit found at Mesa Vista Senior Apartments 55+ in the Cornerstone neighborhood priced from $1,481. Apex Apartment Homes in the Cornerstone neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $1,500. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Costa Mesa apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Mesa Vista Senior Apartments 55+StudioStudio,1BA$1,481
Apex Apartment HomesStudio XSStudio,1BA$1,500
Parc DerianWaitlist1BR,1BA$1,508
Casa Pacifica Senior Apartment Homes1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$1,895
Ponderosa Mobile Estates1 Bedroom + Office1BR,1BA$1,900
Newport Village ApartmentsJunior 1 BedroomStudio,1BA$1,959
Westbay ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$1,975
Pacific ParkPlan B1BR,1BA$1,985
Harbor at Mesa VerdePlan E1AStudio,1BA$2,007
Eight 80 Newport BeachHarbor (E1B-N)Studio,1BA$2,075

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Costa Mesa, CA

As of June 07, 2026 the best value apartment in the Costa Mesa area is the $2.89 price per square foot 22AA Model at Axis 2300 Apartments in the in the UC Irvine neighborhood starting from $3,795. The second greatest value Costa Mesa apartment is the The Kingston Model at Wimbledon Glen starting at $3,745 with a $2.87 price per square foot in the Bungalows at Bay Street 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 Apartments22AA2BR,2.5BA$2.89
Wimbledon GlenThe Kingston2BR,2.5BA$2.87
Parc DerianWaitlist3BR,2BA$1.72
816 Amigos Way, Unit A816 Amigos Way2BR,2BA$2.71
Valley ParkPlan 2A2BR,1.5BA$2.80
South Coast Racquet Club2.2x2BR,2BA$2.91
Pinecreek ApartmentsThe Arrowhead2BR,1.5BA$2.88
Sea Environment Apartments1x11BR,1BA$2.68
3400 South Main StreetOne Bedroom One Bath1BR,1BA$2.66
Pacifica Apartments1 Bedroom, 1 Bath - Upstairs1BR,1BA$2.73

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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Real Estate and Rental Term Glossary | ApartmentHomeLiving.com Renter University

From the letter A all the way to the letter Z, the Real Estate and Rental Term Glossary from the content team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provides our visitors and shoppers with a little clarity and helpful guidance in navigating the real estate world through definitions and explainers for the top subjects and terms that someone may come across during the leasing, buying, or selling process.

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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.

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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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Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Costa Mesa Apartments

What is a cheap apartment in Costa Mesa?

A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Costa Mesa is under $2,075.

What is the price of a cheap apartment in Costa Mesa?

The cheapest apartment in Costa Mesa is Parc Derian which is listed at $1,508, while the average apartment in Costa Mesa costs $4,071.

What types of apartments are the cheapest in Costa Mesa?

Student, low-income, and by-the-bed apartments are typically the cheapest rentals in most cities, though they require qualifying criteria to rent. There are 31 regular apartments in Costa Mesa that we think qualify as ‘cheap apartments’ that do not have special requirements to apply to rent.

How do the prices of cheap apartments compare to the average apartment in Costa Mesa?

Cheap apartments in Costa Mesa have an average cost of $333 which is $3,738 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Costa Mesa.

Expert Rental Resources

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.

Articles, How-To's, and Tips

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Pet-Friendly Renting: Everything You Need to Know Before You Move

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

For so many of us, pets are the best companions and a big part of our lives. For this reason, a pet-friendly house or apartment is often a very important - and nonnegotiable - part of a move.

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Creative Ways Developers Reimagine Retail Spaces as Residential Units

Written by: Robin Stewart

Adaptive reuse is when a commercial property is converted and repurposed. The real estate industry has embraced a growing number of these projects.

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Neighborhood and Market Insights: How to Choose the Right Area to Rent

Written by: Robin Stewart

Apartment-hunting can be a gargantuan task. Renters have a wish list of items—some luxuries, some necessities—but finding what you seek in the right place is perhaps the most important part of the journey.

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A Seasoned Property Manager's Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Deposit Back

Written by: Lauren Harrington

I’m going to talk with you as a seasoned property manager and friend. So, let’s start with your security deposit. I want you to think about this guide as insider information. You deserve your deposit back.