Top Rated Cheap Apartments for Rent in Costa Mesa, CA from $1,000 (35 Rentals)

How Many Bedrooms?Done
Select your price rangeDone
to
Note: Properties with the Total Monthly Price badge include all required fees. Hover over the badge for details.
Lifestyle Matching SearchDone
Learn more about Lifestyle Search
By AmenitiesDone
By Community TypeDone
Features and AvailabilityDone
Done

Top Rated Apartments in Costa Mesa.

Cheap Apartments 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.

Read Article
close
View Me
Coast Apartments
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Coast Apartments

400 Merrimac WayCosta Mesa, CA 92626
Property Rating
close
View Me
The Cape
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

The Cape

1000 S Coast DrCosta Mesa, CA 92626
Property Rating
close
View Me
Mesa Pines
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Mesa Pines

2650 Harla AveCosta Mesa, CA 92626
Property Rating

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.

Read Article
close
View Me
Broadstone Archive
$2,493 - $5,249
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$2,493 - $5,249
Total Monthly Price
Varies
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Broadstone Archive

1901 E Dyer RdSanta Ana, CA 92705
Property Rating
  • Verified
  • Customer Reviewed
  • 3D Tour

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.

Read Article
close
View Me
The Galleria
Rent Specials
$2,496 - $3,121
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$2,496 - $3,121
Total Monthly Price
Varies
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

The Galleria

16425 Harbor BlvdFountain Valley, CA 92708
Property Rating
  • Verified
  • Customer Reviewed
  • 3D Tour
close
View Me
Broadstone Arden
$2,562 - $5,695
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$2,562 - $5,695
Total Monthly Price
Varies
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Broadstone Arden

1951 E Dyer RdSanta Ana, CA 92705
Property Rating
  • Verified
  • Customer Reviewed
close
View Me
Broadstone Atlas
$2,573 - $4,548
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$2,573 - $4,548
Total Monthly Price
Varies
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Broadstone Atlas

2590 Red Hill AveSanta Ana, CA 92705
Property Rating
  • Verified
  • Customer Reviewed
  • 3D Tour
close
View Me
Sofi Irvine
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Sofi Irvine

2750 Kelvin AveIrvine, CA 92614
Property Rating
  • 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.

Read Article
close
View Me
The Royce
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

The Royce

3301 Michelson DrIrvine, CA 92612
Property Rating
close
View Me
Main Street Village
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Main Street Village

2555 Main StIrvine, CA 92614
Property Rating
close
View Me
Santa Fe Village
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Santa Fe Village

3700 S Santa Fe Village DrSanta Ana, CA 92704
Property Rating
Showing Results 1-35, Page 1 of 1

Costa Mesa, CA Local Guide

10 Hidden Costs of Renting You Should Budget for Before Signing a Lease

Avoid financial stress when renting. Learn about the 10 most common hidden costs—from pet fees to utilities—you must budget for before you sign a lease.

Read Article
Decorative image

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.

Read Article
Decorative image

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.

Read Article
Decorative image

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.

Read Article
Decorative image

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.

decorative image of people with a giant lease agreement

Best Local Schools in
Costa Mesa, CA

School data provided by Great Schools

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

Explore Costa Mesa, CA Rentals by Map

Decorative image of map

See the most popular apartments and homes in Costa Mesa, CA

View Map
Costa Mesa, CA Apartments Map
View Map
Costa Mesa, CA Rental Homes Map

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 $2,095.

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

The cheapest apartment in Costa Mesa is Ponderosa Mobile Estates which is listed at $1,900, while the average apartment in Costa Mesa costs $7,891.

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 47 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 $454 which is $7,437 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

decorative image for Expert Solutions for Creating the Perfect Work-From-Home Apartment Layouts article

Expert Solutions for Creating the Perfect Work-From-Home Apartment Layouts

Written by: Lauren Harrington

This article is based on first-hand experience managing apartment communities and helping renters adapt to their spaces after moving in.

decorative image for What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much article

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

Written by: Lauren Harrington

This article draws from first-hand renter experiences and recurring financial challenges reported after moving in.

decorative image for Maximizing Your Refund: Essential Tax Tips for Renters article

Maximizing Your Refund: Essential Tax Tips for Renters

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Other than tax professionals, I can’t think of anyone who looks forward to tax season. For everybody else, April is a stressful month to collect information and meet deadlines.

decorative image for 18 Must-Ask Rental Tour Questions That Reveal the Truth about a Property article

18 Must-Ask Rental Tour Questions That Reveal the Truth about a Property

Written by: Lauren Harrington

Renting your next home can feel thrilling and overwhelming at the same time.