Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown Costa Mesa Neighborhood of Costa Mesa, CA from $1,000 (65 Rentals)

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

property at 301 Broadway

$1,089

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,089
Total Monthly Price
$1,089

1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Home for Rent

Available Now

301 Broadway

Costa MesaCA92627

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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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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property at 1519 Orange Ave

$2,750

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$2,750
Total Monthly Price
$2,750

1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Home for Rent

Available May 8

1519 Orange Ave

Costa MesaCA92627
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Wallace Apartments
1 Bedroom Apartments

Wallace Apartments

1915 Wallace AveCosta Mesa, CA 92627
  • Utilities Included
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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
  • Utilities Included
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Sus Casitas
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

Sus Casitas

2110 Newport BlvdCosta Mesa, CA 92627
  • Utilities Included
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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

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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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
1 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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Pacifica Apartments
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Pacifica Apartments

710 W 18th StCosta Mesa, CA 92627
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Monte Sereno Apartments
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Monte Sereno Apartments

1800 Wallace AveCosta Mesa, CA 92627
  • Utilities Included
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La Mancha Apartments
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

La Mancha Apartments

778 Scott PlCosta 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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St. John's Manor
1 Bedroom Apartments

St. John's Manor

2031 Orange AveCosta Mesa, CA 92627
Senior Living
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AVA Newport
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

AVA Newport

1765-1765 Santa Ana AveCosta Mesa, CA 92627
Student Housing
  • Utilities Included
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La Casa Blanca
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

La Casa Blanca

2115 Placentia AveCosta Mesa, CA 92627
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Coast Apartments
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Coast Apartments

175-181 E 22nd StCosta Mesa, CA 92627
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584 Hamilton St
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

584 Hamilton St

584 Hamilton StCosta Mesa, CA 92627
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Mesa View Apartments
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Mesa View Apartments

1945-1965 Pomona AveCosta Mesa, CA 92627
  • Utilities Included

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.

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Showing Results 1-50, Page 1 of 2

Downtown Costa Mesa, Costa Mesa, CA Local Guide

Cheapest Available Downtown Costa Mesa Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in the Downtown Costa Mesa area of Costa Mesa, CA is a Studio unit found at Mesa Vista Senior Apartments 55+ priced from $1,481. Eight 80 Newport Beach has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $1,810. Here are the most affordable Downtown Costa Mesa apartments for rent in Costa Mesa, CA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Mesa Vista Senior Apartments 55+StudioStudio,1BA$1,481
Eight 80 Newport BeachBalboa (E1A-N)Studio,1BA$1,810
Ponderosa Mobile Estates1 Bedroom + Office1BR,1BA$1,900
Westbay ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$1,995
Pacifica Apartments1 Bedroom, 1 Bath - Upstairs1BR,1BA$2,075
Casa Victoria Apartments1BR/1BA1BR,1BA$2,115
Leeward Apartments1 Bed 1 Bath1BR,1BA$2,150
Pacific Villas1 Bed 1 Bath1BR,1BA$2,151
AVA NewportS1Studio,1BA$2,180
Bay Timbers ApartmentsB2021BR,1BA$2,195

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown Costa Mesa, CA

As of April 30, 2026 the best value apartment in the Downtown Costa Mesa area is the $2.56 price per square foot 343 Cabrillo St Model at 343 Cabrillo St, Unit C in the in the Santa Ana Heights neighborhood starting from $3,195. The second greatest value Downtown Costa Mesa apartment is the Townhome Model at Villa Nova Townhomes starting at $2,995 with a $3.10 price per square foot in the Cornerstone neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Downtown Costa Mesa apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
343 Cabrillo St, Unit C343 Cabrillo St2BR,1.5BA$2.56
Villa Nova TownhomesTownhome2BR,2.5BA$3.10
Olive TreeTwo Bedroom 1.5 Baths2BR,1.5BA$2.95
365 Hamilton St, Unit 3365 Hamilton St2BR,1.5BA$3.47
Costa Mesa Family Village2 Bedroom2BR,1BA$3.48
Pacifica Apartments1 Bedroom, 1 Bath - Upstairs1BR,1BA$2.73
Westbay Eldon Apartments1BR/1BA1BR,1BA$3.02
Casa Victoria Apartments1 B With Patio1BR,1BA$3.00
Bay Timbers ApartmentsB2021BR,1BA$3.14
Leeward Apartments1 Bed 1 Bath1BR,1BA$3.41

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.

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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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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.

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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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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.

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Pet Friendly Lifestyle
Downtown Costa Mesa, Costa Mesa, CA

Ranked #4

Among cities in California for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

4.0
Pet Friendly

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Best Local Schools in
Downtown Costa Mesa, Costa Mesa, CA

School data provided by Great Schools

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Downtown Costa Mesa Apartments

What is the Cheapest Studio apartment in Downtown Costa Mesa?

Currently the most affordable Cheap Studio Apartment in Downtown Costa Mesa is at Mesa Vista Senior Apartments 55+ listed at $1,481.

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

The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom Downtown Costa Mesa Apartment is $1,900 at Ponderosa Mobile Estates.

What is the lowest price for a Cheap Two Bedroom Downtown Costa Mesa Apartment for rent?

Today's best deal for a Cheap Two Bedroom Apartment in Downtown Costa Mesa is starting from $2,500 at Westbay Eldon Apartments.

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.