
Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown Costa Mesa Neighborhood of Costa Mesa, CA from $1,000 (82 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Downtown Costa Mesa area of Costa Mesa.


Mesa Vista Senior Apartments 55+

Costa Mirage

Ponderosa Mobile Estates

Westbay Apartments

Pacific Park

Westlake Village

Casa Victoria Apartments

Pacific Villas

Bay Breeze
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.

Bay Timbers Apartments

931 W 19th St, Unit 10

Westbay Eldon Apartments

The Hamilton Apartments

Eastside Apartments

Sunset Bay III Apartment Community

1995-1999 Maple St

The Parsons

Olive Tree

Baywind Apartment Homes
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.

379 Hamilton St

Newport Palms Apartments

Westside Apartments

365 Hamilton St, Unit 3

Villa Nova Townhomes

Total Monthly Price
412 Esther St, Unit B

Total Monthly Price
1765 Santa Ana Ave, Unit GO FL2-ID10858A

190-192 Albert Pl

Eastside Haven at 17th

Wallace 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.

Bay Village Apartments

Albert Place Apartments

Newport Senior Village Apartments

Pine Tree Villa

145 E 18th St

Trio Apartment Homes

Sus Casitas

Sundance West

Casa Serena Townhomes

Orange Bay Apartments
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.

Wallace Woods Apartments

Pacifica Apartments

AVA Newport

Monte Sereno Apartments

La Mancha Apartments

St. John's Manor

Leeward Apartments

Wallace Court Apartments

291 Avocado St.

La Casa Blanca
How I Find the Perfect Rental for My Clients: A Real Estate Pro's Guide
Finding the right apartment starts with three things: location, cost, and amenities. Get the insider perspective from a real estate professional on how to nail all three.
Downtown Costa Mesa, Costa Mesa, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Downtown Costa Mesa?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Costa Mesa Studio Apartments | $2,140 | $1,481 | $3,160 |
| Downtown Costa Mesa 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,507 | $1,900 | $10,000+ |
| Downtown Costa Mesa 2 Bedroom Apartments | $3,195 | $2,450 | $5,200 |
| Downtown Costa Mesa 3 Bedroom Apartments | $4,597 | $3,500 | $5,800 |
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 82 rentals with your search options within a 2 mile radius of the Downtown Costa Mesa Neighborhood of Costa Mesa, CA.
See all Apartments in Costa MesaExplore Costa Mesa
Downtown Costa Mesa, Costa Mesa, CA Local Guide
- Nearby Costa Mesa neighborhoods
- Nearby Cities
- ZIP codes
- Local Counties
- School Districts
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 $1,869. Here are the most affordable Downtown Costa Mesa apartments for rent in Costa Mesa, CA:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mesa Vista Senior Apartments 55+ | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,481 |
| Eight 80 Newport Beach | Balboa (E1A-N) | Studio,1BA | $1,869 |
| Ponderosa Mobile Estates | 1 Bedroom + Office | 1BR,1BA | $1,900 |
| Westbay Apartments | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,975 |
| Pacific Park | Plan B | 1BR,1BA | $1,985 |
| Casa Victoria Apartments | 1BR/1BA | 1BR,1BA | $2,115 |
| Pacific Villas | 1 Bed 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $2,151 |
| Bay Timbers Apartments | B202 | 1BR,1BA | $2,195 |
| Westbay Eldon Apartments | 1BR/1BA | 1BR,1BA | $2,250 |
| The Hamilton Apartments | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2,295 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown Costa Mesa, CA
As of June 15, 2026 the best value apartment in the Downtown Costa Mesa area is the $2.90 price per square foot 1584 Redlands Pl Model at 1584 Redlands Pl, Unit C in the in the Balboa Island neighborhood starting from $3,600. The second greatest value Downtown Costa Mesa apartment is the 3 Bedroom Model at Costa Mesa Family Village starting at $3,770 with a $3.45 price per square foot in the Southeast Huntington Beach neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Downtown Costa Mesa apartments based on price per square foot:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1584 Redlands Pl, Unit C | 1584 Redlands Pl | 2BR,2.5BA | $2.90 |
| Costa Mesa Family Village | 3 Bedroom | 3BR,2BA | $3.45 |
| Villa Nova Townhomes | Townhome | 2BR,2.5BA | $3.10 |
| Westlake Village | Huntington | 2BR,1.5BA | $3.09 |
| The Parsons | 22B | 2BR,2BA | $3.58 |
| 365 Hamilton St, Unit 3 | 365 Hamilton St | 2BR,1.5BA | $3.47 |
| Sunset Bay I Apartments | 2x1 | 2BR,1BA | $3.52 |
| Westbay Eldon Apartments | 1BR/1BA | 1BR,1BA | $3.02 |
| Casa Victoria Apartments | 1 B With Patio | 1BR,1BA | $3.00 |
| Bay Timbers Apartments | B202 | 1BR,1BA | $3.14 |
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 ArticleReal 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.
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.
Pet Friendly LifestyleDowntown Costa Mesa, Costa Mesa, CA
Ranked #4
Among cities in California for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.
Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score
4.0Pet Friendly
Best Local Schools in Downtown Costa Mesa, Costa Mesa, CA
Newport Heights Elementary
Newport Harbor High
Horace Ensign Intermediate
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

How I Find the Perfect Rental for My Clients: A Real Estate Pro's Guide
Written by: Robin Stewart
Evaluating rental properties for clients draws many parallels to house-hunting. Whether an apartment, loft, townhouse, or other rental, finding the right place means finding “home” for your client.

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.

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.

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.