
Cheap Apartments for Rent in the East Side Costa Mesa Neighborhood of Costa Mesa, CA from $1,400 (81 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the East Side Costa Mesa area of Costa Mesa.


Mesa Vista Apartments

Costa Mirage

Ponderosa Mobile Estates

Harbor at Mesa Verde

Pacific Villas

Harbor Village Apartments

Casa Victoria Apartments

Bay Timbers Apartments

Total Monthly Price
Pinecreek Apartments
Rent According to Income: A Look at Income-Restricted Rentals
Find income-restricted rentals and housing subsidies. Explore government programs designed to help low-income families secure stable, affordable housing.

AtWater Cove

2621 Harbor Blvd.

Westbay Eldon Apartments

Missions at Back Bay

Mediterranean Village Costa Mesa

Eastside Apartments

South Pointe

The Grand Costa Mesa

109 Clearbrook Ln

Madison Newport Apartment Homes
Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It
From theft to fire to water damage, the unexpected can happen to any renter. Discover why renters insurance is one of the smartest and most affordable investments you can make as a tenant.

AVA Newport

1995-1999 Maple St

Pinecreek Village Apartments

1978 Maple Ave

1519 Orange Ave

Charle Square Apartments

Total Monthly Price
985 Valencia St, Unit 3

Olive Tree

2977 Mendoza Dr

Villa Siena
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.

Westside Apartments

1554 Orange Ave, Unit C

365 Hamilton St, Unit 3

Villa Nova Townhomes

Total Monthly Price
412 Esther St, Unit B

Bay Village Apartments

Albert Place Apartments

Newport Senior Village Apartments

Monticello West Apartments

Pine Tree Villa
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.

145 E 18th St

Sea Wind Apartments

The Arbors

Sus Casitas

Sundance West

Newport Village Apartments

994 Valencia St

Orange Bay Apartments

Orange Bungalows

Leeward Apartments
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.
East Side Costa Mesa, Costa Mesa, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in East Side Costa Mesa?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Side Costa Mesa Studio Apartments | $2,112 | $1,500 | $3,252 |
| East Side Costa Mesa 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,663 | $1,900 | $3,904 |
| East Side Costa Mesa 2 Bedroom Apartments | $3,288 | $2,450 | $4,639 |
| East Side Costa Mesa 3 Bedroom Apartments | $4,224 | $3,400 | $5,049 |
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 81 rentals with your search options within a 2 mile radius of the East Side Costa Mesa Neighborhood of Costa Mesa, CA.
See all Apartments in Costa MesaExplore Costa Mesa
Cheapest Available East Side Costa Mesa Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in the East Side Costa Mesa area of Costa Mesa, CA is a Studio unit found at Apex Apartment Homes priced from $1,500. Mesa Vista Apartments has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $1,628. Here are the most affordable East Side Costa Mesa apartments for rent in Costa Mesa, CA:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apex Apartment Homes | Studio XS | Studio,1BA | $1,500 |
| Mesa Vista Apartments | Studio 456 | Studio,1BA | $1,628 |
| Costa Mirage | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,800 |
| Ponderosa Mobile Estates | 1 Bedroom + Office | 1BR,1BA | $1,900 |
| Harbor at Mesa Verde | Plan E1B | Studio,1BA | $1,965 |
| Eight 80 Newport Beach | Catalina (A1A-N) | 1BR,1BA | $2,044 |
| Harbor Village Apartments | Plan A | Studio,1BA | $2,095 |
| Casa Victoria Apartments | 1BR/1BA | 1BR,1BA | $2,115 |
| 291 Avocado St. | 1x1 | 1BR,1BA | $2,195 |
| Bay Timbers Apartments | B202 | 1BR,1BA | $2,195 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in East Side Costa Mesa, CA
As of July 22, 2026 the best value apartment in the East Side Costa Mesa area is the $3.06 price per square foot The San Clemente Model at Blue Sol in the in the College Park neighborhood starting from $4,430. The second greatest value East Side Costa Mesa apartment is the 2BR/2.0BA Model at Charle2063 starting at $3,395 with a $2.43 price per square foot in the Cornerstone neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for East Side Costa Mesa apartments based on price per square foot:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Sol | The San Clemente | 3BR,2BA | $3.06 |
| Charle2063 | 2BR/2.0BA | 2BR,2BA | $2.43 |
| Fairway Villas Apartment Homes | 3 Bedroom | 3BR,2BA | $3.12 |
| Greystone | 3B 2.5B | 3BR,2.5BA | $3.11 |
| Villa Nova Townhomes | Townhome | 2BR,2.5BA | $3.10 |
| Pinecreek Apartments | The Arrowhead | 2BR,1.5BA | $2.88 |
| Pacific Villas | 2+1 | 2BR,1BA | $3.09 |
| 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 |
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap East Side Costa Mesa Apartments
What is a cheap apartment in East Side Costa Mesa?
A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in East Side Costa Mesa is under $2,195.
What is the price of a cheap apartment in East Side Costa Mesa?
The cheapest apartment in East Side Costa Mesa is Ponderosa Mobile Estates which is listed at $1,900, while the average apartment in East Side Costa Mesa costs $4,253.
What types of apartments are the cheapest in East Side 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 13 regular apartments in East Side Costa Mesa that we think qualify as ‘cheap apartments’ that do not have special requirements to apply to rent.
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

Rent According to Income: A Look at Income-Restricted Rentals
Written by: Robin Stewart
The idea of affordable housing can be subjective. Every individual is in a different place financially and vocationally. What one may easily afford could be a struggle for someone else.

Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It
Written by: Robin Stewart
Insurance seems to be a part of life. In some states, having insurance is the law, as is the case for automobile insurance. Renters are no exception.

Apartment Occupancy Rates: Renter Attraction vs Renter Retention
Written by: Robin Stewart
There’s a tenet in marketing about client or customer attraction and retention. Studies and data have consistently shown it costs less to keep a current customer than to attract a new one.

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.