
Cheap Homes for Rent in Costa Mesa, CA from $1,000 (15 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in Costa Mesa.


3613 Ramona Dr

2230 S Hickory St

2302 W Flora St

2302 W Flora St
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.

17200 Newhope St, Unit Los Cab Studio, Unit Los Cab Studio

362 Ralcam Pl

1911 Church St, Unit 1917 #4

18689 San Marcos St

931 W 19th St, Unit 5
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.

931 W 19th St, Unit 30

988 El Camino Dr

1010 W MacArthur Blvd, Unit 3, Unit 3

21372 Brookhurst St, Unit C

21372 Brookhurst St, Unit 128
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.
Costa Mesa, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent a home in Costa Mesa?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Costa Mesa 2 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $4,770 | $2,600 | $10,000+ |
| Costa Mesa 3 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $6,267 | $2,750 | $10,000+ |
| Costa Mesa 4 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $6,747 | $3,795 | $10,000+ |
| Costa Mesa 5 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $15,833 | $10,000 | $10,000+ |
| Costa Mesa 6 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $49,500 | $10,000 | $10,000+ |
Browse Top Homes for Rent in Costa Mesa
Explore Costa Mesa
Costa Mesa, CA Local Guide
- Costa Mesa Neighborhoods
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Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Costa Mesa, CA
Pricing Updated: 04/26/2026Current apartment rentals in the Costa Mesa, CA area range in price from $1,300 to $11,893 with an overall median price of $7,894. The three Costa Mesa neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Bungalows at Bay Street at $1,958, Orange County Airport at $2,088, and Newport Heights at $3,195. Here is today’s list of the top 8 neighborhoods with the lowest median pricing for Costa Mesa Apartments for rent:
| Neighborhood | Median Price | Min Price | Available Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bungalows at Bay Street | $3,531 | $1,958 | 62 |
| Orange County Airport | $4,375 | $2,088 | 388 |
| Newport Heights | $5,250 | $3,195 | 16 |
| College Park | $10,000 | $1,300 | 88 |
| Cornerstone | $10,000 | $1,300 | 117 |
| Downtown Costa Mesa | $10,000 | $1,481 | 96 |
| East Side Costa Mesa | $10,000 | $1,300 | 170 |
| Westside Costa Mesa | $10,000 | $1,300 | 357 |
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 Apartments in the Cornerstone neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $1,600. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Costa Mesa apartments for rent:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mesa Vista Senior Apartments 55+ | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,481 |
| Apex Apartments | Studio XS | Studio,1BA | $1,600 |
| Eight 80 Newport Beach | Balboa (E1A-N) | Studio,1BA | $1,760 |
| Ponderosa Mobile Estates | 1 Bedroom + Office | 1BR,1BA | $1,900 |
| Harbor at Mesa Verde | Plan E1B | Studio,1BA | $1,958 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Costa Mesa, CA
As of April 26, 2026 the best value apartment in the Costa Mesa area is the $2.79 price per square foot Granada Model at Huntington Vista in the in the Southeast Huntington Beach neighborhood starting from $3,899. The second greatest value Costa Mesa apartment is the 22AA Model at Axis 2300 Apartments starting at $3,710 with a $2.83 price per square foot in the UC Irvine neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Costa Mesa apartments based on price per square foot:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntington Vista | Granada | 3BR,2.5BA | $2.79 |
| Axis 2300 Apartments | 22AA | 2BR,2.5BA | $2.83 |
| Parc Derian | Veteran Unit | 3BR,2BA | $1.72 |
| 9842 Hamilton Ave. | 2 Bed 1.5 Bath w/Patio Townhome | 2BR,1BA | $2.64 |
| La Paz Apartments | 2 Bedroom 1 Bath | 2BR,1BA | $2.84 |
| Pinecreek Apartments | The Arrowhead | 2BR,1.5BA | $2.88 |
| Olive Tree | Two Bedroom 1.5 Baths | 2BR,1.5BA | $2.95 |
| Sea Environment Apartments | 1x1 | 1BR,1BA | $2.68 |
| 3400 South Main Street | One Bedroom One Bath | 1BR,1BA | $2.66 |
| Pacifica Apartments | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath - Upstairs | 1BR,1BA | $2.73 |
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 ArticleDon'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 ArticleThe 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 ArticleCash 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 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.
Best Local Schools in Costa Mesa, CA
Maude B. Davis Elementary
Charles W. Tewinkle Middle
School data provided by Great Schools
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 Costa Mesa
What type of rentals are currently available in Costa Mesa?
There are currently 1433 Apartments for Rent in Costa Mesa, CA with pricing that ranges from $1,300 to $35,000. There are also 114 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Costa Mesa ranging from $1,089 to $49,500.
What is the current price range for Rental Homes in Costa Mesa?
Today's rental pricing for Homes for Rent, Condos and Townhomes in Costa Mesa ranges from $1,089 to $49,500 with an average monthly rent of $12,533.
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

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.

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.

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.

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.