
Cheap Homes for Rent in Costa Mesa, CA from $1,500 (12 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in Costa Mesa.


18689 San Marcos St

21372 Brookhurst St, Unit 128

3623 S Bear St, Unit A

931 W 19th St, Unit 10

17230 Newhope 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.

21372 Brookhurst St, Unit 128

21372 Brookhurst St, Unit C

200 McNeil Ln, Unit 103

985 Valencia St, Unit #3

2348 Scholarship

2348 Scholarship
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.
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 | $4,413 | $2,695 | $6,500 |
| Costa Mesa 3 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $5,730 | $3,500 | $10,000+ |
| Costa Mesa 4 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $13,737 | $5,250 | $10,000+ |
| Costa Mesa 5 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $15,650 | $10,000 | $10,000+ |
Browse Top Homes for Rent in Costa Mesa
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Costa Mesa, CA Local Guide
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Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Costa Mesa, CA
Pricing Updated: 06/11/2026Current apartment rentals in the Costa Mesa, CA area range in price from $1,481 to $12,439 with an overall median price of $4,072. The three Costa Mesa neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Bungalows at Bay Street at $2,020, Cornerstone at $1,481, and Newport Heights at $3,275. 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 | $3,357 | $2,020 | 47 |
| Cornerstone | $3,500 | $1,481 | 96 |
| Newport Heights | $3,875 | $3,275 | 1 |
| East Side Costa Mesa | $3,900 | $1,481 | 169 |
| College Park | $4,350 | $1,481 | 72 |
| Westside Costa Mesa | $4,350 | $1,481 | 322 |
| Downtown Costa Mesa | $4,545 | $1,481 | 55 |
| Orange County Airport | $4,705 | $1,508 | 294 |
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 Apartment Homes in the Cornerstone neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $1,500. 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 Apartment Homes | Studio XS | Studio,1BA | $1,500 |
| Parc Derian | Waitlist | 1BR,1BA | $1,508 |
| Casa Pacifica Senior Apartment Homes | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $1,895 |
| Ponderosa Mobile Estates | 1 Bedroom + Office | 1BR,1BA | $1,900 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Costa Mesa, CA
As of June 11, 2026 the best value apartment in the Costa Mesa area is the $2.89 price per square foot 22AA Model at Axis 2300 in the in the UC Irvine neighborhood starting from $3,795. The second greatest value Costa Mesa apartment is the The Kingston Model at Wimbledon Glen starting at $3,745 with a $2.87 price per square foot in the Bungalows at Bay Street 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. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Axis 2300 | 22AA | 2BR,2.5BA | $2.89 |
| Wimbledon Glen | The Kingston | 2BR,2.5BA | $2.87 |
| Parc Derian | Waitlist | 3BR,2BA | $1.72 |
| 816 Amigos Way, Unit A | 816 Amigos Way | 2BR,2BA | $2.71 |
| Huntington Vista | Barcelona | 2BR,2BA | $2.51 |
| Valley Park | Plan 2A | 2BR,1.5BA | $2.76 |
| Pinecreek Apartments | The Arrowhead | 2BR,1.5BA | $2.88 |
| 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 |
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.
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 1442 Apartments for Rent in Costa Mesa, CA with pricing that ranges from $1,481 to $35,000. There are also 69 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Costa Mesa ranging from $1,595 to $40,000.
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 $1,595 to $40,000 with an average monthly rent of $7,456.
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.