Cheap and Affordable Apartments for Rent in Costa Mesa, CA

560 rentals available

Updated

Costa Mesa Snapshot

Frequently asked questions

How many cheaper, more affordable apartments are available in Costa Mesa, CA?

There are 560 cheaper apartment units available for rent.

What does "Cheap" mean for Apartment rentals in Costa Mesa, CA?

Cheap is a relative term to communicate more "affordable" rental and living expenses. Although a property might be found within the "Cheap and Affordable Apartments" search, does not mean it is a low-quality rental. These more affordable apartments are also relative to the other apartment inventory within Costa Mesa. Some areas will be cheaper than others and based on demand, rent will fluctuate.

How to search for Cheap and Affordable Apartments in Costa Mesa, CA?

When searching on HotPads for more affordable apartments, use the "Sort:" feature to sort apartments by Lowest Price for Costa Mesa. Additionally, set a max price for your search and select "Save search" to be notified in real-time when "cheaper" apartments come on the market.

What are some additional tips for securing a "cheaper" apartment?

Although a larger multi-tenant building is less likely to negotiate rental terms there are a few things that don't hurt to try, including:

  • Offer to sign a longer lease for lowered monthly rent
  • Negotiate landscaping or property maintenance for lowered monthly rent
  • Ask about becoming an onsite property manager
  • Educate yourself regarding the apartment rental market and market rates in Costa Mesa. Knowing this will help you accurately negotiate fair rent.

About Costa Mesa

Area Information

Costa Mesa is a city in Orange County, California. It sits on a plateau overlooking the Pacific Ocean, and despite that it's only about 16 square miles, renting here gives you access to amenities and cultural offerings usually associated with a much larger city. The world-class Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa hosts the Pacific Symphony and features renowned musicians and touring Broadway shows. South Coast Repertory Theater in Costa Mesa is a Tony-award-winning professional theater company. The town is also home to the annual Orange County Fair.

When renting in Costa Mesa, you're close to a whole host of Southern California beaches and attractions. The city borders Huntington Beach and Newport Beach, and is only about 17 miles from Laguna Beach. A day of rides at Disneyland, an Angels major league baseball game or an Anaheim Ducks NHL hockey game are within easy reach, all about 17 miles away. The big-city benefits of Los Angeles are about 40 miles away. Costa Mesa is well-situated for weekend trips. Wine aficionados can drive 70 miles to Temecula for wine tastings; Santa Barbara wineries are about three hours away. San Diego and Big Bear Lake are both around 90 miles away.

Renting in Costa Mesa

Apartments for rent in Costa Mesa fetch higher prices than in many other cities in the county and most of the state. However, there is a reasonable amount of inventoryand diligent renters can find a fair deal in a desirable area if they are prepared to face competition. Act quickly on the right place, but don't feel pressured into a bad fit since there are many apartments in this city.

Shopping

  • South Coast Plaza: This upscale shopping center is the largest mall on the West Coast.
  • Camp: Offering healthy local and international fare, this retail center is wellness-focused.
  • The Lab: Billed as 'the anti-mall,' you'll find edgy shops and hip dining options here.
  • SoCo Collection: A retail development focused on home furnishings and eco-friendly restaurants.
  • OC Marketplace: A swap meet held at the OC Fairgrounds and featuring a variety of vendors hawking wares.
Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. (Courtesy of Nauly22) City streets in Costa Mesa. (Courtesy of Nauly22)