Apartments for Rent in Costa Mesa, CA (1,454 Rentals)

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Costa Mesa, CA Local Guide

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Costa Mesa Overview

Costa Mesa is the heartbeat of Orange County in many ways, just an arm's stretch to first-class shopping, dining, colleges and beaches, as well as minutes from renowned cultural arts venues and hundreds of major employers. Apartment living in Costa Mesa means quick and easy freeway access to the entire SoCal lifestyle!

What is the history of Costa Mesa?

"Costa Mesa was once a Native American village known as Lukup, and then the Spanish settlement of Harper. After changing its name in 1920, Costa Mesa (meaning ""coastal tableland"") flourished as an agricultural hub for oranges, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, apples and strawberries. After the Depression and an earthquake in 1933, the city rebuilt into the major commercial and industrial center that it remains today. "

How is the weather in Costa Mesa?

Weather in Costa Mesa is generally mild and sunny year round, though it cools down to an average 66 degrees F. in December. Slight winds from the coastline (just one mile away) cool things down considerably in the summer. Hot and dry Santa Ana winds blow in from the desert several times a year, creating arid conditions for a few days.

How do I get around town?

Most people living in Costa Mesa apartments get around by car because of the excellent freeway system in which Interstates 405 and 5 connect. Public transportation options include extensive bus routes, and Metrolink and Amtrak stations in nearby Santa Ana. John Wayne Airport is just 6 miles away.

What is the Costa Mesa commute like?

Traffic on both freeways gets heavy during morning and evening commutes to and from jobs in Los Angeles and South Orange County. Expect delays during major events at the performing arts center and at South Coast Plaza.

What are the local media outlets?

Costa Mesa residents primarily get printed news from the Orange County Register and the LA Times, and tune in to TV or internet reports from stations such as ABC7 or KTLA. A free copy of OC Weekly reveals what's going on around town.

Why live in Costa Mesa, CA?

Costa Mesa apartments put you right in the center of the OC, within about 15 minutes of everything – rather than 30 minutes or more. Exits off the 405 give direct access to the world-famous coastlines of Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach and Newport Beach for surfing, bonfires, rollerblading and pier fishing. Costa Mesa itself has 28 parks and two municipal golf courses, so you can easily hop a bus for some local outdoor fun. Shopping is a major thing, with more than 250 boutiques and restaurants at South Coast Plaza, and some interesting indie shops at The Lab, The Camp and the SoCo Collection.

What Costa Mesa landmarks should I see?

One of the most recognizable cultural venues in Costa Mesa is the Orange County Fairgrounds, and almost nobody misses the annual fair in July (proven by the 1 million plus visitors each year!) Just across the street, Pacific Amphitheatre cranks out plenty of live music. Higher education gets more than a fair shake with the campuses of Orange Coast College, Coastline Community College, Vanguard University and Whittier Law School.

What is there to do around Costa Mesa?

There are plenty of nightlife options, including Mansion Costa Mesa and Time Nightclub, but the main entertainment actually takes place at South Coast Repertory theater. You can experience the works of acclaimed playwrights and Broadway musicals, as well as experimental theater and improv. Feeling artistic yourself? Take some acting classes to find your inner star!

Any annual festivals or Costa Mesa events to know?

In addition to the Orange County Fair, special events and festivals include the Winterfest in December and the Pacific Playwrights Festival in April. Highlights at Winterfest are ice skating, snow play and a 150-foot ice slide.

Where are the nearby vacation spots?

You don't have to travel far to be in theme park heaven, Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm are less than 30 minutes away, while Universal Studios and Sea World are about an hour. Indulge in coastal weekend getaway spots such as Carmel-by-the-Sea and Monterey, or hop aboard a passenger catamaran from Newport Beach to Catalina Island. Go camping at Crystal Cove State Park, or snow-skiing at Big Bear Mountain (about a 2.5-hour drive).

Where is the best place to move in Costa Mesa?

Narrowing down the best location for your apartment in Costa Mesa is important. Check out the Fairview Park neighborhood on the westernmost side if you love open green spaces. Canyon Park is a classic family-friendly area bustling with activity. If you love being in the center of art, shopping and entertainment, look for a place near South Coast Plaza. The southwestern tip of the city puts you on the border of Newport Beach for surf and sand. Whichever area you choose, there are plenty of apartment communities in which to put down roots and make yourself at home in Costa Mesa.

Pet Friendly Lifestyle
Costa Mesa, CA

Ranked #57

Among cities in California for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

2.5
Pet Friendly

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Best Local Schools in
Costa Mesa, CA

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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See the most popular apartments and homes in Costa Mesa, CA

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Getting Around Costa Mesa, CA

Walk Score®

73 / 100

Very Walkable

Most errands can be accomplished on foot

Bike Score®

66 / 100

Bikeable

Some bike infrastructure

Transit Score®

38 / 100

Some Transit

A few nearby public transportation options

What Are Walk Score®, Transit Score®, and Bike Score® Ratings?

  • Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address.
  • Transit Score® measures access to public transit.
  • Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Frequently Asked Questions about Costa Mesa

How much are Studio apartments in Costa Mesa?

There are currently 90 Studio Apartments in Costa Mesa with rent ranges from $1,500 to $4,300 with an average price of $2,538.

What is the current price range for One Bedroom Costa Mesa Apartments for rent?

Today's rental pricing for One Bedroom Apartments in Costa Mesa ranges from $1,499 to $10,000 with an average monthly rent of $3,097.

What does renting a Two Bedroom Apartment in Costa Mesa cost?

The monthly rent prices of Two Bedroom Apartments currently available in Costa Mesa range from $2,320 to $14,835. Today's average rental price for Two Bedrooms here is $3,819.

How expensive are Costa Mesa Three Bedroom Apartments?

There are currently 290 Three Bedroom Apartments listings available in Costa Mesa on ApartmentHomeLiving.com. The pricing ranges from $3,095 to $50,000 - averaging $6,454 for the location.

Expert Rental Resources

Helpful Apartment Articles, How-To's and Tips

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.

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Renting Smart: Lease Basics Every Renter Needs

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Often, in the excitement of finding a new place to live, there’s a rush to make it happen, and - too often - a new tenant signs a lease without reading it carefully.

decorative image for Battling the Butts: Your Guide to the Reality of Smoke-Free Renting article

Battling the Butts: Your Guide to the Reality of Smoke-Free Renting

Written by: Andrea Lee Negroni, JD

While many apartment buildings are “no smoking” properties, it’s hard to know exactly how many. In 2017, the National Apartment Association reported more than half of rental properties had smoke free policies.

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Understanding Amenity Fees: Know Where You Might Be Able to Save Money

Written by: Amber Kanuckel

With the rising costs of housing, a lot of renters are asking this question: Is it possible to opt out of various amenities that your rental property offers so that you can avoid paying the fees.

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How Your Move-In Inspection Can Protect Your Security Deposit

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

If you’re anything like most people, housing costs represent a huge chunk of your monthly budget. On top of that, moving can be both a stressful and expensive affair.