100 Best Apartments in Costa Mesa, CA (with reviews)

Q: What are the best apartments in Costa Mesa, CA?

The best apartments in Costa Mesa, CA are: 580 Anton , Park Mesa Villas , Wimbledon Glen , Prada Pointe Apartments and The Village at South Coast .

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Rent prices in Costa Mesa, CA's popular neighborhoods

Apartments in Eastside Costa Mesa $2,361
Apartments in College Park $2,729
Apartments in Fairview Park $2,648
Apartments in Freedom Homes $2,361
Apartments in South Coast Metro $2,729
Apartments in Westside Costa Mesa $2,361

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Popular zip codes in Costa Mesa, CA

Apartments in 92626

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Average rent in Costa Mesa, CA

$2,648/mo Costa Mesa, CA average rental price, February 2023

The average monthly rent of apartments in Costa Mesa, CA is $2,648.

Costa Mesa, CA apartment rent ranges

Costa Mesa, CA rent trends

Check out the average rent prices in Costa Mesa by neighborhood.

Compared to the national average rent of $1,702, the average rent in Costa Mesa, CA is $2,648.

Getting around in Costa Mesa, CA

49 /100

Car-Dependent

41 /100

Some Transit

70 /100

Very Bikeable

Walk Score®: 49, Transit Score®: 41, Bike Score®: 70

Frequently asked questions

When were prices and availability in Costa Mesa, CA last updated?

Prices and availability in Costa Mesa, CA were last updated on 27 May 2023.

What are the best apartments in Costa Mesa, CA?

The best apartments in Costa Mesa, CA are: 580 Anton, Park Mesa Villas, Wimbledon Glen, Prada Pointe Apartments and The Village at South Coast.

What is the average rent in Costa Mesa, CA?

The average rent in Costa Mesa, CA is $2,648. Start your search for apartments in Costa Mesa, CA now.

What is the price range for a studio apartment in Costa Mesa, CA?

The price range for a studio apartment in Costa Mesa, CA is between $1,871 and $5,519. View all studio apartments in Costa Mesa, CA.

What is the price range for a 1-bedroom apartment in Costa Mesa, CA?

The price range for a 1-bedroom apartment in Costa Mesa, CA is between $1,871 and $4,308. Browse all available 1-bedroom apartments in Costa Mesa, CA now.

What is the price range for a 2-bedroom apartment in Costa Mesa, CA?

The price range for a 2-bedroom apartment in Costa Mesa, CA is between $1,871 and $5,783. Browse and find a 2-bedroom apartment in Costa Mesa, CA.

What is the price range for a 3-bedroom apartment in Costa Mesa, CA?

The price range for a 3-bedroom apartment in Costa Mesa, CA is between $2,380 and $3,960. Browse all available 3-bedroom apartments in Costa Mesa, CA.

What type of rental buildings are in Costa Mesa, CA?

In Costa Mesa, 60% of the residents are renting compared to 40% owning a home, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Large-scale apartment buildings with more than 50 units represent 20% of Costa Mesa’s rentals, 63% are small-scale complexes with under 50 units, and 16% are single-family rentals.

What do typical apartment communities look like in Costa Mesa, CA?

The age and size of multifamily buildings are among the most visible characteristics of the rental market in a city.  In this case, the apartment buildings in Costa Mesa are about 40 years old, on average. Of these, 15% have been built since 2000, representing the newer options on the market and typically offering more amenities. Rental buildings in the city have an average height of 2 stories. About 96% of the rental communities here are low-rise, garden-style communities, 4% are mid-rises, and 2% are high-rise buildings. These are true especially for large-scale multifamily buildings with over 50 apartments.

What apartment floorplans are common in Costa Mesa, CA?

Studio apartments in Costa Mesa are around 8% of rentals, while 1-bedroom floor plans represent 49% of the total stock. For those in search of larger rentals, 2-bedroom floorplans make up 39% of all rentals. More generous apartments with 3 bedrooms or more are also available in this city for those in search of more space.

Renter's guide to Costa Mesa, CA

Known as the city of the arts, Costa Mesa is a city in Orange County, CA. The name translates to ‘coast table’, or more accurately, the plateau by the coast, which describes the local geography perfectly. It’s among the top 50 best places to live for young professionals in the U.S., coming in at #39, and ranks as the 10th healthiest city in America. This comes as little surprise when you consider that it’s also the 15th best city for outdoor activities in America.

With a population of 112,930 and an area of 15.81 sq. miles, it has a population density of 7,219 people per square mile. While this may be considered high within the United States as a whole, it’s relatively low compared to other cities and neighborhoods within the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area. It’s among the principal cities in LA, though it’s dwarfed by neighbors such as Irvine, and Huntington Beach, in terms of size and population.

Costa Mesa enjoys a semi-arid climate, resulting in mild temperatures throughout the year, and little rainfall, especially in summer. January is typically the coldest and wettest month, with average lows of around 47°F, and 2.5 inches of rainfall. August is generally the hottest month, with high temperatures averaging out at around 85°F. Throughout the year you can expect an average of 10.7 inches of rainfall.

Tips for renting in Costa Mesa, CA

Many people who consider moving to Costa Mesa are moving from LA in search of a more peaceful life. The slightly lower prices are also an attraction. If you do plan to move from LA, but continue to work there, be warned that commute times from Costa Mesa can be extremely long, with congestion causing daily delays.

Costa Mesa, like other parts of Orange County, is also more family-orientated than downtown LA, with more of a small-town feel. As such, it attracts families, and you might find life a little quiet. Having said that, it’s a college town that has attracted many young professionals in recent years, lending it a more hip vibe than other nearby towns.

Like other places near the ocean, temperatures don’t get as high as the inner city areas, so be prepared for cooler temperatures. If you see a place advertised without air-con, don’t turn it down outright like you might in downtown LA, as you might be okay with just an electric fan in summer.

In terms of neighborhoods, the most popular areas are in West Side Costa Mesa, though these also tend to be the more expensive.

Costa Mesa, CA demographics

112,148Total Population
55,206 Female

56,942 Male
36Median Age

Costa Mesa, CA has a population of 112,148 according to the most recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau. 55,206 of Costa Mesa’s residents are women and 56,942 are men. The median age of those who live in Costa Mesa, CA is 36.

Living in Costa Mesa, CA

Costa Mesa has a lot going for it and has become a hub for young professionals and their new families. It’s an ideal spot for those who love the great outdoors, with a wealth of nearby nature reserves and state parks to explore. As a college town, it has an active nightlife, and a thriving theater and arts district, meaning there’s plenty to keep you busy.

Besides the buzz, it’s not an overly large town, and manages to retain a small-town vibe. Most residents know their neighbors, and with residential neighborhoods well-spaced out, it doesn’t seem overly cramped. On the other hand, public transport links are relatively poor, and owning a private vehicle is almost essential if you wish to venture outside of town.

Costa Mesa, CA households

24,503 Family

16,740 Non-family
11,823 Children

29,420 No Children

41,243Total Number of Households
2.68Average People Per Household
$96,391Median Household Income

According to U.S. Census data, there are 41,243 households in Costa Mesa, CA. 24,503 are family households and 16,740 are non-family households. There are 11,823 households with children in Costa Mesa and 29,420 households without children. On average, about 2.68 people live in a household in Costa Mesa, CA.

Things to do in Costa Mesa, CA

For nature lovers, Costa Mesa is heaven on earth, with several parks within the city limits offering stunning views and a plethora of hiking trails. Fairview park offers spectacular views out to the ocean, hiking trails, a space reserved for flying model airplanes, and wildlife. In addition, it plays host to Costa Mesa Concerts in the Park, a free event featuring live music, a beer garden, and kids activities, which runs every Tuesday evening throughout July.

There’s lots more to Costa Mesa than just stunning scenery, however. It’s a top shopping destination, with the internationally acclaimed South Coast Plaza standing out as a firm favorite. Home to over 250 luxury brands, it’s a great place to keep up with the latest fashions, eat world-class food from across the globe, or enjoy the latest blockbuster. Check out the free movie screenings every Monday throughout July and August, during Movies in the Park, just outside the Plaza. For a more local feel, head to The LAB, or The CAMP, two smaller shopping centers that focus on being eco-friendly and supporting local artisans.

The OC Fair and Event Center also plays host to numerous markets and festivals throughout the year, including street food festivals, farmer’s markets, and many more. It’s also home to the iconic Orange County Fair, a 23-day extravaganza featuring funfair rides, concerts, carnival games, competitions, and workshops, making it fun for all the family.

Costa Mesa, CA employment & economy

As Costa Mesa is renowned as an international shopping mecca, it’s no surprise that retail trade is the most common industry, with almost 8,000 residents employed in retail and sales related occupations. Other common industries include accommodation and food services, and professional, scientific, and technical services. There’s also a higher than average number of people employed in real estate.

Besides retail, the most common jobs include management roles, and office and administration positions. A high number of residents also work in arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media occupations. The highest paid residents work in legal roles, healthcare, and architecture and engineering positions.

Several well-known companies have headquarters in Costa Mesa, including Experian, Toyota Racing Development, and Vans.

Education in Costa Mesa, CA

There is a total of 27 public schools within Costa Mesa, served by the Newport-Mesa unified school district. The top-rated high schools are Early College High School and the Costa Mesa High School. The Maude B. Davis Elementary School is the top-rated elementary school in the city and students frequently perform well above average in state tests. Killybrooke Elementary School is another top-rated school, and constantly performs above average.

There are also several higher education institutions within Costa Mesa, including the University of Pheonix-California, Orange County College, Whittier Law School, National University, and Vanguard University. With so many colleges offering a wide range of degrees, Costa Mesa is a popular college town.

Costa Mesa, CA education statistics

The level of education of the population of Costa Mesa, CA is as follows: 6% have no high school education, 25% completed some high school, 24% partially completed college, 7% have an Associate Degree, 27% have a Bachelor Degree, and 11% have a Graduate Degree.

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RentCafe is your one-stop shop for finding a great new apartment in Costa Mesa, CA. Easily search through a wide selection of apartments for rent in Costa Mesa, CA, and view detailed information about available rentals including floor plans, pricing, photos, amenities, interactive maps, and thorough property descriptions. Property owners and managers are one click away, so feel free to contact them and find out all you need to know about the apartment you’re interested in. Browse Costa Mesa, CA apartments with rents starting from $1,871 and submit your rental application today!

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5/5 CC on Nov 17, 2020

Beautiful and well maintained, the staff is so amazing, very helpful, friendly and takes care of the needs of the residents without delay.

4/5 Anonymous on Jan 3, 2022

It's a lovely building, contemporary yet warm, friendly staff, good management, great Maintenace/staff. Guest parking is limited and for tenants that have more than one car it is quite expensive. The area is very nice for a cosmopolitan city, it is clean, fresh, safe. Overall, it's been a great experience living at 580Anton

Apartments for Rent in Costa Mesa, CA 60 Rentals Available

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