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Apartments for Rent in Costa Mesa, CA

27 Places

Jessica

Jessica,  34

Female Rommate ( House )

Entire place | South Bristol Street, Santa Ana, CA, USA

🏡 Room for Rent – Female Roommate Only Hello, girls! 💛 We’re looking for a female roommate who is clean, respectful, responsible, and easygoing to join our home. Our house is in a beautiful, safe neighborhood right next to South Coast Plaza. The location is amazing—close to restaurants, grocery stores, coffee shops, shopping, gyms, and just about everything you need, while still feeling peaceful. One of our favorite things about the house is the outdoor space. We have beautiful mature trees, including an apple tree and an avocado tree, which give the house a peaceful, homey feeling. It’s the perfect place to relax and unwind after a busy day. Parking is easy! You’ll have a spot in the driveway, so you won’t have to worry about street parking. Everyone in the house has their own routine, and we all respect each other’s space and privacy. We also share household responsibilities with a simple cleaning schedule. Each person takes one week per month, so in reality, you only clean the common areas once a month. It keeps the house clean and makes everything fair for everyone. We’re looking for someone who: * Is clean and organized.* Is responsible and pays rent on time.* Is respectful and considerate of others.* Enjoys a peaceful home environment. This is not a party house. We value a quiet, comfortable, and positive atmosphere where everyone feels at home. Everyone in the house is respectful, easygoing, and has their own routine. We all value a clean, peaceful, and comfortable place to call home. If you’re looking for a cozy home with great roommates and think you’d be a good fit, we’d love to hear from you! When you message us, please tell us a little about yourself. 😊

Available Date: Immediately

$
1000
USD / month

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Frequently Asked Questions About Apartments for Rent in Costa Mesa, CA

  • How many apartments for rent are available in Costa Mesa, CA right now?

    Roomster lists 27 apartments for rent around Costa Mesa, concentrated in the South Coast Metro district near South Coast Plaza and along the Westside, with more scattered through the Eastside and Mesa Verde. As a renter-majority city in an otherwise owner-heavy county, Costa Mesa carries a deeper apartment stock than its neighbors, much of it in the mid-rise complexes around the mall and the office towers. Demand here is driven by young professionals, the two colleges, and people who want Newport Beach proximity, so the market stays active year-round rather than swinging on a school calendar.

  • How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Costa Mesa, CA?

    Expect roughly $2,462 for a one-bedroom and $3,150 for a two-bedroom, with studios near $2,217 and three-bedrooms well over $4,000 - a genuinely expensive coastal market, around 60 percent above the national average. You can find one-bedrooms under $2,300 on the Westside and in the older buildings off Harbor Boulevard, while the newer South Coast Metro and Eastside complexes sit at the top. Here is the encouraging part: unlike much of the country, Costa Mesa rents have actually cooled, down roughly 8 percent from their 2025 peak, so there is room to negotiate and no urgency premium right now.

  • Is Costa Mesa cheaper than Irvine or Newport Beach?

    Yes, and that gap is a big part of why people choose it. Costa Mesa sits in the upper-middle of the Orange County market - its one-bedrooms around $2,462 run well below Irvine, where a one-bedroom pushes past $3,600, and below neighboring Newport Beach, while sitting above cheaper inland cities like Santa Ana and Huntington Beach. What makes it distinctive is that you are paying less than Irvine or Newport but still land two miles from the Newport Beach sand, with the South Coast Metro jobs and the 17th Street dining scene in your own city. For a lot of renters, Costa Mesa is the value-for-location pick of coastal OC.

  • What are the transit and commute options in Costa Mesa?

    It is a driving city at the center of Orange County's freeway grid - the 405, the 55, and the 73 all touch Costa Mesa, which puts Irvine about 10 to 15 minutes away, Newport Beach and Santa Ana right next door, and downtown Los Angeles up the freeway. There is no rail station in the city; the closest Metrolink stops are in Santa Ana, Tustin, and Irvine, and OCTA buses run the arterials. The standout is John Wayne Airport, just minutes from most of the city, which is a real draw for anyone who flies for work. The Eastside and 17th Street are the walkable pockets; everywhere else, plan on a car.

  • Is there rent control in Costa Mesa, CA?

    No local one. Costa Mesa has no rent-control ordinance of its own - unlike Santa Ana, which does - so what applies is California's statewide Tenant Protection Act. That caps annual rent increases at the lesser of 5 percent plus regional inflation or 10 percent, which for the Los Angeles and Orange County area lands at 8.7 percent for the year beginning August 1, 2026. It also brings just-cause eviction protections after a tenant has been in place twelve months. Single-family homes and condos can be exempt from the cap if the owner serves the required notice, and buildings under about fifteen years old are exempt too, so which protections apply depends on the specific property.

  • What deposit and fees should I expect in Costa Mesa?

    Since July 2024, California limits most security deposits to one month's rent, furnished or not - a real change in a market where two and three months used to be common. A small owner holding two or fewer rental properties can still ask for two months, but not from a military service member, who is always held to one. Beyond the deposit, expect an application and screening fee and, in the managed South Coast Metro complexes, amenity or parking charges bundled into the monthly cost. Ask what the quoted rent actually includes, because in a market this expensive the add-ons matter, and confirm whether the building falls under the state rent cap.

Rental Apartments in Costa Mesa, CA: How to Find the Right Fit


If you’re searching for rental apartments in Costa Mesa, CA, you’re likely balancing priorities like budget, commute, and apartment features. Whether you’re a professional moving closer to work, a couple looking for a comfortable home, or relocating renters wanting flexibility, understanding the local rental landscape helps you make smarter choices. This guide focuses on practical factors to consider when renting an apartment in Costa Mesa, from lease terms to amenities, so you can find a place that fits your lifestyle and needs.

What Kind of Apartment Search Makes Sense in Costa Mesa, CA

Costa Mesa offers a variety of apartment options that suit different lifestyles. Studios and one-bedroom apartments are popular among singles and couples, while two-bedroom units provide extra space for roommates or home offices. Depending on your budget and preference for privacy, furnished apartments can be convenient for short-term stays, while unfurnished units often appeal to longer-term renters.

Many renters here consider commute times carefully since Costa Mesa has several employment hubs and access to public transit. Prioritize apartments near transit lines or major roads if you need an easy daily commute. Also, consider building amenities like laundry facilities, parking, and security features that enhance convenience and safety.

How to Compare Apartments for Rent in Costa Mesa, CA

Narrowing your search begins with identifying neighborhoods or areas that fit your lifestyle and commute. Some renters prefer quieter residential sections, while others seek proximity to shopping and dining. Filtering listings by apartment size, furnished status, and amenities helps focus your search efficiently.

  • Check availability dates: Confirm the move-in timing matches your schedule.
  • Review lease terms: Month-to-month or short-term leases offer flexibility but may cost more.
  • Consider utilities included: Apartments with utilities included simplify budgeting.
  • Look for no fee apartments: These can reduce upfront costs.

Using these filters on Roomster will help you quickly identify apartments that meet your criteria.

What Lease and Budget Factors Matter Most

When budgeting for a rental apartment in Costa Mesa, consider how lease length, security deposits, and application requirements impact your total cost. Short-term apartment rentals or furnished units may carry higher monthly rates but offer more flexibility for relocators or temporary stays.

Screening processes like credit checks and applications are standard and help landlords assess suitability. Prepare your documents early to avoid delays. Keep in mind that utilities included in rent can make overall costs more predictable compared to separate bills.

How to Avoid Costly Rental Mistakes in Costa Mesa, CA

Safety and trust are important when choosing a rental. Always communicate through official platforms and avoid wiring money before signing a lease. confirm the landlord’s identity and visit the apartment in person when possible. Roomster offers an ID check and address check feature on listings to add a layer of confidence.

Be cautious about listings that seem too good to be true or require unusual payment methods. Asking detailed questions about lease terms, building policies, and amenities helps uncover potential issues early.

FAQ About Apartments for Rent in Costa Mesa, CA

What kind of apartment is easiest to find in Costa Mesa, CA?

Studios and one-bedroom apartments are widely available and suit most renters’ needs, especially professionals and couples. Two-bedroom units are also common for roommates or small families.

Should I look for a studio, one-bedroom, or shared apartment in Costa Mesa, CA?

Choose based on your budget, privacy needs, and lifestyle. Studios offer affordability and simplicity, one-bedrooms provide more space and privacy, and shared apartments can lower costs but require roommate compatibility.

What should I ask before renting an apartment in Costa Mesa, CA?

Inquire about lease length, security deposits, included utilities, building amenities, pet policies, and move-in dates to ensure the apartment fits your requirements.

How early should I start searching for apartments in Costa Mesa, CA?

Starting your search 30 to 60 days before your desired move-in date is typical. This timeframe helps you find available options without rushing and allows time for application and lease processing.

Next Step

Compare apartment listings in Costa Mesa, CA and narrow your search on Roomster by visiting this page. Use filters for budget, lease terms, and amenities to find the rental that fits your lifestyle.