Average Rent in Costa Mesa, CA (2026)
The average 1-bedroom rent in Costa Mesa, CA is $2,885/month as of 2026, based on HUD data across 2 ZIP codes. Rents have changed +3.8% year over year. Rents range from $2,710 to $3,060.
Average Rent · 1-Bedroom
$2,885/mo
Source: HUD Fair Market Rent · 2 zip codes
Year-over-Year
↑ +3.8%
Source: Apartment List, Zillow ZORI, HUD Fair Market Rent
Data through
The average 1-bedroom rent in Costa Mesa, CA is $2,885/month according to HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent data, covering 2 ZIP codes. Rents have increased 3.8% year-over-year. The average 1-bedroom rent in Costa Mesa is 141% above the national average of $1,196/month.
Average rent in Costa Mesa, CA ranges from $2,710 to $3,060 across 2 ZIP codes.
Based on local market data, a fair rent increase in Costa Mesa, CA is approximately 3.8% for 2026. An increase above 3.8% exceeds the local market trend and may be worth negotiating.
Key Facts
Sources: Apartment List, Zillow ZORI, HUD Fair Market Rent, HUD SAFMR, Rentcast. Updated February 2026.
How much is rent in Costa Mesa, CA?
The average 1-bedroom rent in Costa Mesa, CA is $2,885/month as of 2026, based on HUD data across 2 ZIP codes. Rents range from $2,710 to $3,060 depending on neighborhood — a $350/month spread. To afford this at the 30% rule, a household would need approximately $115,400/year.
Is rent going up in Costa Mesa?
Rents in Costa Mesa have increased 3.8% year over year based on local market data. This suggests a relatively stable rental market.
What is a fair rent increase in Costa Mesa?
Based on local market data, a rent increase around 3.8% is in line with the Costa Mesa market for 2026. An increase above that level exceeds the local trend and may be worth pushing back on. Note: California has rent increase protections — the cap is generally 5% + local CPI (max 10%). Check your specific increase with RenewalReply's free rent analysis tool.
Rent Trends in Costa Mesa
+3.8%
Rents in Costa Mesa are rising at +3.8% year-over-year.
⚠ Mixed signals
Market sources range from +1.3% to +15.1%
Why the range? Zillow ZORI tracks what landlords are asking for units (+3.9%), while Apartment List tracks what renters actually sign leases at (+1.3%).Landlords are asking more than renters are paying — this suggests renters may have negotiating leverage in Costa Mesa right now.
Sources: Apartment List, Zillow ZORI, HUD Fair Market Rent
What Should Rent Cost in Costa Mesa?
Typical rent ranges based on HUD benchmarks and market data. In areas with limited listing data, ranges reflect federal benchmarks and may be wider than actual market conditions.
A studio in Costa Mesa typically rents for $2,815 – $3,040.
Rents above $3,496 are in the top 25% for this area.
A 1-bedroom in Costa Mesa typically rents for $2,885 – $3,116.
Rents above $3,583 are in the top 25% for this area.
A 2-bedroom in Costa Mesa typically rents for $3,400 – $3,672.
Rents above $4,223 are in the top 25% for this area.
A 3-bedroom in Costa Mesa typically rents for $4,615 – $4,984.
Rents above $5,732 are in the top 25% for this area.
A 4-bedroom in Costa Mesa typically rents for $5,510 – $5,951.
Rents above $6,844 are in the top 25% for this area.
Federal Rent Benchmarks for Costa Mesa
HUD Fair Market Rents are federal rent benchmarks published annually by HUD. They provide a consistent baseline for comparing rents across areas.
Studio
$2,815
HUD Fair Market Rent
1-Bedroom
$2,885
HUD Fair Market Rent
2-Bedroom
$3,400
HUD Fair Market Rent
3-Bedroom
$4,615
HUD Fair Market Rent
4-Bedroom
$5,510
HUD Fair Market Rent
Source: HUD SAFMR FY2026 · Updated
Zip Codes in Costa Mesa
Click any zip code for detailed rent data including zip-specific SAFMR rates, nearby comparables, and a free rent increase check.
SAFMR rates are zip-specific.
How Does Costa Mesa Compare?
Questions about rent in Costa Mesa
What is the average 1-bedroom rent in Costa Mesa, CA?
The average 1-bedroom fair market rent in Costa Mesa, CA is $2,885/month as of 2026, based on HUD rent data across 2 ZIP codes in the city. This is 141% above the national average of $1,196/month. Rents range from $2,710 to $3,060 depending on ZIP code.
What is a fair rent increase in Costa Mesa?
A rent increase up to about 3.8% is broadly in line with the recent market trend in Costa Mesa. Increases above that level are above trend and should be tested against neighborhood-level pricing and comparable rentals. The current average 1-BR rent is $2,885/month.
Are rents going up or down in Costa Mesa?
Rents in Costa Mesa have increased 3.8% year over year based on local market data. This reflects local market conditions across 2 ZIP codes in the Santa Ana-Anaheim-Irvine, CA HUD Metro FMR Area area.
How much do rents vary across Costa Mesa?
1-bedroom rents across Costa Mesa range from $2,710 to $3,060 on this page, a $350/month spread. This shows that rent can vary materially across ZIP codes within the same city, reflecting neighborhood-level differences in housing stock and demand.
Can my landlord raise my rent in Costa Mesa?
In Costa Mesa, rent increases are regulated under California protections. The maximum increase is generally 5% + local CPI (max 10%). Landlords must also follow applicable state notice requirements before issuing a rent increase.
How much should I spend on rent in Costa Mesa?
The general guideline is to spend no more than 30% of your gross income on rent. With average 1-bedroom rent in Costa Mesa at $2,885/month, a household would need approximately $115,400/year in gross income to afford this comfortably. Many renters in high-cost areas spend above this threshold — our free tool can help you assess whether your specific rent is fair for your ZIP code.
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Renter Tools
Browse Costa Mesa ZIP Codes
See rent data by ZIP code in this city.
Renter Guides
- How to Negotiate a Rent Increase →
A data-driven guide with free email templates for pushing back on your landlord.
- Rent Increase Laws in California →
See notice rules, caps, and tenant protections in California.
- What Should I Pay for Rent? →
How to compare rent prices and know if you're getting a fair deal.
Market data updated monthly from public and third-party sources. Actual rents vary by unit, building, and lease terms. For informational purposes only — not legal or financial advice. See methodology →