This price is the cheapest per day rate found by a KAYAK user in the last 48 hours by searching for a car rental in Costa Mesa with a pick-up date of 8/21 and drop-off date of 8/28. Fares are subject to change and may not be available at all agencies or on all dates of rental. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
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KAYAK’s insights & trends for Costa Mesa car rentals
Check out the latest trends and booking tips to rent a car in Costa Mesa with confidence.
How far in advance should you book a rental car in Costa Mesa?
You should book your rental car in Costa Mesa around 48 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.
What is the cheapest car rental company in Costa Mesa?
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at Budget ($23.64/day), Dollar ($24.86/day) and Hertz ($25.27/day). The cheapest rental car price was found at Budget, 1989 Harbor Blvd (0.4 mi from city center).
What is the most popular rental car in Costa Mesa?
Rentals in the Medium category (Ford Edge or similar) are the most popular option in Costa Mesa, costing $43/day on average. Some users have found deals as low as $27/day.
What is the cheapest month to rent a car in Costa Mesa?
The cheapest month to rent a car in Costa Mesa is September at an average cost of $36/day. March is the most expensive month to rent a car in Costa Mesa when prices are $52/day on average, which tends to be 18% above the yearly average rental price for Costa Mesa.
Costa Mesa car rental price comparison by vehicle type
Find the right rental car in Costa Mesa by comparing prices across vehicle types.
Small
Medium
Large
SUV
Van
Pickup truck
Luxury
Convertible
Small cars
$27 - $47
All Car Types
$53 - $65
How much does it cost to rent a small car in Costa Mesa?
How much does it cost to rent a medium car in Costa Mesa?
How much does it cost to rent a large car in Costa Mesa?
How much does it cost to rent an SUV in Costa Mesa?
How much does it cost to rent a van in Costa Mesa?
How much does it cost to rent a pickup truck in Costa Mesa?
How much does it cost to rent a luxury car in Costa Mesa?
How much does it cost to rent a convertible in Costa Mesa?
Small car rentals in Costa Mesa typically cost around $34 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average $27 per day which is about 21% less than the yearly average. Small cars are usually 43% cheaper than the average rental in Costa Mesa, making them ideal for budget-conscious travelers.
Medium car rentals in Costa Mesa typically cost around $46 per day. The best time to book is April, when prices average $33 per day which is about 29% less than the yearly average. Medium cars are usually 23% cheaper than the average rental in Costa Mesa, offering a good balance of space and value.
Large car rentals in Costa Mesa typically cost around $52 per day. The best time to book is April, when prices average $37 per day which is about 29% less than the yearly average. Large cars can be 12% cheaper than the average rental in Costa Mesa, offering more comfort for longer trips at a valuable price.
SUV rentals in Costa Mesa typically cost around $63 per day. The best time to book is November, when prices average $49 per day which is about 23% less than the yearly average. SUVs are typically 7% more expensive than the average rental in Costa Mesa, but provide extra space and capability for groups or road trips.
Van rentals in Costa Mesa typically cost around $94 per day. The best time to book is November, when prices average $49 per day which is about 48% less than the yearly average. Vans are typically 38% more expensive than the average rental in Costa Mesa, but are the best choice for families or groups needing maximum passenger capacity.
Pickup truck rentals in Costa Mesa typically cost around $64 per day. The best time to book is February, when prices average $49 per day which is about 24% less than the yearly average. Pickup trucks are typically 8% more expensive than the average rental in Costa Mesa, ideal for hauling gear or outdoor adventures.
Luxury car rentals in Costa Mesa typically cost around $74 per day. The best time to book is August, when prices average $44 per day which is about 41% less than the yearly average. Luxury cars are typically 21% more expensive than the average rental in Costa Mesa, but deliver premium comfort and style for special occasions.
Convertible rentals in Costa Mesa typically cost around $84 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average $56 per day which is about 34% less than the yearly average. Convertibles are typically 30% more expensive than the average rental in Costa Mesa, perfect for scenic drives and warm-weather destinations.
Good to know
Most popular agency
Most popular car type
Average price
Good deal
Turo
Medium
$44/day
$32/day
KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in Costa Mesa
You’ll want to consider a car rental in Costa Mesa to check out all that Orange County has to offer, as nearly all travel in Southern California is done by car. You can spend time in Newport Beach, walking around the harbor or lazing on the beach. Be sure to check out the first permanent settlement in the area at the Mission San Juan Capistrano, a little over a 20min drive away. Maybe Disneyland is on your agenda, and with your car rental, you’ll be just a 15min drive away. Take a drive up the coast along Highway 1 to Seal Beach in Long Beach or continue even further north to the epic Manhattan Beach boardwalk, just south of sunny Los Angeles. No matter what you want to do and see while you’re in Costa Mesa, your own set of wheels with your car rental in Costa Mesa will give you all the freedom and comfort you need.
There are plenty of airport options to get to Costa Mesa. The closest is the Santa Ana Airport which is a mere 4 miles away. If you’re flying into the Santa Ana Airport, there are a number of car rental companies that have on-site car rental services directly at the airport terminal, just outside baggage claim.
The main roadways in Costa Mesa include the I-5 and the scenic coastal route known as Highway 101. Two state routes, 73 and 55 also end in Costa Mesa, and the San Diego Freeway, I-405 also serves the city. Pedestrians and cyclists are not common in Costa Mesa, with the only exception being around Highway 101 which has some tourist shops and beach access. Drive more carefully around this highway as you may be sharing the road with cyclists or have a pedestrian suddenly cross the street without expecting it.
Traffic is notoriously congested during rush hour throughout this stretch of Southern California. If you’re heading north towards Los Angeles, expect the I-405 and the I-5 to be backed up starting from 7am until 9am. Heading south along those same freeways, it starts to get congested around 8am until 9am during the week and then again at 4pm to 6:30pm. During the weekend, heading south, especially during the summer, expect traffic to be heavy from 11am to 3:00pm.
Picking up a cheap rental car in Costa Mesa will help you tour around comfortably at your own pace and in an affordable way. Visit several attractions in the surrounding areas at your pleasure and even go for different road trips and view what Costa Mesa has to offer in less than an hour.
You can start your expeditions any minute once you get to John Wayne Airport (JWA), which lies 4 minutes away from the city center. The airport is the perfect area to pick up a cheap car rental in Costa Mesa. It has several car rental businesses that have cars that best fit your budget and needs. The agencies have help desks directly at the airport terminal just outside baggage claim.
Driving in Costa Mesa can be hectic due to a lot of traffic on the streets. There can be congestion during rush hour. Be aware of heavy traffic during summer time and weekends. Orange County has given permits to the bus services and shuttle services of Costa Mesa to get around the city. The morning and evening hours can be hectic due to rush hour traffic. Drive carefully while driving Costa Mesa cheap car rental, double checking for cyclists and pedestrians and observing traffic rules.
25% of our users found rental cars in Costa Mesa for $32 or less
Medium rental cars in Costa Mesa are around 43% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about renting a car in Costa Mesa
What type of car is recommended for driving in Costa Mesa?
Since you will probably be doing a lot of freeway driving in Costa Mesa, we recommend you check out a compact or standard SUV for comfort and safety. It will also give you plenty of space to lug around your gear from beach to beach and maybe even try renting a surfboard if you’ve always dreamed about trying a new sport.
What’s the speed limit in Costa Mesa?
The maximum speed limit when driving on highways in California is usually 65mph. The maximum speed limit goes down to 55mph on two-lane highways. Within the city limits of Costa Mesa, particularly in residential areas and around schools, the speed limits drop to 25-35mph.
Where are the best places to park in Costa Mesa?
Parking is free and usually plentiful around Costa Mesa. The one exception would be along Highway 101 which might be more difficult, especially on the weekends and some posted areas which only permit one or 2h parking. There is a parking garage along the Main Street Promenade if you need long-term parking.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Costa Mesa?
On average a rental car in Costa Mesa costs $44 per day. But prices differ between operators and you can save money through a price comparison of car rental deals from different agencies. The cheapest price for a car rental in Costa Mesa found in the last 2 weeks is $37.
Which car rental companies are at Los Angeles airport (LAX)?
How much does a Medium car rental cost in Costa Mesa?
A Medium car rental in Costa Mesa costs $30 per day, on average.
How much does a Luxury car rental cost in Costa Mesa?
A Luxury car rental in Costa Mesa costs $84 per day, on average.
How much does a Large car rental cost in Costa Mesa?
A Large car rental in Costa Mesa costs $128 per day, on average.
Should I get insurance when renting a car in Costa Mesa?
Most car rental providers in Costa Mesa offer insurance but the level of protection can differ substantially. If you're unsure whether to get extra protection for your car rental in Costa Mesa, check out KAYAK's car rental insurance guide.
How many car agencies are operating in Costa Mesa?
KAYAK has deals for you to compare from 14 car rental agencies in Costa Mesa.
What do I need to know before booking a car rental in Costa Mesa?
Finding the right price, understanding the add-ons and staying up to date with policy changes can be a challenge. That’s why KAYAK has produced the ultimate guide to renting a car to help you cut though the jargon and make the right choice for your rental car. Find tips and insights for how to book your rental, what car rental insurance you’ll need, how to deal with a car rental agency and what extra fees to expect (and avoid!).
Why should I use KAYAK to rent a car in Costa Mesa?
KAYAK searches thousands of car rental agencies to provide you with offers from all car rental agencies operating in Costa Mesa so that you can compare car rental rates, reviews and pick-up and drop-off locations to find the best deal for you.
What are the child seat laws in Costa Mesa?
Kids under the age of 8 need to be in a car seat in the back seat and should be protected by a seat belt. Children under two years old sit in a rear-facing car seat until they weigh 40 pounds or more. A child under the age of six years old who weighs less than 60 pounds cannot be allowed to sit in the front.
What road trips can I take from Costa Mesa?
You can set off to Berry Farm, about 21 miles from Costa Mesa which will take about 20 minutes. Here you can see the strawberries and sunflower farm and also have a lot of fun with activities for your kids. Take 45 minutes to drive to Los Angeles about 35 miles away and visit Universal Studios Hollywood and get to see a real-life working movie studio. You can also take a drive to San Diego City, about 80 miles away which will take about an hour and a half. The city boasts the most famous parks, zoos, museums, beaches, natural reserves, and many other attractions in southern California.
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