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Costa Mesa car rentals from $27/day

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 11/6 and drop-off date of 11/13. 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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Cheap car rentals in Costa Mesa

Discover the best prices and deals for you by selecting your travel dates.
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Chevrolet Spark car
Chevrolet Spark
or similar SMALL
2
2
4-5
$27/day
Nissan Versa Note car
Nissan Versa Note
or similar SMALL
4
2
4-5
$29/day
Class Intermediate Car car
Class Intermediate Car
or similar MEDIUM
5
3
4-5
$29/day
Chevrolet Cruze car
Chevrolet Cruze
or similar MEDIUM
5
3
4-5
$32/day
Chevrolet Malibu car
Chevrolet Malibu
or similar LARGE
5
2
4-5
$32/day
Kia Sedona car
Kia Sedona
or similar VAN
5
5
4-5
$53/day
Chevrolet Silverado car
Chevrolet Silverado
or similar PICKUPTRUCK
5
3
2/4
$46/day
Class Special Car car
Class Special Car
or similar Category
5
5
2/4
$28/day
Jeep Compass car
Jeep Compass
or similar SUV
4
2
4-5
$32/day
Ford Escape car
Ford Escape
or similar SUV
5
3
4-5
$36/day
Chevrolet Equinox car
Chevrolet Equinox
or similar SUV
5
3
4-5
$37/day
Best rates found by KAYAK users in the past 48 hours.

KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in Costa Mesa

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 25% of our users found rental cars in Costa Mesa for $39 or less
  • Book your rental car in Costa Mesa at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
  • Standard rental cars in Costa Mesa are around 30% more expensive 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 $51 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 $34.

  • What is the cheapest car rental company in Costa Mesa?

    In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at Thrifty ($27/day), Dollar ($29/day) and Hertz ($29/day). In the last 72 hours the cheapest rental car price was found at Thrifty 2706 Harbor Blvd 92626-5162 (2 miles from city center).

  • How much is gas price in Costa Mesa?

    The average gas price in Costa Mesa is $3.70 per gallon over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between $44 and $59, depending on the car size.

  • What is the most popular rental car in Costa Mesa?

    Standard (Ford Mustang Convertible or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Costa Mesa.

  • Which car rental companies are at Los Angeles airport (LAX)?

    Car rental companies onsite at Los Angeles airport include Hertz, Fox, Midway, Ace, Sixt, Budget, U-Save, Thrifty, Priceless and NU Car.

  • Which car rental companies will pick you up at Los Angeles airport (LAX)?

    Car rental companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from Los Angeles airport to off-airport locations include Hertz, Midway, Sixt, Budget, U-Save, Thrifty, Priceless, NU Car, Dollar, and Enterprise Rent-A-Car.

  • How can I find car rentals near me in Costa Mesa?

    Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.

  • How much does a Standard car rental cost in Costa Mesa?

    A Standard car rental in Costa Mesa costs $98 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Compact car rental cost in Costa Mesa?

    A Compact car rental in Costa Mesa costs $84 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Special car rental cost in Costa Mesa?

    A Special car rental in Costa Mesa costs $49 per day, on average.

  • How much does it cost to rent a car for a week in Costa Mesa?

    On average a rental car in Costa Mesa costs $354 per week ($51 per day).

  • How much does it cost to rent a car long term for a month in Costa Mesa?

    On average a rental car in Costa Mesa costs $1,519 per month ($51 per day).

  • 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 15 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.

Costa Mesa car rental reviews and directory 
All ratings and reviews are collected from KAYAK users with a verified car rental booking. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.

Fox

Best rated

Cleanliness

5.9

Comfort

6.2

Pick-up/Drop-off

5.6

Value for money

6.1

One location in Costa Mesa

Show locations

Locations in Costa Mesa

325 E Baker Street

+1 714 874 5322

Monday06:00 - 23:30
Tuesday06:00 - 23:30
Wednesday06:00 - 23:30
Thursday06:00 - 23:30
Friday06:00 - 23:30
Saturday06:00 - 23:30
Sunday06:00 - 23:30

Filters

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

8.0 Very good

Anonymous, Mar 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

The staff outside in the lot was very helpful and friendly.

Cons:

Car could have been a bit cleaner

8.0 Very good

Anonymous, Mar 2021

KAYAK

Cons:

Check in was a little long due to no other representatives being on desk.

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Mar 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Very bad customer service only 3-4 people are working inside and outside long wait my car was not ready on time

Cons:

Customer service

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Mar 2021

KAYAK

Cons:

Waited well over an hour for the car to get cleaned before I picked it up, making me very late for a couple meetings. The checkout counter was also incredibly slow, with no urgency shown by the staff.

8.0 Very good

Anonymous, Mar 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Car was excellent and a very good value.

Cons:

Pick-up and drop off were slow and drawn out. Stood by for 15 minutes waiting to check out while one agent worked and two others walked in and out without a word. Finally someone noticed me standing there and said someone would soon help me. Another 5 mintes with no attention!

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Feb 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Nothing.

Cons:

They canceled my rental AFTER i called them and emailed them that i was arriving late due to flight cancellations and wearher. When i arrived the next morning the counter guy said my trip was canceled and theres nothing i can do about it. I want a refund.

1 out of 42

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

8.9

Cleanliness

8.7

Comfort

9.2

Pick-up/Drop-off

9.5

Value for money

8.7

2 locations in Costa Mesa

Show locations

Locations in Costa Mesa

2036 Harbor Blvd

+1 949 515 7624

Monday07:30 - 17:30
Tuesday07:30 - 17:30
Wednesday07:30 - 17:30
Thursday07:30 - 17:30
Friday07:30 - 17:30
Saturday09:00 - 13:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

2855 Harbor Blvd

+1 714 556 3800

Monday08:00 - 17:30
Tuesday08:00 - 17:30
Wednesday08:00 - 17:30
Thursday08:00 - 17:30
Friday08:00 - 17:30
Saturday00:00 - 00:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

Filters

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Angel, Oct 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Everything was easy

Cons:

Everything was perfect!

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Feb 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

The staff were amazing, both the representatives i dealt with were super professional, friendly and went above and beyond to make me satisfied

4.0 Mediocre

Anonymous, Apr 2023

Pickup truck

KAYAK
Really neede a Full size pickup for weekend,,ended up with little mini

8.0 Very good

Rebekah, Aug 2022

KAYAK
Constantine was very professional and provided outstanding service.

10.0 Wonderful

Otto, Jan 2022

KAYAK
Staff meme bets were very accommodating and got us on our way in no time.

1 out of 2

Budget

Cleanliness

7.2

Comfort

7.2

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.5

Value for money

6.2

One location in Costa Mesa

Show locations

Locations in Costa Mesa

1989 Harbor Blvd

+1 714 557 0532

Monday08:00 - 17:30
Tuesday08:00 - 17:30
Wednesday08:00 - 17:30
Thursday08:00 - 17:30
Friday08:00 - 17:30
Saturday09:00 - 13:00
Sunday09:00 - 13:00

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

عليرضا, Nov 2023

Compact

KAYAK
Staff have been awesome

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Oct 2023

Pickup truck

KAYAK
👎

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Oct 2023

Compact

KAYAK
I loved the car Location not to convieniant

10.0 Wonderful

عليرضا, Oct 2023

Compact

KAYAK
Staff were amazing, But the office was hole in the wall

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Oct 2022

KAYAK
They allowed the booking but had no cars, leaving me stranded.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Dec 2022

KAYAK
Easy, quick in and out process. Staff was friendly and efficient.

1 out of 2

Avis

Cleanliness

6.8

Comfort

6.8

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.8

Value for money

6.8

One location in Costa Mesa

Show locations

Locations in Costa Mesa

1989 Harbor Blvd

+1 949 200 6425

Monday08:00 - 17:30
Tuesday08:00 - 17:30
Wednesday08:00 - 17:30
Thursday08:00 - 17:30
Friday08:00 - 17:30
Saturday09:00 - 13:00
Sunday09:00 - 13:00

Filters

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

2.0 Poor

Nima, Sep 2020

KAYAK

Cons:

They could have a car! They said there’s no car. Messed up a job interview.

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Jan 2022

KAYAK
They randomly charged my credit card today for $40. Months after my rental

1 out of 1

Hertz

Most popular

Cleanliness

5.4

Comfort

5.2

Pick-up/Drop-off

4.4

Value for money

4.9

3 locations in Costa Mesa

Show locations

Locations in Costa Mesa

2706 Harbor Blvd

+1 714 556 4473

Monday08:00 - 17:30
Tuesday08:00 - 17:30
Wednesday08:00 - 17:30
Thursday08:00 - 17:30
Friday08:00 - 17:30
Saturday09:00 - 13:00

3130 Harbor Boulevard

+1 714 434 3721

Monday08:00 - 17:30
Tuesday08:00 - 17:30
Wednesday08:00 - 17:30
Thursday08:00 - 17:30
Friday08:00 - 17:30
Saturday09:00 - 13:00
Sunday10:00 - 18:00

3130 Harobur Blvd

+1 800 654 3131

Monday09:00 - 13:00
Tuesday09:00 - 13:00
Wednesday09:00 - 13:00
Thursday09:00 - 13:00
Friday09:00 - 13:00

Filters

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

2.0 Poor

Andrew, Dec 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

They lied and said they had the car there, but they had no car available at the pick up time and place. The manager lied and said he called me but phones records show this man was just lying.

Cons:

Every possible thing could have been better.

4.8 Mediocre

Anonymous, Sep 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

They provided the incorrect address on the confirmation, they never have staff to come and pick you up or drop you You off after dropping off the car. When I called and told them that the address provided is incorrect and my Uber driver had to drop me off else where they didn’t even bother trying to help me, I had to pay for two Uber meanwhile I live bout 3miles away but they just kept saying they don’t have drivers.

Cons:

Get more staff that works during operations hours and not after 1pm. Not sure how you can run a business like that.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Jul 2022

KAYAK
This was in fact, a "non rental" situation. A last minute meeting was scheduled in San Diego, I don't own a car with more than two seat belts, so called over to Hertz for a reservation. The next morning, the scheduled meeting was cancelled, there was no need for the rental car. I call over to Hertz, spoke with a well versed representative, the transaction was cancelled without an issue. This was service beyond expectation and greatly appreciated. Thanks, Hertz!

1.9 Poor

Anonymous, Jul 2021

KAYAK
Hertz called me to unilaterally cancel my prepaid reservation 24 hours before my vehicle pickup . With no car, hertz told me they can not provide a refund because it is a kayak reservation. There is no way to contact kayak customer service other than email, to which kayak has yet to respond 7 days after I emailed. Family vacation ruined. I have yet to hear back from either kayak or hertz. If your family is important, avoid kayak and hertz. Dehumanizing to be treated so poorly.

1.9 Poor

Anonymous, Jul 2021

KAYAK
It has been an unpleasant and very regrettable experience. On July 15 we rented and pay for a Van for July 17. We received the confirmation number J82440815F2. On the 17th they called in the morning to inform us that they were oversold, that they did not have cars, that they were completely sold out. We asked them to send us an email explaining this situation in writing and they replied that the system did not allow them. We requested our refund and they gave us a different phone number to request it. In that number they informed us that it took 10 days for the refund. It is a shame. Both Hertz and Kayak have acted very badly.

1 out of 2

Europcar

6.0

Okay

Cleanliness

6.5

Comfort

7.5

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.5

Value for money

6.5

One location in Costa Mesa

Show locations

Locations in Costa Mesa

Please Go To Fox Counter

+1 714 874 5322

Monday07:00 - 21:00
Tuesday07:00 - 21:00
Wednesday07:00 - 21:00
Thursday07:00 - 21:00
Friday07:00 - 21:00
Saturday07:00 - 21:00
Sunday07:00 - 21:00

Filters

No reviews available

Silvercar

9.7

Wonderful

One location in Costa Mesa

Locations in Costa Mesa

1275 Bristol St

+1 855 359 2227

Monday08:00 - 17:30
Tuesday08:00 - 17:30
Wednesday08:00 - 17:30
Thursday08:00 - 17:30
Friday08:00 - 17:30
Saturday08:00 - 17:30
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

Filters

No reviews available

Dollar

5.8

Fair

One location in Costa Mesa

from$34/day

Locations in Costa Mesa

2706 Harbor Blvd

+1 714 556 4473

Monday08:00 - 17:30
Tuesday08:00 - 17:30
Wednesday08:00 - 17:30
Thursday08:00 - 17:30
Friday08:00 - 17:30
Saturday09:00 - 13:00

Filters

No reviews available

Thrifty

5.8

Fair

Cheapest deal

One location in Costa Mesa

from$25/day

Locations in Costa Mesa

2706 Harbor Blvd

+1 714 556 4473

Monday08:00 - 17:30
Tuesday08:00 - 17:30
Wednesday08:00 - 17:30
Thursday08:00 - 17:30
Friday08:00 - 17:30
Saturday09:00 - 13:00

Filters

No reviews available

Payless

5.1

Fair

One location in Costa Mesa

Locations in Costa Mesa

325 East Baker Street

+1 310 645 2100

Monday05:00 - 22:30
Tuesday05:00 - 22:30
Wednesday05:00 - 22:30
Thursday05:00 - 22:30
Friday05:00 - 22:30
Saturday05:00 - 22:30
Sunday05:00 - 22:30

Filters

No reviews available

Airport Van

4.7

Mediocre

2 locations in Costa Mesa

Locations in Costa Mesa

2073 Harbor Blvd

+1 949 485 4747

Opening times not available

2115 Newport Boulevard

+1 213 784 8585

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Advance Van Rental

No score available yet

One location in Costa Mesa

Locations in Costa Mesa

2115 Newport Boulevard

+1 213 784 8585

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

American Eagle

No score available yet

One location in Costa Mesa

Locations in Costa Mesa

Lobby Of Travelodge Hotel

(714) 432-1313

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Goldcar Rental SP

No score available yet

One location in Costa Mesa

Locations in Costa Mesa

325 Baker Street E Off Airport Costa Mesa Ca

+1 714 874 5322

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Rhodium

No score available yet

One location in Costa Mesa

Locations in Costa Mesa

Orange County Airport. Off-airport. 325 E Baker Street

+1 714 874 5322

Monday05:00 - 22:30
Tuesday05:00 - 22:30
Wednesday05:00 - 22:30
Thursday05:00 - 22:30
Friday05:00 - 22:30
Saturday05:00 - 22:30
Sunday05:00 - 22:30

Filters

No reviews available

192 travelers who rented a car in Costa Mesa gave the car agency they used an average rating of 5.6

Car rental locations in or near Costa Mesa

Good to know

Most popular agency

Turo

Most popular car type

Standard

Average price

$51/day

Good deal

$39/day

When to book a rental car in Costa Mesa

Average daily price per month
Rental car prices as pick-up date approaches

Everything you need to know for your car rental in Costa Mesa

Costa Mesa car rental information

Pick-up locationCosta Mesa
Car typesCompact, Compact SUV, Economy, Full-size, Intermediate, Intermediate SUV, Minivan, Pickup truck, Standard, Standard SUV, Supplier choice
Rental locations19
Airport locations8
Popular agenciesThrifty, Dollar, Hertz, Getaround, Turo