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Car rental in Costa Mesa - Search, Compare, and Save

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Pick-up location

Pick-up date

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4.67/5

Based on 1,300+ reviews

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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Costa Mesa

Costa Mesa

Mini

Fiat 500 or similar

4

1

3

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

24

per day

Costa Mesa

Economy

Toyota Yaris or similar

5

2

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

29

per day

Costa Mesa

Compact

Volkswagen Golf or similar

5

3

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

33

per day

Costa Mesa

Intermediate

Skoda Octavia or similar

5

4

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

39

per day

The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.

Why Rent a Car in Costa Mesa?

Costa Mesa is a vibrant city known for its arts, culture, and beautiful beaches. While there are public transportation options, renting a car offers the freedom and flexibility to explore everything this Southern California gem has to offer.

Explore Beaches at Your Pace. With a rental car, you can easily visit Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, and other nearby coastal attractions without waiting for buses or rideshares.

Access Shopping and Dining. Costa Mesa is home to world-class shopping destinations like South Coast Plaza and a diverse culinary scene. A car allows you to conveniently access these attractions.

Visit Nearby Attractions. Easily drive to Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm, or other Southern California hotspots for day trips, offering convenience and comfort.

Rental Terms and Conditions in Costa Mesa

Before renting a car in Costa Mesa, ensure you meet the minimum age, possess a valid driver's license, and understand insurance, deposit, mileage, and fuel policies. Be aware of potential additional fees for extras or young drivers.

Area

16.9 square miles

Population

Approximately 113,000 residents

Time Zone

Pacific Standard Time (PST)

Ideal for

Road trips and city exploration

Rush Hours

Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM

Rating

4.5/5

1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Costa Mesa require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Young driver surcharges may apply for renters under 25.

2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in English. A passport and credit card are typically required.

3. Insurance & DepositsStandard rentals usually include basic insurance. Additional coverage options like collision damage waiver (CDW) are available. A security deposit is held on the renter’s credit card.

4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary; some rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies often require returning the car with a full tank.

5. Additional FeesExtra charges may apply for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional add-ons such as GPS or child seats.

Car Rental Prices in Costa Mesa – How Much Does It Cost?

Estimated Daily Prices

Business:

from £36 / $45 / €42

Electric:

from £16 / $20 / €19

Classic:

from £8 / $10 / €9

Executive:

from £25 / $31 / €30

7 Seater:

from £28 / $35 / €34

Automatic:

from £16 / $20 / €19

SUV:

from £8 / $10 / €10

Seasonal Trends

Peak season (June to August): Higher demand during summer, with prices increasing by 20-30%

Low season (November to February): Discounts often available in the off-season

*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.

How to Book a Car in Costa Mesa?

Compare prices, choose the right car, and review rental terms to avoid surprises. Booking early for the best rates, especially in peak seasons. Don’t forget your license, credit card, and ID when picking up the vehicle.

1. Compare Prices - Use a car rental comparison site to find the best deals based on your travel dates and vehicle preferences.

2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it’s an economy car for city driving or an SUV for exploring nearby areas.

3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid surprises.

4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking early, especially during peak seasons.

5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental.

General Information About Costa Mesa

Costa Mesa is a blend of culture and commerce, ideal for shopping and day trips. Exploring is best done with knowledge of traffic rules, parking, and fuel access.

Costa Mesa is known for its upscale shopping, dining, and cultural attractions. While it has public transport, renting a car is helpful for exploring beyond the city. Driving requires awareness of traffic laws and parking regulations.

Top Attractions to Discover

  • South Coast Plaza

    Luxury shopping destination with high-end retailers and department stores.

  • Segerstrom Center for the Arts

    A premier performing arts complex hosting Broadway shows, concerts, and dance performances.

  • Fairview Park

    Large recreational area with hiking trails, picnic spots, and scenic views.

Where to Find Parking

  • Public Parking Garages

    Utilise parking structures at South Coast Plaza and other shopping centres.

  • On-Street Parking

    Metered parking is available in some areas, but can be limited.

  • Park & Ride

    Consider parking at locations offering easy access to public transport.

Gas Stations in Costa Mesa

  • Major Brands Available

    Find stations like Chevron, Shell, and Arco throughout the city.

  • Easy Access on Major Roads

    Fuel stations are readily accessible on main thoroughfares.

  • Use Navigation Apps

    Apps like Google Maps and Waze help locate nearby stations in real time.

Useful Tips for Visiting Costa Mesa

  • Be Aware of Traffic

    Plan for potential traffic delays, especially during rush hours.

  • Use Navigation Apps

    Rely on apps for real-time traffic and directions.

  • Check Parking Regulations

    Pay attention to parking signs to avoid tickets.

  • Explore Nearby Cities

    Consider day trips to nearby beach cities like Newport Beach and Huntington Beach.

Key Transportation Hubs in Costa Mesa

Major Bus Stations

Costa Mesa Transit Center

Serves as a central hub for local bus routes.

Airports

John Wayne Airport (SNA)

Located a short drive from Costa Mesa, providing domestic and international flights.

What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Costa Mesa?

Renting a car in Costa Mesa is straightforward, but you’ll need to meet a few key requirements before driving.

  • If you're from the United States, your standard licence is sufficient. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).

  • Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with potential extra fees for those under 25.

  • A valid card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit. Some companies prefer credit cards for deposits.

  • A passport or another form of identification may be required for international renters.

Our Content Quality

This content was written

This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.

Every piece of information on this page has gone through our Content Quality Assurance (CQA) process — a multi-step review that includes human editing, localisation accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.

Learn more about our Content Quality Standards

This page was edited by experts

This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.

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Our Customer Reviews

Our clients rate such place as Costa Mesa as

4.2

To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.

Costa Mesa lived up to the hype! So much to see and do. The South Coast Plaza was a bit overwhelming, though.

SM

Sarah Miller

Reviewed: 13.05.2025

Quick weekend trip, car rental made it easy. Costa Mesa was fun, although the airport shuttle was a bit pricey.

EG

Evelyn Garcia

Reviewed: 29.01.2025

Great short trip to see friends! Having a car made getting around Costa Mesa so easy.

CD

Chloe Davis

Reviewed: 25.01.2025

Pretty chill vibe.

LO

Liam O'Connell

Reviewed: 09.06.2025

Exploring Costa Mesa was a breeze! So convenient having a car; loved the easy access to everything.

AJ

Ava Johnson

Reviewed: 18.03.2025

Pretty low-key, tbh

KL

Kai Lee

Reviewed: 25.04.2025

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