$39 Car Rental Costa Mesa, CA

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Costa Mesa

Renting a car in Costa Mesa allows you the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. This is especially beneficial for beachgoers, shopping enthusiasts, and culinary travelers, as you can easily manage your luggage while visiting various attractions without the constraints of public transport. Key destinations such as Huntington Beach Pier, located 5 miles away, and Crystal Cove State Park, just 7 miles from Costa Mesa, can be effortlessly reached with a rental car. Families will find a rental vehicle ideal for keeping everyone together and accommodating strollers or gear. You can also venture to nearby cities like Newport Beach, only 2 miles away, or Irvine, 8 miles away, where you can enjoy additional attractions like the University of California, Irvine and Orange County Great Park. With a rental car, your travel plans remain flexible, allowing you to explore popular spots like Disneyland® Resort in Huntington Beach or enjoy local culinary delights at your leisure. Overall, a rental car enhances your Costa Mesa experience, providing convenience for various traveler types.

Most popular car rentals in Costa Mesa

• Midsize SUV: This car option is perfect for families, couples, or small groups, accommodating up to 5 travelers and 3 large suitcases. The midsize SUV combines comfort with spaciousness, making it ideal for those looking to explore Costa Mesa’s attractions at their own pace. With its extra room for luggage, it simplifies your journey, especially for beachgoers carrying gear or shoppers with bags.
• Economy: A popular choice for solo travelers, couples, and families, the economy car comfortably fits 5 travelers and up to 2 medium suitcases. This option is great for navigating the city while enjoying the freedom to explore. Its compact size allows for easier parking and maneuvering, making it well-suited for city driving in Costa Mesa.
• Fullsize: Ideal for families or larger groups, the fullsize car accommodates up to 5 travelers with the flexibility of holding either 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This makes it a versatile choice for those planning longer trips or needing extra space for luggage. The fullsize option provides a comfortable ride while ensuring you have room for all your travel essentials when exploring Costa Mesa and its surroundings.

Top rated car suppliers in Costa Mesa

• Hertz: Hertz is a well-known car rental supplier with a location in Costa Mesa, making it a convenient choice for travelers. This supplier is particularly popular for its Midsize and Economy vehicles, which are ideal for exploring the city and surrounding areas. Many customers appreciate the ease of the rental process and the quality of the vehicles, ensuring a reliable travel experience.
• Budget: Budget also has a rental location in Costa Mesa, offering an excellent selection of vehicles, especially Midsize SUVs and Economy cars. Travelers often choose Budget for its competitive pricing and flexibility, allowing for a comfortable journey while managing luggage and adjusting plans on the go. Their focus on customer satisfaction makes them a trusted option for many visitors.
• Enterprise: With two rental locations in Costa Mesa, Enterprise is a popular choice among travelers. Known for its Midsize SUVs and Premium SUVs, this supplier provides a variety of options that cater to different needs, whether for family trips or business travel. Customers frequently commend Enterprise for its friendly service and efficient rental process, enhancing the overall travel experience.

Where to go in and around Costa Mesa

• Newport Beach: Located 2 miles away from Costa Mesa, Newport Beach offers a delightful mix of family, outdoor, and city experiences. This coastal city features attractions such as the Newport Beach Pier, perfect for a leisurely stroll, and Crystal Cove Beach, ideal for sunbathing and beach activities. For shoppers, the local shopping centers and malls provide ample opportunities to find unique items. The best times to visit are in April and from June to July, with slightly lower visitor numbers from October to December.
• Irvine: Situated 8 miles from Costa Mesa, Irvine is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and modern amenities. Key attractions include the University of California, Irvine, which offers a beautiful campus to explore, and the Orange County Great Park, perfect for outdoor activities. Visitors can also enjoy eco-friendly experiences at Tanaka Farms. Peak visitor months are March to April and July, while numbers dip in October to December, making it a great spot for a city vacation year-round.
• Huntington Beach: Just 5 miles from Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach is famous for its vibrant outdoor and entertainment options. Highlights include the Huntington Beach Pier, a popular spot for both locals and tourists, and the Disneyland® Resort, which promises a magical experience for families. Main Street is bustling with shops and eateries, perfect for a day out. The best months to visit are April and from June to July, with moderate declines in visitors from October to December.

10 tips to save on your Costa Mesa car hire

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and specific features. Whether you’re looking for an SUV to accommodate extra passengers, a convertible for summer fun, or an economy car to save on costs, filters on Expedia can assist you in finding the ideal match for your trip.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices vary based on demand, so it's advisable to secure your vehicle well ahead of your travel dates. By booking early, you’re likely to lock in lower rates and enjoy a wider selection, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are typically more affordable to rent and easier to maneuver in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between price, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be available. This policy can also apply to renters over 70 years of age. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most favorable option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fuel choices, which are also acceptable—just ensure you return the car empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the convenience may make it worthwhile.
7. Know your payment options: Most car rental companies primarily accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind if something unforeseen occurs during your trip. Adding car rental insurance is straightforward when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan to take long road trips, look for rental options that offer unlimited mileage to prevent extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Costa Mesa

The best value period to rent a car in Costa Mesa is January and February, when prices are slightly low and demand is slightly high. Following these months, April and May offer slightly low demand with average pricing, making them good shoulder periods for renting. However, September stands out as the most expensive month, with slightly high prices and low demand. July also sees high demand and average pricing, indicating a busier rental period.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	58.3°F (14.6°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly Low
February	57.9°F (14.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly Low
March	59.0°F (15.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
April	61.3°F (16.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
May	63.3°F (17.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
June	66.9°F (19.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
July	71.1°F (21.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Average
August	72.5°F (22.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
September	72.5°F (22.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly High
October	68.9°F (20.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
November	63.7°F (17.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
December	58.3°F (14.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Costa Mesa

Using our Search Wizard

If the deals that are available on our page do not suit your needs, then enter Costa Mesa into the search wizard at the top of the page. We will compare all the best deals available for your car rental in Costa Mesa and provide you with a list of the cheapest options, with no added fees.

Renting a car in Costa Mesa

Pay at pickup is available, so you don’t have to worry about spending your money until you arrive at your vehicle in Costa Mesa. We partner with reliable partners that guarantee an enjoyable experience for solo travelers, couples, and families. Package your car with a flight or hotel to unlock even more savings from Expedia.

Expected prices in Costa Mesa

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $39.

Flexibility & Cancellation

Most car suppliers offer penalty-free cancellations, so you don’t have to worry about losing money if your plans change. To cancel your booking log into your account through the Trips portal. Click manage booking and cancel this car. If you needed to alter your booking, then you can create a new one once you have canceled.

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Car classes available from Expedia in 2026

The classes of vehicles available will change depending on your chosen location.

• Compact car rentals    
• Convertible car rentals    
• Economy car rentals    
• Fullsize car rentals    
• Luxury car rentals
• Midsize car rentals    
• Mini car rentals    
• Minivan rentals    
• Pickup car rentals    
• Premium car rentals
• Sportscar rentals    
• Standard car rentals    
• SUV rentals    
• Van rentals