$45 Car Rental East Side Costa Mesa, CA

These East Side Costa Mesa insights are based on real traveler data from Expedia, aggregated using AI to help you plan your trip. Updated: August 16, 2026.

Reasons to book a car rental in and around East Side Costa Mesa

Renting a car in East Side Costa Mesa offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the area at your own pace. With a rental car, you can easily visit nearby attractions such as the Huntington Beach Pier, located 5 miles away, or the Orange County Fair and Events Center, just 2 miles from East Side Costa Mesa. Families can enjoy convenient travel to outdoor experiences at Huntington Beach Beaches, situated 3 miles away. The convenience of a car also allows for easy luggage management, making it ideal for travelers with families or business needs.

Additionally, a rental car makes it simple to explore popular destinations such as Newport Beach, only 2 miles away, featuring the Newport Beach Pier and Crystal Cove Beach. You can also venture to Huntington Beach, 5 miles from East Side Costa Mesa, where attractions like Disneyland® Resort and Main Street await. The city of Costa Mesa, where East Side Costa Mesa is located, offers cultural experiences at the Orange County Museum of Art and events at the Fair and Events Center. Overall, renting a car enhances your travel experience by providing the flexibility to create your own itinerary and explore the area comfortably.

Most popular car rentals around East Side Costa Mesa

• Midsize SUV: Accommodates 5 travelers with up to 3 large suitcases, making it an ideal choice for families, couples, or small groups. This option provides ample space for passengers and luggage, ensuring a comfortable ride while exploring the attractions around East Side Costa Mesa.
• Standard SUV: Accommodates 5 travelers with up to 2 medium suitcases. This vehicle is perfect for couples, families, or groups looking for a blend of comfort and practicality. With its spacious interior, a standard SUV allows you to enjoy your travels with ease while managing your luggage effectively.
• Fullsize: Accommodates 5 travelers with up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases, making it a great option for families or groups. The fullsize car offers generous cargo space and comfort, ensuring that everyone can travel together without compromising on comfort or convenience during your trip in East Side Costa Mesa.

Top rated car suppliers around East Side Costa Mesa

• Alamo Rent A Car: Alamo is a popular choice for travelers seeking a reliable rental experience. With one location situated 3 miles away from East Side Costa Mesa, Alamo is known for its friendly service and short wait times. The overall rating of 7.2 out of 10 reflects its commitment to customer satisfaction. Most travelers prefer renting Midsize SUVs and Premium SUVs from Alamo, making it a great option for those needing comfort and space during their trip.
• Budget: Budget offers excellent car rental options with two locations, the nearest being less than 1 mile away from East Side Costa Mesa. Known for its competitive pricing, Budget is a favorite among travelers looking for value. Midsize SUVs and Standard SUVs are the most booked vehicles with this supplier, catering well to various travel needs. With Budget, you can enjoy the convenience of quick access and a variety of vehicle choices.
• Hertz: Hertz stands out with three rental locations, the closest being 2 miles from East Side Costa Mesa. This supplier is recognized for its extensive fleet, including popular choices like Midsize SUVs and Fullsize vehicles. Hertz maintains a strong reputation for quality service, making it a trusted option for many travelers. Whether you are exploring the local area or heading out on longer journeys, Hertz provides flexibility and reliability.

Where to stay around East Side Costa Mesa

• Newport Beach: Located 2 miles from East Side Costa Mesa, Newport Beach offers a family-friendly and outdoor experience. Travelers can enjoy attractions like the Newport Beach Pier and Crystal Cove Beach, perfect for a beach vacation. The area is also home to shopping centers and various dining options, including restaurants and wineries, making it a great spot for a relaxing stay.
• Huntington Beach: Situated 5 miles away from East Side Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach is renowned for its entertainment and outdoor activities. Visitors can explore the Huntington Beach Pier and the nearby Disneyland® Resort, ideal for family vacations. The area features shopping centers and a vibrant dining scene, ensuring a fun-filled stay for those looking for excitement and leisure.
• Costa Mesa: As the city where East Side Costa Mesa is located, Costa Mesa offers a blend of family-friendly and business-themed experiences. Key attractions include the Orange County Fair and Events Center and the Orange County Museum of Art, providing cultural insights and entertainment. With various shopping centers and dining establishments nearby, Costa Mesa is an excellent choice for travelers seeking both convenience and local flair.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around East Side Costa Mesa

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and specific features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for extra space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilize filters on Expedia to discover the best options for your trip.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates can vary depending on demand, so it's advisable to reserve your vehicle well ahead of your travel date. By booking early, you are more likely to secure lower prices and have a wider selection, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars typically cost less to rent and are easier to maneuver and park in crowded areas. Mid-size vehicles offer a good compromise between affordability, 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 premium models—might not be accessible. Renters over the age of 70 should also be aware of potential restrictions. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is usually the most favorable option. Other policies may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are acceptable as well. Just make sure to return the car with an empty tank in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at an airport often incurs a surcharge, but the convenience might justify the extra cost.
7. Know your payment options: Most car rental companies predominantly accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unforeseen expenses and provide peace of mind in case of unexpected incidents during your trip. It's simple to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan to take long road trips, seek out rentals 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 East Side Costa Mesa

The best value period to rent a car in and around East Side Costa Mesa is January, when prices are slightly low and demand is slightly high. Following this, February and May offer average prices and demand, making them good options as well. However, August tends to be the most expensive month, with slightly high prices and average demand, while July also sees high demand and average pricing. This pattern suggests a busy summer season for rentals.

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	Average	Average
March	59.0°F (15.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Average
April	61.3°F (16.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
May	63.3°F (17.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
June	66.9°F (19.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly Low	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 Low
October	68.9°F (20.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
November	63.7°F (17.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
December	58.3°F (14.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low