How to get started with MySQL on Mac
Post Install Set-up

Have you been through the post installation set up?

In particular, Securing the Initial MySQL Accounts is important because it sets up the default users and passwords.

brew

You may want to try installing MySQL via the homebrew project. With brew installed, you can install MySQL using the command:

brew install mysql


MAMP

Alternatively, MAMP offers an application based edition of MySQL. Launching the application starts a preconfigured copy of MySQL for you – and it includes the web-based myphpadmin.

With regard to your comment wanting a free solution, MAMP is free:


  Similar to a Linux-Distribution, MAMP is a combination of free software and thus it is offered free of charge. MAMP is released under the GNU General Public License and may thereby be distributed freely within the boundaries of this license.