Cheap Apartments for Rent in Council Bluffs, IA from $400 (144 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Council Bluffs.

What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much

Learn the official definition (spending 30% or more of your gross income on housing) and how to calculate your exact rent-to-income ratio. This guide offers expert tips on factoring in total housing costs (including utilities and fees) and budgeting accurately to avoid unnecessary financial strain.

Your Guide to Co-Signers: The Risks, Rewards, and Everything in Between

Thinking about getting a co-signer for your rental application? We break down what a co-signer is, the potential benefits, and the serious risks for both parties. Find out if it's the right choice for you.

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2511 3rd Ave
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

2511 3rd Ave

2511 3rd AveCouncil Bluffs, IA 51501
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Benton Arms
1 Bedroom Apartments

Benton Arms

101 Benton StCouncil Bluffs, IA 51503
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Oakland Apartments
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

Oakland Apartments

255 Oakland AveCouncil Bluffs, IA 51503
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Salisbury Court
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Salisbury Court

1831 Nash BlvdCouncil Bluffs, IA 51501
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Bennett Building
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Bennett Building

405 W BroadwayCouncil Bluffs, IA 51503
Senior Living
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Greenbriar Apartments
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Greenbriar Apartments

1401 Franklin AveCouncil Bluffs, IA 51503
Senior Living
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The Heights
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

The Heights

649 Parkwild DrCouncil Bluffs, IA 51503
  • Utilities Included

Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls

When searching for a roommate, follow this list of essential steps and set clear expectations to create a solid foundation for a harmonious living situation.

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Beacon Place
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Beacon Place

2400 S 19th StCouncil Bluffs, IA 51501
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Northgate Apartments
1 to 4 Bedroom Apartments

Northgate Apartments

1222 N 31st StCouncil Bluffs, IA 51501
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3633 Avenue A
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

3633 Avenue A

3633 Avenue ACouncil Bluffs, IA 51501
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The Sawyer
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

The Sawyer

125 W BroadwayCouncil Bluffs, IA 51503
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The Rise
1 Bedroom Apartments

The Rise

103 W BroadwayCouncil Bluffs, IA 51503
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Parkwild Apartments
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Parkwild Apartments

1801 Parkwild DrCouncil Bluffs, IA 51501
  • Utilities Included

The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour

Touring a rental? This guide helps you know exactly what to look for, from safety features to hidden flaws, so you can confidently sign your lease or keep searching.

Smart Renter's Guide: Calculating Affordable Rent & Housing Costs

Wondering how to determine your rental budget? This comprehensive guide covers everything from the 30% rule to hidden fees and effective budgeting strategies.

Council Bluffs, IA Local Guide

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Local Guide Expert

Cheapest Available Council Bluffs Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in Council Bluffs, IA is a 1 Bed unit found at Chester Manor in the Southeast Omaha neighborhood priced from $645. The Avenue apartments in the Old Market neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $715. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Council Bluffs apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Chester Manor1 Beds, 1 Baths1BR,1BA$645
The Avenue apartmentsMidsize 1 Bedroom w/ Carpet1BR,1BA$715
Westbrook Tower1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$769
Westwood Apartments2 BD2BR,1BA$785
Arbor Manor Apartments1 Bed 1 Bath1BR,1BA$825
Chateau Bellevue1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$825
Drake Court and Liberty Lofts apartments! Enjoy downtown living at its best.1 Bedroom Remodeled1BR,1BA$825
Britain TowneStudio - LargeStudio,1BA$850
The Flats on HowardBartlett StudioStudio,1BA$850
Maple SecondOne Bed/One Bath | 1-11BR,1BA$875

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Council Bluffs, IA

As of May 07, 2026 the best value apartment in the Council Bluffs area is the $1.13 price per square foot 2 Bedroom Model at Foundry Lofts in the in the Old Market neighborhood starting from $2,250. The second greatest value Council Bluffs apartment is the 3X2 Garden Model at Hidden Bluffs Apartments starting at $1,395 with a $1.14 price per square foot . Here is today’s list of the best values for Council Bluffs apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Foundry Lofts2 Bedroom2BR,2.5BA$1.13
Hidden Bluffs Apartments3X2 Garden3BR,2BA$1.14
RiverEastThree Bedroom3BR,2BA$1.10
Westwood Apartments2 BD2BR,1BA$0.75
The BluffsTownhome2BR,1.5BA$1.12
Cottonwood Apartments2X1B2BR,1BA$1.13
Chateau Bellevue2 Bedroom2BR,1.5BA$1.15
Fontenelle Hills1 Bed 1 Bath1BR,1BA$1.24
Rosewater Apartments1 Bed 1 Bath1BR,1BA$1.20
Westbrook Tower1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$1.18

A Seasoned Property Manager's Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Deposit Back

Learn the property manager's true secrets to a zero-deduction move-out. Use this step-by-step guide on documentation, cleaning, and lease-reading to reclaim your security deposit.

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10 Hidden Costs of Renting You Should Budget for Before Signing a Lease

Avoid financial stress when renting. Learn about the 10 most common hidden costs—from pet fees to utilities—you must budget for before you sign a lease.

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Don't Settle: How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

Discover the insider tips from an attorney and real estate agent on how to negotiate your next apartment lease. Find out what's on the table and what's not, so you can save money and get the best terms possible.

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The Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro

Moving is tough, especially long-distance. Learn how to minimize stress & expenses with proven strategies from a real estate pro, covering everything from logistics to finances.

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Cash or credit? Understanding the Importance of Credit Score in Real Estate and Renting

Discover how your credit score impacts your ability to lease or buy a home. Learn how credit scores are determined, how to check yours, and strategies to improve it for real estate success.

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How much rent can you afford?

The common "Rule of Thumb" is that rent should be no more than 30% of your income. How much is that? Enter your monthly income and click "Calculate My Budget" to find out.

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Council Bluffs Overview

Are you thinking about moving to an apartment in Council Bluffs, Iowa? Maybe you're single, searching for a comfortable studio apartment. Living in an apartment in Council Bluffs puts you in the center of the activity downtown. Couples and families will find affordable apartments with plenty of space as well. From Tipi camping at Walking Stick Adventures Farm to a visit to the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, or wine tasting in Arden Creek, Council Bluffs offers plenty to do for everyone. The city sits on the east bank of the Missouri River, across from the city of Omaha, Nebraska. Between the two towns, the Omaha metropolitan region, totals over 900,000, making it the 59th largest metro area in the United States,

Why live in Council Bluffs, IA?

There's family fun, outdoor adventures, arts and culture, great food, and more to enjoy in Council Bluffs. Not only that, but mid-America offers some of the most affordable rents in the country. And the Council Bluffs Community School District offers students and parents opportunities to get involved. Additionally, College students from Iowa Western Community College will find affordable apartments in Council Bluffs to rent as an option to dorm living.

Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:
Location, Location, Location!

Explore Council Bluffs, IA Rentals by Map

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Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Council Bluffs Apartments

What is the Cheapest Studio apartment in Council Bluffs?

Currently the most affordable Cheap Studio Apartment in Council Bluffs is at The Flats on Howard listed at $850.

How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom Council Bluffs Apartment?

The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom Council Bluffs Apartment is $645 at Chester Manor.

What is the lowest price for a Cheap Two Bedroom Council Bluffs Apartment for rent?

Today's best deal for a Cheap Two Bedroom Apartment in Council Bluffs is starting from $785 at Westwood Apartments.

What is the most affordable Council Bluffs Three Bedroom Apartment?

The best deal on a cheap Council Bluffs Three Bedroom Apartment rental is at Featherstone Apartments and starts from $1,200.

Expert Rental Resources

The rental experts at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provide you with top advice, tools, and tips for understanding the leasing process and finding the perfect rental. Here are a few helpful rental and leasing articles from our experts to guide you on your search.

Articles, How-To's, and Tips

decorative image for Exploring Omaha’s Best Affordable Neighborhoods: Finding Your Perfect Fit in the Heart of the Midwest article

Exploring Omaha’s Best Affordable Neighborhoods: Finding Your Perfect Fit in the Heart of the Midwest

Written by: Darla Ferrara

If you want to enjoy the good life but still have access to big-city perks, Omaha is the right choice. This metropolis has everything you could want, from fine dining to an award-winning zoo to a vibrant indie music scene.

decorative image for A Seasoned Property Manager's Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Deposit Back article

A Seasoned Property Manager's Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Deposit Back

Written by: Lauren Harrington

I’m going to talk with you as a seasoned property manager and friend. So, let’s start with your security deposit. I want you to think about this guide as insider information. You deserve your deposit back.

decorative image for Expert Solutions for Creating the Perfect Work-From-Home Apartment Layouts  article

Expert Solutions for Creating the Perfect Work-From-Home Apartment Layouts

Written by: Lauren Harrington

This article is based on first-hand experience managing apartment communities and helping renters adapt to their spaces after moving in.

decorative image for What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much article

What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much

Written by: Lauren Harrington

This article draws from first-hand renter experiences and recurring financial challenges reported after moving in.