Cheap Apartments for Rent in Des Moines, WA from $500 (18 Rentals)

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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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Seaview Apartments
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Seaview Apartments

22800 28th Ave SDes Moines, WA 98198
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The Hidden Harbor House
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

The Hidden Harbor House

1625 S Kent Des Moines RdDes Moines, WA 98198
  • Utilities Included

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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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Cottonwood
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Cottonwood

25919 25th Ln SKent, WA 98032
  • Utilities Included

The Emerald City's Secrets: A 30-Year Local's Guide to Renting in Seattle

Dive into Seattle's fascinating history—from its 'swampy mess' origins to the birthplace of grunge. Explore areas to rent like Pike Place Market, Pioneer Square, and the new Overlook Walk.

Des Moines, WA Local Guide

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Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Des Moines, WA

Pricing Updated: 12/23/2025

Current apartment rentals in the Des Moines, WA area range in price from to with an overall median price of . Here is today’s list neighborhoods with the lowest median pricing for Des Moines Apartments for rent:

NeighborhoodMedian PriceMin PriceAvailable Units
North Central Des Moines$2,527$899240

Cheapest Available Des Moines Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in Des Moines, WA is a Studio unit found at Reserve at SeaTac 55+ Active Senior Living in the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport neighborhood priced from $899. Chelsea By the Bay in the Woodmont neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $1,295. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Des Moines apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Reserve at SeaTac 55+ Active Senior LivingS2Studio,1BA$899
Chelsea By the BayStudioStudio,1BA$1,295
La Madera ApartmentsStudio at 60% Utilities CoveredStudio,1BA$1,299
THE BLVDStudioStudio,1BA$1,299
Crestview West ApartmentsStudio 1 Bath S2Studio,1BA$1,311

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Des Moines, WA

As of December 23, 2025 the best value apartment in the Des Moines area is the $1.83 price per square foot 2B/2B Model at Sky View Park Villa in the in the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport neighborhood starting from $2,100. The second greatest value Des Moines apartment is the 2x2 Model at Skyview 3322 starting at $1,897 with a $1.69 price per square foot in the North Central neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Des Moines apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Sky View Park Villa2B/2B2BR,2BA$1.83
Skyview 33222x22BR,2BA$1.69
Mariposa2 Bed, 1.5 Bath (60% Income Restricted)2BR,1.5BA$1.96
Uptown SquareArmstrong1BR,1BA$1.76
Brookstone ApartmentsTwo Bedroom2BR,1BA$2.05
Century Plaza1 Bed 1 Bath1BR,1BA$1.81
Grandview ApartmentsAddison1BR,1BA$2.04
Tree PointeOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$2.07
The Drexel Des Moines1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$2.05
Reserve at SeaTac 55+ Active Senior LivingS2Studio ,1BA$1.85

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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Seattle Apartment Guide: Find Your Rental Near Tech Hubs like Amazon, Google, and Adobe

Cut down on your commute! Discover Seattle's top neighborhoods to rent near major employers like Amazon, Meta, and Fred Hutchinson. Find your ideal work-life balance in the Emerald City.

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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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Picking the Perfect Seattle Neighborhood for College Life

Learn About the Best Neighborhoods to Rent Near College Campuses in Seattle, WA | Find Seattle Off-Campus Student Housing at ApartmentHomeLiving.com

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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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Des Moines Overview

If you are looking for a beautiful place to live, then you may have heard about Des Moines, Washington. Located relatively close to Puget Sound, Des Moines sits relatively close to the center of the Seattle metropolitan area. It is bordered by Burien, SeaTac, and Kent. With many people looking for apartments in Des Moines, Washington, you may be wondering how to find the right one to meet your needs. Learn more about this beautiful area below, and remember to rely on a local expert who can help you find Des Moines apartments for yourself and your family.á

Why live in Des Moines, WA?

Des Moines, Washington is growing quickly. There are a few big reasons why people love to live in Des Moines. First, it is very close to the coast. If you are looking for easy access to Puget Sound, then you will probably be happy living in Des Moines, WA. Second, you will experience all four seasons if you live in Des Moines, Washington. It can get cold during the winter, and it can snow occasionally. On the other hand, it also warms up during the summer. Finally, it is very close to Orcas Island. If you like to take trips off the coast of Washington, Des Moines is one of the best locations to live.á

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

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Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Des Moines Apartments

What is a cheap apartment in Des Moines?

A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Des Moines is under $1,375.

What is the price of a cheap apartment in Des Moines?

The cheapest apartment in Des Moines is Reserve at SeaTac 55+ Active Senior Living which is listed at $999, while the average apartment in Des Moines costs $2,527.

What types of apartments are the cheapest in Des Moines?

Student, low-income, and by-the-bed apartments are typically the cheapest rentals in most cities, though they require qualifying criteria to rent. There are 62 regular apartments in Des Moines that we think qualify as ‘cheap apartments’ that do not have special requirements to apply to rent.

How do the prices of cheap apartments compare to the average apartment in Des Moines?

Cheap apartments in Des Moines have an average cost of $799 which is $1,728 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Des Moines.

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.

Helpful Local Expert Guides

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The 10 Best Affordable Neighborhoods in Seattle, WA

Written by: Sharon Stallings

I'm Sharon, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for Seattle, Washington. My husband, two children, and I moved to West Seattle in 1995.

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Picking the Perfect Seattle Neighborhood for College Life

Written by: Sharon Stallings

I'm Sharon, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for Seattle, Washington. Whether you're new to Seattle or grew up here, the neighborhood where you live makes a huge difference while attending college.

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Seattle Apartment Guide: Find Your Rental Near Tech Hubs like Amazon, Google, and Adobe

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I'm Sharon, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for Seattle, Washington. We're blessed to live in Seattle, affectionately known as the Emerald City.

Articles, How-To's, and Tips

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Renting with Roommates: Realistic Expectations for Shared Lease

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Given the high costs for housing, I have found that many people are looking for a roommate to share expenses. These arrangements can increase opportunities for more desirable and larger spaces.

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Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Back in the day when I rented one of my first apartments, the property didn’t even have laundry in the building. Now, rental properties are often competing against each other to provide the best amenities.

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How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Everything is a negotiation in real estate! 

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The Rental Move-In Inspection Checklist: A Guide for Renters

Written by: Trey Huguley

The move-in inspection checklist is a crucial tool for both tenants and landlords. This checklist, provided by the team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com, helps document the condition of an apartment at the time of move-in.