Cheap Apartments for Rent in Des Moines, WA from $500 (69 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Des Moines.

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.

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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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Seaview Apartments
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Seaview Apartments

22800 28th Ave SDes Moines, WA 98198
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Regatta Apartments
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Regatta Apartments

1145 S 216th StDes Moines, WA 98198
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Harbor Gate Apartments
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Harbor Gate Apartments

2465 S Kent Des Moines RdDes Moines, WA 98198
  • Utilities Included

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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The Bentley
1 to 4 Bedroom Apartments

The Bentley

609 S 222nd StDes Moines, WA 98198
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21640 30th Ave S
2 Bedroom Apartments

21640 30th Ave S

21640 30th Ave SDes Moines, WA 98198
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Villa Des Moines
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Villa Des Moines

750 S 216th StDes Moines, WA 98198
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Emerald Court
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Emerald Court

21600 24th Ave SDes Moines, WA 98198

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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Avana Star Lake
$1,229 - $2,345
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$1,229 - $2,345
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1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Avana Star Lake

2211 S STAR LAKE RdFederal Way, WA 98003
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property at 31003 14th Ave S

$1,400

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

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$1,400
Total Monthly Price
$1,400

1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Condo for Rent

Available Now

31003 14th Ave S, Unit F3

31003 14th Ave S
Federal WayWA98003

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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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.

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Des Moines, WA Local Guide

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Local Guide Expert

Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Des Moines, WA

Pricing Updated: 05/29/2026

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$2,574$677168

Cheapest Available Des Moines Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in Des Moines, WA is a 2 Beds unit found at Heights by Vintage in the Central Des Moines neighborhood priced from $677. Reserve at SeaTac 55+ Active Senior Living in the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $899. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Des Moines apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Heights by Vintage2x12BR,1BA$677
Reserve at SeaTac 55+ Active Senior LivingS2Studio,1BA$899
Avana Star LakeA11BR,1BA$1,229
Villa Capri1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$1,275
Chelsea By the BayStudioStudio,1BA$1,295
Lake Apartments2 BR/ 1 BA2BR,1BA$1,295
THE BLVDStudioStudio,1BA$1,295
La Madera ApartmentsStudio at 60% Utilities CoveredStudio,1BA$1,299
Crestview West ApartmentsStudio 1 Bath S2Studio,1BA$1,311
The Drexel Des Moines1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$1,335

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Des Moines, WA

As of May 30, 2026 the best value apartment in the Des Moines area is the $1.08 price per square foot 2 BR/ 1 BA Model at Lake Apartments in the in the Redondo neighborhood starting from $1,295. The second greatest value Des Moines apartment is the 2x2 Model at Skyview 3322 starting at $2,064 with a $1.84 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.
Lake Apartments2 BR/ 1 BA2BR,1BA$1.08
Skyview 33222x22BR,2BA$1.84
Greystone Meadows3x2 S3BR,2BA$1.90
Uptown SquareArmstrong1BR,1BA$1.82
Woodland EstatesLarge 1 Bed | 1 Bath - 800 Sq Ft1BR,1BA$1.94
Mariposa1 Bed, 1 Bath B (60% Income Restricted)1BR,1BA$1.94
Tree PointeOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$1.90
The Drexel Des Moines1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$1.96
Heights by Vintage1x1 B1BR,1BA$1.84
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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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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Real Estate and Rental Term Glossary | ApartmentHomeLiving.com Renter University

From the letter A all the way to the letter Z, the Real Estate and Rental Term Glossary from the content team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provides our visitors and shoppers with a little clarity and helpful guidance in navigating the real estate world through definitions and explainers for the top subjects and terms that someone may come across during the leasing, buying, or selling process.

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Quick Rent Budget Calculator

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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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

Best Local Schools in
Des Moines, WA

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

Explore Des Moines, WA Rentals by Map

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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 $1,335.

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 $2,574.

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 49 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 $255 which is $2,319 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

Written by: Sharon Stallings

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

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The Emerald Citys Secrets: A 30-Year Locals Guide to Renting in Seattle

Written by: Sharon Stallings

I'm Sharon, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for Seattle, Washington. I've lived here for 30+ years and have watched the city grow while holding onto what makes it unique.

Articles, How-To's, and Tips

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Neighborhood and Market Insights: How to Choose the Right Area to Rent

Written by: Robin Stewart

Apartment-hunting can be a gargantuan task. Renters have a wish list of items—some luxuries, some necessities—but finding what you seek in the right place is perhaps the most important part of the journey.

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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.

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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.

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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.