Cheap Apartments for Rent in Des Moines, WA from $500 (22 Rentals)

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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

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.

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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Villa Capri
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Villa Capri

28621 25th Pl SFederal Way, WA 98003
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Cottonwood
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Cottonwood

25919 25th Ln SKent, WA 98032
  • Utilities Included
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Woodland Estates
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Woodland Estates

4821 S Kent Des Moines RdKent, WA 98032

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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Timber Heights
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Timber Heights

4809-4822 S 252nd PlKent, WA 98032

Des Moines, WA Local Guide

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Local Guide Expert

Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Des Moines, WA

Pricing Updated: 01/14/2026

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$2,455$899192

Cheapest Available Des Moines Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in Des Moines, WA is a 1 Bed unit found at Villa Capri in the Woodmont neighborhood priced from $819. 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
Villa Capri1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$819
Reserve at SeaTac 55+ Active Senior LivingS2Studio,1BA$899
Heights by Vintage1x1 B1BR,1BA$999
THE BLVD1 Bed 1 Bath1BR,1BA$1,210
Avana Star LakeA11BR,1BA$1,233

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Des Moines, WA

As of January 14, 2026 the best value apartment in the Des Moines area is the $1.97 price per square foot 3242 S 161st St Model at 3242 S 161st St, Unit B in the in the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport neighborhood starting from $2,800. The second greatest value Des Moines apartment is the 2525 S 288th St Model at 2525 S 288th St, Unit 3 starting at $2,695 with a $1.92 price per square foot in the Woodmont 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.
3242 S 161st St, Unit B3242 S 161st St3BR,2.5BA$1.97
2525 S 288th St, Unit 32525 S 288th St3BR,2.5BA$1.92
Majestic BayTwo Bedroom, Two Bathroom2BR,2BA$1.73
Skyview 33222x22BR,2BA$1.69
Sky View Park Villa2B/1B2BR,1BA$1.93
Mariposa2 Bed, 1.5 Bath (60% Income Restricted)2BR,1.5BA$1.96
Uptown SquareArmstrong1BR,1BA$1.76
Brookstone ApartmentsTwo Bedroom2BR,1BA$1.99
Villa Capri2 Bedroom2BR,1BA$2.00
Century Plaza1 Bed 1 Bath1BR,1BA$1.81

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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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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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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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

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 $1,311.

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

The cheapest apartment in Des Moines is Villa Capri which is listed at $819, while the average apartment in Des Moines costs $2,455.

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 55 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 $768 which is $1,687 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.

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

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.

Articles, How-To's, and Tips

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A Renters Guide for Tips on Writing Your Notice for Not Renewing Your Apartment

Written by: Bob Mallory

Packing up everything you own to move is so stressful for many that ending your apartment lease can feel like a small or unimportant task. Ending your lease involves more than simply turning over your keys on the last day.

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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!