Cheap 2 Bedroom Apartments for Rent in Des Moines, IA from $648 (236 Rentals)

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Park Forest
$769 - $1,026
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$697 - $1,018
Required Monthly Fees
$8
Total Monthly Price
$705 - $1,026
2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Park Forest

2101 E Virginia AveDes Moines, IA 50320
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The Ridges
Rent Specials
$780 - $925
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$675 - $860
Required Monthly Fees
$65
Total Monthly Price
$740 - $925
2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

The Ridges

7201 SE 5th StDes Moines, IA 50315
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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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Lenox Properties
Rent Specials
$795 - $895
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$595 - $1,250
Total Monthly Price
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2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Lenox Properties

4215 Grand AveDes Moines, IA 50312
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Sutton Hill
$800 - $865
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$660 - $1,036
Required Monthly Fees
$88
Total Monthly Price
$748 - $1,124
2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Sutton Hill

2100 King AveDes Moines, IA 50320
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Rosemont Place
$815 - $1,184
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$657 - $1,568
Required Monthly Fees
$25
Total Monthly Price
$682 - $1,593
2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Rosemont Place

2201-2202 E Rose AveDes Moines, IA 50320
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Park Ridge Apartments
Rent Specials
$825 - $925
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$775 - $925
Total Monthly Price
$775 - $925
2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Park Ridge Apartments

3200 Indianola AveDes Moines, IA 50315
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The Drake
Rent Specials
$825 - $860
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$630 - $795
Required Monthly Fees
$65
Total Monthly Price
$695 - $860
2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

The Drake

1260 34th StDes Moines, IA 50311
Corporate Housing
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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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Legacy Meadows
Rent Specials
$825 - $925
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$745 - $910
Required Monthly Fees
$15
Total Monthly Price
$760 - $925
2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Legacy Meadows

4530 Lower Beaver RdDes Moines, IA 50310
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1818 Pleasant St, Unit 1818
$850
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$850
Total Monthly Price
$850
2 Bedroom Apartment Available Apr 1

1818 Pleasant St, Unit 1818

1818 Pleasant StDes Moines, IA 50314
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Des Moines's Best Affordable Neighborhoods

Learn about Des Moines and the best places to live with original content written by our Local Expert Joseph Isenberg

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Prairie Woods Apartments
Rent Specials
$855 - $1,150
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$805 - $1,150
Total Monthly Price
$805 - $1,150
2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Prairie Woods Apartments

4014 Hubbell AveDes Moines, IA 50317
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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.

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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.

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Des Moines, IA Local Guide

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

Explore Des Moines, IA Rentals by Map

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Des Moines, IA Area Reviews

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Joseph • 4+ years in Des Moines

May 14, 2025

Many residents prefer the western suburbs or more distant communities like Indianola, Boone, Ames, or Newton. Certainly those are all viable options.I would never pick Des Moines for its schools, for example. But the city has many fine neighborhoods which are worth a look.

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 $635.

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

The cheapest apartment in Des Moines is Melbourne which is listed at $643, while the average apartment in Des Moines costs $2,095.

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 3,900 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 $324 which is $1,771 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.

Articles, How-To's, and Tips

decorative image for A Local Expert's Guide To the Top Budget-Friendly Neighborhoods to Rent in Des Moines, Iowa article

A Local Expert's Guide To the Top Budget-Friendly Neighborhoods to Rent in Des Moines, Iowa

Written by: Joseph Isenberg

I'm Joe, the ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for Des Moines and Central Iowa. My parents moved to Central Iowa in 1967, and my family has been here ever since.

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Maximizing Your Refund: Essential Tax Tips for Renters

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Other than tax professionals, I can’t think of anyone who looks forward to tax season. For everybody else, April is a stressful month to collect information and meet deadlines.

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18 Must-Ask Rental Tour Questions That Reveal the Truth about a Property

Written by: Lauren Harrington

Renting your next home can feel thrilling and overwhelming at the same time.

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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.