Cheap 3 Bedroom Apartments for Rent in Des Moines, IA from $736 (49 Rentals)

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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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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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Community Homes
3 Bedroom Apartments

Community Homes

5301 SW 9th StDes Moines, IA 50315
  • Utilities Included
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Meredith Homes
3 Bedroom Apartments

Meredith Homes

3716 Indianola AveDes Moines, IA 50320
Senior Living
  • Utilities Included
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Libertad Des Moines
3 Bedroom Apartments

Libertad Des Moines

4421 SE 14th StDes Moines, IA 50320
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Hilltop l
3 Bedroom Apartments

Hilltop l

3720 E Douglas AveDes Moines, IA 50317
Senior Living

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 Meadows
3 Bedroom Apartments

The Meadows

7500 Meadowlands DrDes Moines, IA 50320
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Kingman Gardens
3 Bedroom Apartments

Kingman Gardens

1025 31st StDes Moines, IA 50311
  • Smoke Free
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Drake Collection
3 Bedroom Apartments

Drake Collection

2931 Cottage Grove AveDes Moines, IA 50311
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Kingman Gardens
3 Bedroom Apartments

Kingman Gardens

3010 Kingman BlvdDes Moines, IA 50311
  • Utilities Included

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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Autumn Ridge
3 Bedroom Apartments

Autumn Ridge

2050 Four Seasons DrAnkeny, IA 50021
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Sunrise Valley
3 Bedroom Apartments

Sunrise Valley

1033-1039 5th StWest Des Moines, IA 50265
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Peppertree Apartments
3 Bedroom Apartments

Peppertree Apartments

10821 Douglas AveUrbandale, IA 50322
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Westridge Apartments
3 Bedroom Apartments

Westridge Apartments

8330 Harbach BlvdClive, IA 50325
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Showing Results 1-49, Page 1 of 1

Des Moines, IA Local Guide

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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, IA
Population: 216,853

Ranked #101

in US Census Population by City

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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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See the most popular apartments and homes in Des Moines, IA

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Des Moines, IA Apartments Map
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Des Moines, IA Rental Homes Map

Getting Around Des Moines, IA

Walk Score®

53 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Some errands can be accomplished on foot

Bike Score®

45 / 100

Somewhat Bikeable

Minimal bike infrastructure

Transit Score®

31 / 100

Some Transit

A few nearby public transportation options

What Are Walk Score®, Transit Score®, and Bike Score® Ratings?

  • Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address.
  • Transit Score® measures access to public transit.
  • Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Des Moines, IA Area Reviews

  • Parks
  • Entertainment
  • Local Vibes
  • Restaurants
  • Location
  • Traffic
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  • Cost of Living
  • Safety

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 $640.

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

The cheapest apartment in Des Moines is Grand Homes (55+ Community) which is listed at $975, while the average apartment in Des Moines costs $2,444.

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 4,374 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 $295 which is $2,149 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Des Moines.

Expert Rental Resources

Helpful Apartment Articles, How-To's and Tips

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.

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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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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.

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

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

For many people, obstacles can arise during the rental application process for a variety of issues.