Cheap 3 Bedroom Apartments for Rent in Des Moines, IA from $500 (50 Rentals)

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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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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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Community Homes
3 Bedroom Apartments

Community Homes

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

Meredith Homes

3716 Indianola AveDes Moines, IA 50320
Senior Living
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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
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Kingman Gardens
3 Bedroom Apartments

Kingman Gardens

1025 31st StDes Moines, IA 50311
  • Smoke Free
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Kingman Gardens
3 Bedroom Apartments

Kingman Gardens

3010 Kingman BlvdDes Moines, IA 50311
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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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Douglas Woods
3 Bedroom Apartments

Douglas Woods

2800 Douglas AveDes Moines, IA 50310
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Navigating the Rental Market: Tips for First-Time Renters

Entering the rental market? Learn these simple tips and strategies to avoid common pitfalls and make confident choices. Rent with peace of mind.

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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 1-50, Page 1 of 1

Des Moines, IA Local Guide

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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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
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  • Local Vibes
  • Restaurants
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  • Traffic
  • Public Transportation
  • Outdoor Access
  • 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 $650.

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

The cheapest apartment in Des Moines is Prairie Pointe Student Living which is listed at $500, while the average apartment in Des Moines costs $1,721.

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 2,562 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 $299 which is $1,422 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.

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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The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour

Written by: Marie Brown

You’ve scrolled through countless listings, walked through a blur of rentals, and finally found what feels like the one. The pictures? Fantastic. The neighborhood seems just right.

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Know Your Budget: Calculating What You Can Realistically Afford When Renting

Written by: Lauren Harrington

Renting an apartment or house isn’t just about looking through online ads, choosing a few apartments or homes you want to tour, filling out an application, and putting down a deposit. Those things are all necessary and important.

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The Freedom of Short-Term Leases: Exploring the Advantages for Renters

Written by: Bobbi Jackson

If you’re looking to relocate right now, a popular solution that may best fit your current rental needs is a short-term lease.