Cheap Apartments for Rent in Des Moines, IA from $500 (386 Rentals)

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

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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property at 200 Grand Ave

200 Grand Ave

Des MoinesIA50309

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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property at 6205 SE 5th St

6205 SE 5th St

Des MoinesIA50315
property at 6221 SE 5th St

6221 SE 5th St

Des MoinesIA50315

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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property at 6209 SE 5th St

6209 SE 5th St

Des MoinesIA50315

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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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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Des Moines, IA Local Guide

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Written By:
Justin Habersaat
Editing Staff

Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Des Moines, IA

Pricing Updated: 06/30/2025

Current apartment rentals in the Des Moines, IA area range in price from $545 to $4,504 with an overall median price of $1,585. The three Des Moines neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are River Bend at $750, Indianola Hills at $664, and Chautauqua Park at $695. Here is today’s list of the top 10 neighborhoods with the lowest median pricing for Des Moines Apartments for rent:

NeighborhoodMedian PriceMin PriceAvailable Units
River Bend$870$7502
Indianola Hills$975$66423
Chautauqua Park$985$69525
Bethany Heights$1,047$54734
Campus Park Wrights Grove$1,047$7257
Highland Park$1,047$69523
Watrous South$1,062$66478
Accent$1,120$74714
Fairmont Park$1,120$74717
Frisbie Park$1,150$625100

Cheapest Available Des Moines Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in Des Moines, IA is a 2 Beds unit found at Campus View Student Housing in the Springwood neighborhood priced from $500. Melbourne in the Southeast Des Moines neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $545. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Des Moines apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Campus View Student Housing2 Bed / 2 Bath2BR,2BA$500
MelbourneA1 - 40 - Income Restricted1BR,1BA$545
Highland Park Apartments (DSM)Standard 1 Bed1BR,1BA$547
Clover Creek0/1Studio,1BA$547
Johnston Crossing Senior Apartments I1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$548
Sutton HillA11BR,1BA$570
Urban Heights0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$599
Village GreenStudioStudio,1BA$600
Riverview Oaks ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$625
Ingersoll Park Studios0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$625

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Des Moines, IA

As of June 30, 2025 the best value apartment in the Des Moines area is the $0.81 price per square foot 2 Bedroom - Affordable Model at Vine Street Lofts in the in the Southwest Des Moines neighborhood starting from $957. The second greatest value Des Moines apartment is the 1106 Clinton Ave Model at 1106 Clinton Ave, Unit 3 starting at $1,050 with a $0.95 price per square foot in the Grandview College Area 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.
Vine Street Lofts2 Bedroom - Affordable2BR,2BA$0.81
1106 Clinton Ave, Unit 31106 Clinton Ave2BR,1BA$0.95
The Meadows3 Bedroom3BR,2BA$0.91
Magnolia Manor Apartments and Townhomes2 Bedroom2BR,1BA$0.89
Hamilton ApartmentsOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$0.84
Goldbriar Chateau2 Bedroom 1 Bathroom2BR,1BA$0.94
Colonial VillagePlymouth1BR,1BA$0.94
The Birch (Douglas Terrace)Classic 2-Bed2BR,1BA$0.94
Campus View Student Housing2 Bed / 2 Bath2BR,2BA$0.67
Johnston Crossing Senior Apartments I1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$0.80

Quick Rent Budget Calculator

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Des Moines Overview

It’s likely that you only really hear about Des Moines every four years when the presidential caucuses kick off in this city. But that’s only part of the great culture and history of Des Moines. It’s over 150 years old and in that time has grown to be a Midwestern hub of culture and commerce. If you’re in the insurance industry, Des Moines is the absolute best place to live as it is the home of several large insurance companies. Des Moines isn’t just for insurance people, though, it’s a city that keeps growing, and it’s even been attracting more and more young people. If you’re looking for apartments in Des Moines, this must be an exciting time in your life because Des Moines is a great (not to mention inexpensive) place to live.

Why live in Des Moines, IA?

Des Moines is a constantly underrated city. It’s not the most talked about city, but it sure has a lot going on! It’s the home of several professional minor league sports teams, including the Des Moines Buccaneers of the United States Hockey League. Des Moines is also a smart city. It has an impressive public school system and houses five colleges and universities. Iowa’s work force, including that of Des Moines, ranks as one of the best educated in the country due to its 80% high school graduation rate. Des Moines’ real claim to fame is its importance in the presidential election, many candidates set up campaign offices here due to its position as the site of the first caucuses.

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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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
  • 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 $625.

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

The cheapest apartment in Des Moines is Melbourne which is listed at $545, while the average apartment in Des Moines costs $1,585.

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 2,697 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 $436 which is $1,149 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.

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.

decorative image for Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls article

Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls

Written by: Cheryl Bowman

A fantastic way to save money and enjoy a built-in community is to share an apartment. However, a bad roommate situation can turn your dream rental into a nightmare.

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

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.