
Cheap Gated Apartments for Rent in Des Moines, IA from $500 (128 Rentals) Page 2 of 3
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Des Moines.


District at 6th Apartments

Des Moines Greystone Homes

Ashley Square

Ingersoll Towers

City Square Lofts
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.

Ballyard Lofts

The James on Grand

The Deco

Rumely Lofts

Ingersoll Square Lofts

Hilltop Apartments

Park Avenue by Broadmoor

Riverpoint Lofts

Vine Street Lofts

10th Street Lofts
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.

Soll

Recently updated apartments

The Residences at River View

Confluence on 3rd Apartments

Treehouse Apartments

Tempo East Village

The Edge @ Grays Landing

Forest Ave Rowhomes

Windsor Square by Broadmoor

Carbon 550

Clemens Building

Rocket Transfer Lofts

Slate Age 55 Plus Active Community

The Equitable Building

Nexus at Gray's Landing

High Street Lofts

Johnston Crossing Senior Apartments I

The McCoy at 8035 Apartments - Clive

Adventureland Village

Centennial Place Apartments

Robin Hill

Douglas Park Apartments

Rising Ridge Apartments

Dakota Apartments

Park West Apartments
Des Moines, IA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Des Moines?
Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
---|---|---|---|
Des Moines Studio Apartments | $996 | $547 | $2,230 |
Des Moines 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,216 | $547 | $3,440 |
Des Moines 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,312 | $597 | $4,017 |
Des Moines 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,607 | $736 | $4,991 |
Des Moines 4 Bedroom Apartments | $1,989 | $965 | $3,732 |
Explore Des Moines
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
Joseph • 4+ years in Des Moines
May 14, 2025Many 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 Highland Park Apartments (DSM) which is listed at $547, 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 3,959 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 $371 which is $1,214 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.

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.

The Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Hard truth. Moving is never easy. I’ve done it all – from local moves to cross-country relocations From packing to unpacking the last box, I have found moving to be an exhausting, expensive and stressful experience every time.

Cash or credit? Understanding the Importance of Credit Score in Real Estate and Renting
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Throughout the day, think about all the times that you have to pay for something. So many of us reach automatically for a credit card or even our phone for a quick payment.

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.