
Cheap Apartments for Rent with Specials in Des Moines, IA from $300 (97 Rentals)
Rental Listings with Specials.
Cheap Apartments in Des Moines.


The Townhall Food Hall and Apartments

Lenox Properties

Highland Park Apartments

Plymouth Place Retirement Community 62+

Village Green

Riverview Oaks Apartments

The Grove at Hickman

Pioneer Estates
What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much
Learn the official definition (spending 30% or more of your gross income on housing) and how to calculate your exact rent-to-income ratio. This guide offers expert tips on factoring in total housing costs (including utilities and fees) and budgeting accurately to avoid unnecessary financial strain.

Civic Center Court Apartments

The Des Moines Building

Pleasant Court

The Pointe on Fleur

City Square Lofts

Wakonda Village and Manor Apartment Homes

Broadway Heights

Legacy Meadows

Total Monthly Price
Park Ridge Apartments

Randolph Apartments
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.

Crossroad Apartments

River Oaks Apartments

Inglewood Apartments

Village on Grand

Treehouse Apartments

The Griffin Building

Grand Homes (55+ Community)

Hamilton Apartments

Total Monthly Price
Prairie Woods Apartments

Total Monthly Price
Woodside Park Apartments
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.

The Fleming Building

The Drake

Total Monthly Price
The Scott at East Village

Jackson Crossing

Court Ave Lofts

Cypress 1 (East Ridge)

Reagan House

Forest Avenue Village

Canary Lofts

Madison Flats
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

The Parker @ Seventh

The Village at Grays Lake

Nexus at Gray's Landing

Prairie Winds Apartments

Cityville

Rowat Lofts Apartments

E300

The Lyon

Hickman One

The Edge @ Grays Landing
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.
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 | $950 | $380 | $2,537 |
| Des Moines 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,153 | $480 | $4,798 |
| Des Moines 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,276 | $710 | $3,531 |
| Des Moines 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,693 | $685 | $3,256 |
| Des Moines 4 Bedroom Apartments | $2,866 | $600 | $10,000+ |
Explore Des Moines

Des Moines, IA Local Guide
- Des Moines Neighborhoods
- Nearby Cities
- ZIP codes
- Local Counties
- School Districts
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.
Read ArticleDon'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.
Read ArticleThe 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.
Read ArticleCash 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.
Read ArticleQuick 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.
Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:Location, Location, Location!
Explore Des Moines, IA Rentals by Map
See the most popular apartments and homes in Des Moines, IA
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 $640.
What is the price of a cheap apartment in Des Moines?
The cheapest apartment in Des Moines is Mezzo on Walnut which is listed at $350, while the average apartment in Des Moines costs $2,433.
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 3,965 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 $266 which is $2,167 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

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.

What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much
Written by: Lauren Harrington
This article draws from first-hand renter experiences and recurring financial challenges reported after moving in.

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.

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.
