Cheap Senior Apartments for Rent in Des Moines, IA from $400 (33 Rentals)

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Senior Living Rental Options.

Cheap Apartments in Des Moines.

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Meredith Homes
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Meredith Homes

3716 Indianola AveDes Moines, IA 50320
Senior Living
  • Utilities Included
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Highland Park Manor
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Highland Park Manor

3717 6th AveDes Moines, IA 50313
Senior Living
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Eastview Manor
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Eastview Manor

3700 E 31st StDes Moines, IA 50317
Senior Living
  • Utilities Included

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.

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Oak Park Manor
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Oak Park Manor

3400 8th StDes Moines, IA 50313
Senior Living
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Southview Manor
1 Bedroom Apartments

Southview Manor

2417 SW 9th StDes Moines, IA 50315
Senior Living
  • Utilities Included
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Melbourne IV 55+ Living
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Melbourne IV 55+ Living

5514 SE 14th StDes Moines, IA 50320
Senior Living
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Southridge Senior Lofts
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Southridge Senior Lofts

695 E Army Post RdDes Moines, IA 50315
Senior Living
  • Utilities Included
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Christ the King II
2 Bedroom Apartments

Christ the King II

5602 SW 9th StDes Moines, IA 50315
Senior Living
  • Utilities Included
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Shelly Rose Estates
1 Bedroom Apartments

Shelly Rose Estates

3721 Indianola AveDes Moines, IA 50320
Senior Living
  • Utilities Included

Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know

From the lounge to the laundry room, understand your rights and responsibilities in shared apartment spaces. Get tips on pet rules, noise, and security.

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Luther Park Apartments
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Luther Park Apartments

2824 E 16th StDes Moines, IA 50316
Senior Living
  • Utilities Included

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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Valley Station
2 Bedroom Apartments

Valley Station

313-329 Lincoln StWest Des Moines, IA 50265
Senior Living
  • Utilities Included
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Cornerstone Commons
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Cornerstone Commons

6365 Merle Hay RdJohnston, IA 50131
Senior Living
  • Utilities Included
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Good Life
1 Bedroom Apartments

Good Life

1313 Wright RdNorwalk, IA 50211
Senior Living
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59th Avenue Senior Lofts
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

59th Avenue Senior Lofts

4720 NW 59th AveJohnston, IA 50131
Senior Living
  • Utilities Included

When Life Happens: Your Options for Ending a Rental Lease Early

Unexpected life events can force you to break your lease. Learn how to communicate with your landlord, negotiate a solution, and understand your legal options for early termination.

Des Moines, IA Local Guide

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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Real Estate and Rental Term Glossary | ApartmentHomeLiving.com Renter University

From the letter A all the way to the letter Z, the Real Estate and Rental Term Glossary from the content team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provides our visitors and shoppers with a little clarity and helpful guidance in navigating the real estate world through definitions and explainers for the top subjects and terms that someone may come across during the leasing, buying, or selling process.

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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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Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:
Location, Location, Location!

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Des Moines, IA Area Reviews

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Joseph4+ 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 Johnston Crossing Senior Apartments I which is listed at $548, while the average apartment in Des Moines costs $1,561.

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 2,406 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 $271 which is $1,290 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

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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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Neighborhood and Market Insights: How to Choose the Right Area to Rent

Written by: Robin Stewart

Apartment-hunting can be a gargantuan task. Renters have a wish list of items—some luxuries, some necessities—but finding what you seek in the right place is perhaps the most important part of the journey.

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A Seasoned Property Manager's Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Deposit Back

Written by: Lauren Harrington

I’m going to talk with you as a seasoned property manager and friend. So, let’s start with your security deposit. I want you to think about this guide as insider information. You deserve your deposit back.

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Expert Solutions for Creating the Perfect Work-From-Home Apartment Layouts

Written by: Lauren Harrington

This article is based on first-hand experience managing apartment communities and helping renters adapt to their spaces after moving in.