Cheap Short Term Lease Apartments for Rent in Des Moines, IA from $400 (46 Rentals)

How Many Bedrooms?Done
Select your price rangeDone
to
Note: Properties with the Total Monthly Price badge include all required fees. Hover over the badge for details.
Lifestyle Matching SearchDone
Learn more about Lifestyle Search
By AmenitiesDone
By Community TypeDone
Features and AvailabilityDone
Done

Short Term Rental Options.

Cheap Apartments in Des Moines.

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

Create a productive work-from-home apartment setup, even in a small space or studio. Discover layout ideas, desk solutions, and organization tips that actually work.

Read Article

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.

Read Article
close
View Me
Hickman House
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Hickman House

2221 63rd StDes Moines, IA 50322
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
Oak Creek Chateau
2 Bedroom Apartments

Oak Creek Chateau

595 N Pleasant Hill BlvdDes Moines, IA 50327
  • 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.

Read Article
close
View Me
The Klein Building
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

The Klein Building

3614 6th AveDes Moines, IA 50313
  • Utilities Included
  • Smoke Free
close
View Me
10th Street Lofts
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

10th Street Lofts

110-112 10th StDes Moines, IA 50309
Corporate Housing
close
View Me
3612 Ingersoll Ave
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

3612 Ingersoll Ave

3612 Ingersoll AveDes Moines, IA 50312
close
View Me
The Flats Apartments
Rent Specials
$769 - $1,136
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$769 - $1,136
Total Monthly Price
Varies
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

The Flats Apartments

3000 University AveWest Des Moines, IA 50266
Corporate Housing
  • Verified
  • Customer Reviewed
  • 3D Tour

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.

Read Article
close
View Me
Hamlet Apartments
$937 - $1,300
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$937 - $1,300
Total Monthly Price
$937 - $1,300
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Hamlet Apartments

2210 Ep True PkyWest Des Moines, IA 50265
Active Lifestyle
  • Verified
  • Customer Reviewed
  • 3D Tour
close
View Me
Winwood Apartments
$970 - $1,520
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$970 - $1,520
Total Monthly Price
$970 - $1,520
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Winwood Apartments

6031 Meadow Crest DrJohnston, IA 50131
Furnished
  • Verified
  • Customer Reviewed
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
Wellington Apartments
Rent Specials
$1,075 - $1,882
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,075 - $1,882
Total Monthly Price
Varies
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Wellington Apartments

4700 EP True PkyWest Des Moines, IA 50265
Corporate Housing
  • Verified
  • Customer Reviewed
  • 3D Tour

The 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 Article
Showing Results 1-46, Page 1 of 1

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.

Read Article
Decorative image

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.

Read Article
Decorative image

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.

decorative image of people with a giant lease agreement

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

Explore Des Moines, IA Rentals by Map

Decorative image of map

See the most popular apartments and homes in Des Moines, IA

View Map
Des Moines, IA Apartments Map
View Map
Des Moines, IA Rental Homes Map

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 the Cheapest Studio apartment in Des Moines?

Currently the most affordable Cheap Studio Apartment in Des Moines is at Village Green listed at $600.

How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom Des Moines Apartment?

The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom Des Moines Apartment is $548 at Johnston Crossing Senior Apartments I.

What is the lowest price for a Cheap Two Bedroom Des Moines Apartment for rent?

Today's best deal for a Cheap Two Bedroom Apartment in Des Moines is starting from $648 at Johnston Crossing Senior Apartments I.

What is the most affordable Des Moines Three Bedroom Apartment?

The best deal on a cheap Des Moines Three Bedroom Apartment rental is at McKinley Apartments and starts from $895.

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

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 How I Find the Perfect Rental for My Clients: A Real Estate Pro's Guide article

How I Find the Perfect Rental for My Clients: A Real Estate Pro's Guide

Written by: Robin Stewart

Evaluating rental properties for clients draws many parallels to house-hunting. Whether an apartment, loft, townhouse, or other rental, finding the right place means finding “home” for your client.

decorative image for Pet-Friendly Renting: Everything You Need to Know Before You Move article

Pet-Friendly Renting: Everything You Need to Know Before You Move

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

For so many of us, pets are the best companions and a big part of our lives. For this reason, a pet-friendly house or apartment is often a very important - and nonnegotiable - part of a move.

decorative image for Creative Ways Developers Reimagine Retail Spaces as Residential Units article

Creative Ways Developers Reimagine Retail Spaces as Residential Units

Written by: Robin Stewart

Adaptive reuse is when a commercial property is converted and repurposed. The real estate industry has embraced a growing number of these projects.