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from $870Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
College Hill Apartments
921 6th AveDes Moines, IA 50309
Cheap Student Apartments for Rent in Des Moines, IA from $400 (5 Rentals)
Student Housing Options in Des Moines.
Cheap Apartments in Des Moines.
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Deciding Between a Student Apartment or a Dorm?
If you have the option of living off campus in your own apartment...that is the sure fire way to go! Learn a few reasons why. Click below to read more.
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from $5003 to 4 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
Prairie Pointe Student Living
1351 SW Prairie Trail PkyAnkeny, IA 50023
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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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 | $1,022 | $450 | $1,818 |
| Des Moines 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,237 | $545 | $10,000+ |
| Des Moines 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,319 | $639 | $3,236 |
| Des Moines 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,636 | $500 | $3,600 |
| Des Moines 4 Bedroom Apartments | $1,653 | $500 | $4,702 |
Explore Des Moines
Des Moines, IA Local Guide
- Des Moines Neighborhoods
- Nearby Cities
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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.
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
Do you know the Des Moines area?
Let everyone know!
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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 $639.
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 $1,721.
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 2,562 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 $299 which is $1,422 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 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.
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.
The Freedom of Short-Term Leases: Exploring the Advantages for Renters
Written by: Bobbi Jackson
If you’re looking to relocate right now, a popular solution that may best fit your current rental needs is a short-term lease.