Top Rated Cheap Apartments for Rent in Des Moines, IA from $400 (70 Rentals)

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Top Rated Apartments in Des Moines.

Cheap Apartments in Des Moines.

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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Park Ridge Apartments
Rent Specials
$825 - $1,200
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$825 - $1,200
Total Monthly Price
$825 - $1,200
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Park Ridge Apartments

3200 Indianola AveDes Moines, IA 50315
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  • 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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Cash 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.

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National Biscuit Flats
Studio Apartments

National Biscuit Flats

1001 Cherry StDes Moines, IA 50309
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The View on Douglas
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

The View on Douglas

5626 Douglas AveDes Moines, IA 50310
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Hawthorn Hill Apartments
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Hawthorn Hill Apartments

921 Pleasant StDes Moines, IA 50309
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The Quarters on 9th
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

The Quarters on 9th

5209 SW 9th StDes Moines, IA 50315
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920 Meadow Ln
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

920 Meadow Ln

920 Meadow LnDes Moines, IA 50315
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Grand Manor Apartments
1 Bedroom Apartments

Grand Manor Apartments

3601 Grand AveDes Moines, IA 50312
Renter Rating
  • Utilities Included

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.

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Melbourne IV 55+ Living
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Melbourne IV 55+ Living

5514 SE 14th StDes Moines, IA 50320
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The Flats on 56th
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

The Flats on 56th

3710 56th StDes Moines, IA 50310
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421 College Ave
1 Bedroom Apartments

421 College Ave

421 College AveDes Moines, IA 50314
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10th Street Lofts
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

10th Street Lofts

110-112 10th StDes Moines, IA 50309
Corporate Housing
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Luther Park Apartments
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Luther Park Apartments

2824 E 16th StDes Moines, IA 50316
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The Flats Apartments
Rent Specials
$729 - $1,136
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$729 - $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
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How I Find the Perfect Rental for My Clients: A Real Estate Pro's Guide

Finding the right apartment starts with three things: location, cost, and amenities. Get the insider perspective from a real estate professional on how to nail all three.

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Showing Results 1-50, Page 1 of 2

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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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.

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

Explore Des Moines, IA Rentals by Map

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

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Des Moines, IA Area Reviews

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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 Lillis Lofts and starts from $751.

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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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.

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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.

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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.