
Cheap Apartments for Rent in Des Moines, IA from $400 with Utilities Included (190 Rentals)
Apartments with Utilities Included.
Cheap Apartments in Des Moines.


Village Green

Plymouth Place Retirement Community 62+

The Concord Building

The View on Douglas

Arlington Hallett

Hampton House Apartments

Civic Center Court Apartments

The Elliott
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.

Beaverdale Housing LLC

Capitol Heights

Pleasant Court

MLK Brickstone Apartments

Discover Modern Comfort at Welbeck Apartments ~ Rent Special

Randolph Apartments

Total Monthly Price
Park Ridge Apartments

Crossroad Apartments

Old Main & Drake Apartments

Evergreen Terrace
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.

Village on Grand

Parkside East

Deer Ridge

Hamilton Apartments

Willow Bend

Imperial Grand Prix

Four Seasons Apartments

Elmcrest

Newens Dairy Lofts

Historic Wellsport Portwell Flats
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.

Weston Park Apartments

Total Monthly Price
Prairie Woods Apartments

The Elmhurst

Southbrook Green

Total Monthly Price
Woodside Park Apartments

High Street Brickstone

Ashley Square

Sunburst

The Parker @ Seventh

Madison Flats
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.

Magnolia Manor Apartments and Townhomes

Alta Casa

University Place Lofts

3274 E Euclid Ave

E300

Lofts on 34th

Flux

Wilkins Bldg

Park Avenue by Broadmoor

Vine Street Lofts
Who Pays for Utilities? Landlord or Tenant?
Your Guide to Understanding Who is Responsible for Which Utilities for When Renting. Click Below to Read More
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 | $957 | $480 | $2,491 |
| Des Moines 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,162 | $480 | $3,253 |
| Des Moines 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,286 | $648 | $2,900 |
| Des Moines 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,695 | $685 | $3,418 |
| Des Moines 4 Bedroom Apartments | $2,633 | $550 | $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 ArticleReal 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 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 $630.
What is the price of a cheap apartment in Des Moines?
The cheapest apartment in Des Moines is The Townhall Food Hall and Apartments which is listed at $480, while the average apartment in Des Moines costs $2,130.
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 3,657 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 $1,831 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.

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.

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.

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.
