Cheap Apartments for Rent in Des Moines, IA from $500 with Utilities Included (202 Rentals) Page 2 of 5

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Apartments with Utilities Included.

Cheap Apartments in Des Moines.

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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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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Uplift Manor
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Uplift Manor

2916 30th StDes Moines, IA 50310
  • Utilities Included
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Harrington Studios
Studio Apartments

Harrington Studios

677 16th StDes Moines, IA 50314
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Meredith Homes
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Meredith Homes

3716 Indianola AveDes Moines, IA 50320
Senior Living
  • Utilities Included

The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour

Touring a rental? This guide helps you know exactly what to look for, from safety features to hidden flaws, so you can confidently sign your lease or keep searching.

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3809 University Ave
Studio Apartments

3809 University Ave

3809 University AveDes Moines, IA 50311
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The Winona
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

The Winona

527 40th StDes Moines, IA 50312
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The Flats on 21st
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

The Flats on 21st

1313 21st StDes Moines, IA 50311
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Concord Apartments
Studio Apartments

Concord Apartments

732 18th StDes Moines, IA 50314
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Cedar Crest Apartments
2 Bedroom Apartments

Cedar Crest Apartments

3722-3726 SE 14th StDes Moines, IA 50320
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Libertad Des Moines
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Libertad Des Moines

4421 SE 14th StDes Moines, IA 50320
  • Utilities Included

Smart Renter's Guide: Calculating Affordable Rent & Housing Costs

Wondering how to determine your rental budget? This comprehensive guide covers everything from the 30% rule to hidden fees and effective budgeting strategies.

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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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Twin Manor
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

Twin Manor

720 17th StDes Moines, IA 50314
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University West
2 Bedroom Apartments

University West

4010 UniversityDes Moines, IA 50311
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Kingman Gardens
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Kingman Gardens

3010 Kingman BlvdDes Moines, IA 50311
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Community Homes
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Community Homes

5301 SW 9th StDes Moines, IA 50315
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Garden Court Apartments
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Garden Court Apartments

3700 Martin Luther King PkyDes Moines, IA 50310
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Grand Colony Apartments
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

Grand Colony Apartments

2824 Grand AveDes Moines, IA 50312
  • Utilities Included

Navigating the Rental Market: Tips for First-Time Renters

Entering the rental market? Learn these simple tips and strategies to avoid common pitfalls and make confident choices. Rent with peace of mind.

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Showing Results 51-100, Page 2 of 5

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

  • 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 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 $640.

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 $1,659.

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 4,127 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 $337 which is $1,322 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.

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.

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How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Everything is a negotiation in real estate! 

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The Rental Move-In Inspection Checklist: A Guide for Renters

Written by: Trey Huguley

The move-in inspection checklist is a crucial tool for both tenants and landlords. This checklist, provided by the team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com, helps document the condition of an apartment at the time of move-in.

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Your Guide to Co-Signers: The Risks, Rewards, and Everything in Between

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

For many people, obstacles can arise during the rental application process for a variety of issues.