
Short Term Lease Apartments for Rent in Des Moines, IA Under $800 (12 Rentals)
Rental terms in Des Moines as short as a month! Perfect when you can't commit to a full year of renting.


The Scott at East Village

Weston Park Apartments

Large Studio Apartments set back in quier

Hampton House Apartments
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.

The Grove at Hickman

The Acacia

The Flats Apartments

The McCoy at 8035 Apartments - Clive
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.
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 | $935 | $560 | $1,742 |
Des Moines 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,155 | $547 | $3,211 |
Des Moines 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,236 | $550 | $4,000 |
Des Moines 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,578 | $736 | $4,811 |
Des Moines 4 Bedroom Apartments | $4,908 | $965 | $10,000+ |
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.
Des Moines, IAPopulation: 216,853
Ranked #101
in US Census Population by City
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
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
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 Short-term Des Moines Apartments
What is the Cheapest Short-term apartment in Des Moines?
Currently the most affordable Short-term Apartment in Des Moines is at The Grove at Hickman listed at $675.
How much is the average rent for a Short-term Des Moines Apartment?
The average rent for a Short-term Apartment in Des Moines is $1,250.
What is the largest Short-term Des Moines Apartment for rent?
Today's Short-term apartment with the most square footage in Des Moines is a 1,870 square feet unit starting from $1,683 at Ashworth Pointe & Foxboro Townhomes.
What is the average size for Des Moines Short-term Apartments for rent?
The average size for a Short-term rental in Des Moines is currently at 710 sq ft.
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 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.

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.

The Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Hard truth. Moving is never easy. I’ve done it all – from local moves to cross-country relocations From packing to unpacking the last box, I have found moving to be an exhausting, expensive and stressful experience every time.