Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Capitol East Neighborhood of Des Moines, IA from $600 (51 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Capitol East area of Des Moines.

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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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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421 College Ave
1 Bedroom Apartments

421 College Ave

421 College AveDes Moines, IA 50314
  • Utilities Included
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Rivers Run
2 Bedroom Apartments

Rivers Run

1805 Arlington AveDes Moines, IA 50314
  • Utilities Included
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Luther Park Apartments
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Luther Park Apartments

2824 E 16th StDes Moines, IA 50316
Senior Living
  • Utilities Included
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Capitol East, Des Moines, IA Local Guide

Cheapest Available Capitol East Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in the Capitol East area of Des Moines, IA is a Studio unit found at Riverview Oaks Apartments priced from $625. City Square Lofts has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $642. Here are the most affordable Capitol East apartments for rent in Des Moines, IA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Riverview Oaks ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$625
City Square LoftsS1Studio,1BA$642
East Village SquareStudio 390-392Studio,1BA$725
The Scott at East VillageStudioStudio,1BA$762
The Elliott1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$775
Pioneer EstatesB11BR,1BA$795
Randolph ApartmentsThe PolkStudio,1BA$830
The Fleming Building#5 - StudioStudio,1BA$835
The Des Moines BuildingS3Studio,1BA$875

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Capitol East, IA

As of July 11, 2025 the best value apartment in the Capitol East area is the $1.41 price per square foot C1 Model at 7th Street Brownstones in the in the Southwest Des Moines neighborhood starting from $2,199. The second greatest value Capitol East apartment is the CA-C7 Model at Court Ave Lofts starting at $1,147 with a $1.13 price per square foot in the Southwest Des Moines neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Capitol East apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
7th Street BrownstonesC13BR,2.5BA$1.41
Court Ave LoftsCA-C72BR,1.5BA$1.13
Carbon 5502BR-C32BR,2BA$1.31
Wilkins BldgMarket Rate1BR,1BA$1.35
Vine Street Lofts1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$1.23
Union at Rivers Edge111_1b61BR,1BA$1.41
Rumely Lofts1 Bedroom Income Restricted1BR,1BA$1.32
Ballyard LoftsA2 - Homeplate Club1BR,1BA$1.42
1614 Arlington Ave, Unit 41614 Arlington Ave1BR,1BA$1.42
Riverview Oaks ApartmentsStudioStudio ,1BA$1.14

Quick Rent Budget Calculator

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Pet Friendly Lifestyle
Capitol East, Des Moines, IA

Ranked #21

Among neighborhoods in Des Moines, IA for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

4.0
Pet Friendly

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Best Local Schools in
Capitol East, Des Moines, IA

School data provided by Great Schools

Lifestyle Ratings

ApartmentHomeLiving brings you our detailed rental search system called 'Lifestyle ratings', composed of neighborhoods, areas, and rental properties across Iowa including Capitol East, Des Moines, and the greater Des Moines area. Our Lifestyle Ratings help you zero-in on the perfect place to call home. This takes in many factors including rankings of the best places for proximity to parks, luxury amenities, features that make it easier to raise kids, raising pets, transit options, and more. Find Lifestyle Search in the filter options (above). Happy Searching!

Getting Around the Capitol East Neighborhood in Des Moines, IA

Walk Score®

68 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Some errands can be accomplished on foot

Bike Score®

48 / 100

Somewhat Bikeable

Minimal bike infrastructure

Transit Score®

40 / 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.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Capitol East Apartments

What is a cheap apartment in Capitol East?

A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Capitol East is under $875.

What is the price of a cheap apartment in Capitol East?

The cheapest apartment in Capitol East is Riverview Oaks Apartments which is listed at $695, while the average apartment in Capitol East costs $2,277.

What types of apartments are the cheapest in Capitol East?

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 49 regular apartments in Capitol East 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 Capitol East?

Cheap apartments in Capitol East have an average cost of $184 which is $2,093 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Capitol East.

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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Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls

Written by: Cheryl Bowman

A fantastic way to save money and enjoy a built-in community is to share an apartment. However, a bad roommate situation can turn your dream rental into a nightmare.

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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.

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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.