Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Capitol East Neighborhood of Des Moines, IA from $480 (68 Rentals)

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

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property at 830 Hartford Ave
$975
2 Bedroom, 1 Bath Rentals
Available Now
Affordability

830 Hartford Ave

Des MoinesIA50315
property at 802 SE 10th St
$975
2 Bedroom, 1 Bath Rentals
Available Now
Cost Per Sq.Ft.

802 SE 10th St

Des MoinesIA50309
property at 917 Maury St
$975
2 Bedroom, 1 Bath Rentals
Available Now
Cost Per Sq.Ft.

917 Maury St

Des MoinesIA50309

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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23rd East
Studio Apartments

23rd East

1313 E 23rd StDes Moines, IA 50317
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319 Franklin Ave
1 Bedroom Apartments

319 Franklin Ave

319 Franklin AveDes Moines, IA 50314

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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Showing Results 1-50, Page 1 of 2

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. 319 Franklin Ave has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $647. Here are the most affordable Capitol East apartments for rent in Des Moines, IA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Riverview Oaks ApartmentsStudioStudio, 1BA$625
319 Franklin Ave1BR/1.0BA1BR, 1BA$647
Pioneer EstatesB11BR, 1BA$699
The ElliottStudioStudio, 1BA$710
Capitol Heights1BR/1.0BA1BR, 1BA$725
2447 E Walnut Street1BR/1.0BA1BR, 1BA$725
The Fleming Building#05 - StudioStudio, 1BA$745
Maverick Apartments1/11BR, 1BA$799
The Des Moines BuildingStudioStudio, 1BA$825
The ParkerAnna1BR, 1BA$835

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Capitol East, IA

As of September 22, 2026 the best value apartment in the Capitol East area is the $1.17 price per square foot 430 E Locust St Model at 430 E Locust St, Unit 430 East Locust #4 in the Southwest Des Moines neighborhood starting from $1,477. The second greatest value Capitol East apartment is the 2BR/1.0BA Model at 2601/2603 E Walnut Street in the East Des Moines neighborhood starting at $1,050 with a $0.88 price per square foot. 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.
430 E Locust St, Unit 430 East Locust #4430 E Locust St1BR, 1BA$1.17
2601/2603 E Walnut Street2BR/1.0BA2BR, 1BA$0.88
Wilkins BldgMarket Rate2BR, 1BA$1.29
Union at Rivers Edge2 Bed 2 Bath2BR, 2BA$1.30
Madison Flats2 Bedroom 1 Bathroom2BR, 1BA$1.34
Vine Street Lofts1 Bedroom1BR, 1BA$1.13
Maverick Apartments1/11BR, 1BA$1.18
Riverview Oaks Apartments1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom1BR, 1BA$1.15
1614 Arlington Ave, Unit Unit 41614 Arlington Ave1BR, 1BA$1.31
2447 E Walnut Street1BR/1.0BA1BR, 1BA$1.21

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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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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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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Pet Friendly Lifestyle
Capitol East, Des Moines, IA

Ranked #19

Among cities in Iowa 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!

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 $835.

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

The cheapest apartment in Capitol East is 319 Franklin Ave which is listed at $647, while the average apartment in Capitol East costs $1,295.

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 48 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 $186 which is $1,109 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Capitol East.

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

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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Rent According to Income: A Look at Income-Restricted Rentals

Written by: Robin Stewart

The idea of affordable housing can be subjective. Every individual is in a different place financially and vocationally. What one may easily afford could be a struggle for someone else.

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How Commercial-to-Residential Property Conversions Help the Housing Crisis

Written by: Robin Stewart

Many housing markets throughout America share a common complaint: a lack of affordable rental properties.

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Exploring Rental Options: Apartments, Townhomes, and Lofts - Oh My!

Written by: Robin Stewart

Where do you see yourself? When you think of home, sweet home, are you in a 3/2 apartment? Dreaming of a tall townhome? Maybe an industrial loft heavy on cool vibes is on your visioning board.