
Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Capitol East Neighborhood of Des Moines, IA from $600 (62 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Capitol East area of Des Moines.


Maverick Apartments

The Elliott

The Fleming Building

2303 E 9th St

Capitol Heights

East Village Square

The Des Moines Building

Eagle View Lofts

Riverview Oaks 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.

Civic Center Court Apartments

City Square Lofts

Randolph Apartments

418 East Grand

The Griffin Building

200 Grand Ave

1614 Arlington Ave

Harbach Lofts

The Scott at East Village

Jackson Crossing
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.

1809 Arlington Ave

The Parker @ Seventh

E300

1805 Arlington Ave

1809 Arlington Ave

Madison Flats

The Lyon

Velocity

Maxwell

Cityville
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.

The Edge @ Grays Landing

District at 6th Apartments

R&T Lofts

Ballyard Lofts

Metro Lofts

1354 E 12th St

Rumely Lofts

Wilkins Bldg

1120 E 6th St apt 3, Unit 3

Vine Street Lofts
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.

The Residences at River View

Confluence on 3rd Apartments

Riverpoint Lofts

Fourth And Court

Rowat Lofts Apartments

Tempo East Village

Court Ave Lofts

Union at Rivers Edge

Connolly Lofts

The Equitable Building
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.
Capitol East, Des Moines, IA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Capitol East?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capitol East Studio Apartments | $968 | $695 | $1,728 |
| Capitol East 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,245 | $690 | $4,561 |
| Capitol East 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,452 | $750 | $2,670 |
| Capitol East 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,860 | $1,145 | $2,863 |
| Capitol East 4 Bedroom Apartments | $11,289 | $1,385 | $10,000+ |
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 62 rentals with your search options within a 2 mile radius of the Capitol East Neighborhood of Des Moines, IA.
See all Apartments in Des MoinesExplore Des Moines
Capitol East, Des Moines, IA Local Guide
- Nearby Des Moines neighborhoods
- Nearby Cities
- ZIP codes
- Local Counties
- School Districts
Cheapest Available Capitol East Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in the Capitol East area of Des Moines, IA is a 1 Bed unit found at Pioneer Estates priced from $690. Maverick Apartments has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $695. Here are the most affordable Capitol East apartments for rent in Des Moines, IA:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pioneer Estates | B1 | 1BR,1BA | $690 |
| Maverick Apartments | 0/1 | Studio,1BA | $695 |
| Capitol Heights | One-Bedroom Apartment in a Secure Building – Li... | 1BR,1BA | $725 |
| The Des Moines Building | Studio | Studio,1BA | $735 |
| Eagle View Lofts | A2 - Income Restricted | 1BR,1BA | $741 |
| Riverview Oaks Apartments | 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom | 1BR,1BA | $745 |
| City Square Lofts | S1 | Studio,1BA | $755 |
| The Elliott | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $775 |
| 418 East Grand | Studio - The Flow | Studio,1BA | $790 |
| The Griffin Building | Studio | Studio,1BA | $800 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Capitol East, IA
As of January 31, 2026 the best value apartment in the Capitol East area is the $1.35 price per square foot #1 - 2 Bedroom Model at The Fleming Building in the in the Southwest Des Moines neighborhood starting from $1,495. The second greatest value Capitol East apartment is the CA-C2 Model at Court Ave Lofts starting at $1,200 with a $1.38 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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Fleming Building | #1 - 2 Bedroom | 2BR,1BA | $1.35 |
| Court Ave Lofts | CA-C2 | 2BR,2BA | $1.38 |
| Wilkins Bldg | Income Restricted | 1BR,1BA | $1.18 |
| Vine Street Lofts | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $1.20 |
| 1120 E 6th St apt 3, Unit 3 | 1120 E 6th St apt 3 | 2BR,1BA | $1.25 |
| Madison Flats | 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom | 1BR,1BA | $1.15 |
| Rumely Lofts | 1 Bedroom Income Restricted | 1BR,1BA | $1.32 |
| East Village Square | 1x1-676 | 1BR,1BA | $1.26 |
| Riverview Oaks Apartments | 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom | 1BR,1BA | $1.15 |
| Civic Center Court Apartments | 1BR - Apply Now | 1BR,1BA | $1.35 |
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.
Read ArticleThe Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro
Moving is tough, especially long-distance. Learn how to minimize stress & expenses with proven strategies from a real estate pro, covering everything from logistics to finances.
Read ArticleCash 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.
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.
Pet Friendly LifestyleCapitol East, Des Moines, IA
Ranked #19
Among cities in Iowa for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.
Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score
4.0Pet Friendly
Best Local Schools in Capitol East, Des Moines, IA
East High School
Hiatt Middle School
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 $800.
What is the price of a cheap apartment in Capitol East?
The cheapest apartment in Capitol East is Pioneer Estates which is listed at $690, while the average apartment in Capitol East costs $11,289.
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 75 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 $221 which is $11,068 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

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.

18 Must-Ask Rental Tour Questions That Reveal the Truth about a Property
Written by: Lauren Harrington
Renting your next home can feel thrilling and overwhelming at the same time.

A Renters Guide for Tips on Writing Your Notice for Not Renewing Your Apartment
Written by: Bob Mallory
Packing up everything you own to move is so stressful for many that ending your apartment lease can feel like a small or unimportant task. Ending your lease involves more than simply turning over your keys on the last day.

Renting with Roommates: Realistic Expectations for Shared Lease
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Given the high costs for housing, I have found that many people are looking for a roommate to share expenses. These arrangements can increase opportunities for more desirable and larger spaces.