Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Capitol East Neighborhood of Des Moines, IA from $500 (54 Rentals)

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

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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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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Maxwell
Rent Specials
$900 - $1,650Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments Contact Us For Availability

Maxwell

915 Mulberry StDes Moines, IA 50309
Corporate Housing
  • Verified
  • Customer Reviewed
  • Utilities Included

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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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

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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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 $595. The Fleming Building 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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Riverview Oaks ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$595
The Fleming Building#2 - StudioStudio,1BA$695
Maverick Apartments0/1Studio,1BA$695
Civic Center Court ApartmentsStudio - Apply NowStudio,1BA$700
The ElliottStudioStudio,1BA$710
Pioneer EstatesB11BR,1BA$720
Capitol HeightsOne-Bedroom Apartment in a Secure Building – Li...1BR,1BA$725
Eagle View LoftsA3 - Income Restricted1BR,1BA$748
418 East GrandStudio - The FlowStudio,1BA$755
City Square LoftsS1Studio,1BA$755

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Capitol East, IA

As of December 13, 2025 the best value apartment in the Capitol East area is the $1.25 price per square foot B1 Model at 5Fifty5 in the in the Southwest Des Moines neighborhood starting from $1,986. The second greatest value Capitol East apartment is the Income Restricted Model at Wilkins Bldg starting at $1,200 with a $1.10 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.
5Fifty5B12BR,2.5BA$1.25
Wilkins BldgIncome Restricted2BR,1BA$1.10
Court Ave LoftsCA-C72BR,1.5BA$1.13
The Des Moines BuildingB32BR,2BA$1.35
Vine Street Lofts1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$1.24
Riverview Oaks Apartments2 Bedroom 1 Bathroom2BR,1BA$0.94
1120 E 6th St apt 31120 E 6th St apt 31BR,1BA$1.19
Madison Flats1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom1BR,1BA$1.15
Rumely Lofts1 Bedroom Income Restricted1BR,1BA$1.32
East Village Square1x1-6761BR,1BA$1.26

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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The 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.

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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 #20

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!

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 $755.

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

The cheapest apartment in Capitol East is Pioneer Estates which is listed at $720, while the average apartment in Capitol East costs $5,388.

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 57 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 $251 which is $5,137 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

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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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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.

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Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Back in the day when I rented one of my first apartments, the property didn’t even have laundry in the building. Now, rental properties are often competing against each other to provide the best amenities.

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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!