
Cheap Homes for Rent in Capitol East Neighborhood of Des Moines, IA from $600 (11 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in the Capitol East area of Des Moines.


2342 E 13th St

1301 E 12th St

2636.5 Capitol Ave

1809 Arlington Ave, Unit 10
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.

1809 Arlington Ave, Unit 3

1522 E 16th St

910 E Railroad Ave

814 Hartford Ave

824 Hartford Ave
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.

1713 Lyon St
Capitol East, Des Moines, IA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent a home in Capitol East?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capitol East 2 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $1,262 | $795 | $2,250 |
| Capitol East 3 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $1,394 | $1,095 | $1,500 |
| Capitol East 4 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $2,147 | $1,795 | $2,500 |
Browse Homes for Rent in this Neighborhood
There are currently 11 rentals with your search options within a 2 mile radius of the Capitol East Neighborhood of Des Moines, IA.
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Capitol East, Des Moines, IA Local Guide
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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 The Townhall Food Hall and Apartments priced from $480. Pioneer Estates has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $699. Here are the most affordable Capitol East apartments for rent in Des Moines, IA:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Townhall Food Hall and Apartments | 1 BR | 1BR,1BA | $480 |
| Pioneer Estates | B1 | 1BR,1BA | $699 |
| Civic Center Court Apartments | Studio - Apply Now | Studio,1BA | $700 |
| City Square Lofts | S1 | Studio,1BA | $720 |
| East Village Square | Sayers - Affordable | Studio,1BA | $725 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Capitol East, IA
As of May 27, 2026 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 Market Rate Model at Wilkins Bldg starting at $1,400 with a $1.29 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. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7th Street Brownstones | C1 | 3BR,2.5BA | $1.41 |
| Wilkins Bldg | Market Rate | 2BR,1BA | $1.29 |
| Court Ave Lofts | CA-C3 - Income Restricted | 2BR,2BA | $1.21 |
| Vine Street Lofts | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $1.19 |
| Rumely Lofts | 1 Bedroom Income Restricted | 1BR,1BA | $1.33 |
| The Scott at East Village | Two Bedroom | 2BR,1BA | $1.38 |
| The Des Moines Building | 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom Apartment | 1BR,1BA | $1.24 |
| Riverview Oaks Apartments | 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom | 1BR,1BA | $1.15 |
| The Townhall Food Hall and Apartments | 1 BR | 1BR,1BA | $0.76 |
| Pioneer Estates | B1 | 1BR,1BA | $1.40 |
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 ArticleReal 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.
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 #21
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
Frequently Asked Questions about Capitol East
What type of rentals are currently available in Capitol East?
There are currently 200 Apartments for Rent in Capitol East, IA with pricing that ranges from $480 to $4,055. There are also 39 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Capitol East ranging from $655 to $2,500.
What is the current price range for Rental Homes in Capitol East?
Today's rental pricing for Homes for Rent, Condos and Townhomes in Capitol East ranges from $655 to $2,500 with an average monthly rent of $1,450.
How much are larger Three and Four Bedroom Rentals in Capitol East?
For those who are looking for larger living arrangements, Three Bedroom Apartments in Capitol East range from $995 to $2,749, while Three Bedroom Homes, Condos, and Townhomes for rent range from $1,095 to $1,500. Four Bedroom Single-Family rentals are also available starting from $1,795 and Four Bedroom Apartments start at $1,315.
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.

A Seasoned Property Manager's Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Deposit Back
Written by: Lauren Harrington
I’m going to talk with you as a seasoned property manager and friend. So, let’s start with your security deposit. I want you to think about this guide as insider information. You deserve your deposit back.

Expert Solutions for Creating the Perfect Work-From-Home Apartment Layouts
Written by: Lauren Harrington
This article is based on first-hand experience managing apartment communities and helping renters adapt to their spaces after moving in.

What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much
Written by: Lauren Harrington
This article draws from first-hand renter experiences and recurring financial challenges reported after moving in.