Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown Des Moines Neighborhood of Des Moines, IA from $500 (70 Rentals)

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

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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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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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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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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Showing Results 1-50, Page 1 of 2

Downtown Des Moines, Des Moines, IA Local Guide

Cheapest Available Downtown Des Moines Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in the Downtown Des Moines area of Des Moines, IA is a Studio unit found at The Concord Building priced from $630. The Des Moines Building has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $695. Here are the most affordable Downtown Des Moines apartments for rent in Des Moines, IA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
The Concord BuildingStudioStudio,1BA$630
The Des Moines BuildingStudioStudio,1BA$695
Civic Center Court ApartmentsStudio - Apply NowStudio,1BA$700
City Square LoftsS1Studio,1BA$713
East Village SquareSayers - AffordableStudio,1BA$725
Pleasant CourtStudioStudio,1BA$725
The LyonStudio (T)Studio,1BA$797
Argonne ApartmentsStudio CStudio,1BA$799
Stockbridge ApartmentsAppling1BR,1BA$800
722 18th St1x11BR,1BA$845

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown Des Moines, IA

As of June 01, 2026 the best value apartment in the Downtown Des Moines area is the $1.14 price per square foot B2 Model at Matilda 235 Townhomes in the in the Downtown Des Moines neighborhood starting from $2,450. The second greatest value Downtown Des Moines apartment is the Model A Model at The Elmhurst starting at $1,300 with a $1.00 price per square foot in the Downtown Des Moines neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Downtown Des Moines apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Matilda 235 TownhomesB22BR,2.5BA$1.14
The ElmhurstModel A2BR,2BA$1.00
Court Ave LoftsCA-C9 Income Restricted2BR,2BA$1.19
Wilkins BldgMarket Rate2BR,1BA$1.29
Woodland Avenue Brickstone2x1 8502BR,1BA$1.38
Vine Street Lofts1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$1.20
Rumely Lofts1 Bedroom Income Restricted1BR,1BA$1.33
High Street BrickstoneOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$1.26
722 18th St1x11BR,1BA$1.21
The Concord BuildingStudioStudio ,1BA$1.20

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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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
Downtown Des Moines, Des Moines, IA

Ranked #16

Among cities in Iowa for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

4.0
Pet Friendly

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Lifestyle Ratings

ApartmentHomeLiving.com works hard to bring you our detailed rental analysis called 'Lifestyle Ratings' - a comparison of rentals and neighborhoods across the USA, including Downtown Des Moines, Des Moines, and the greater Des Moines area. LifeStyle Ratings are the best way to sort through finding a place to live - beyond price and floorplan. This takes in many factors including searching for the best amenities, and proximity to parks, transit availability, pet-friendly communities, family-friendly amenities, and much more. These search options are in the site filters at the top of this page.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Downtown Des Moines Apartments

What is a cheap apartment in Downtown Des Moines?

A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Downtown Des Moines is under $845.

What is the price of a cheap apartment in Downtown Des Moines?

The cheapest apartment in Downtown Des Moines is Pleasant Court which is listed at $799, while the average apartment in Downtown Des Moines costs $1,952.

What types of apartments are the cheapest in Downtown Des Moines?

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 Downtown Des Moines 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 Downtown Des Moines?

Cheap apartments in Downtown Des Moines have an average cost of $203 which is $1,749 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Downtown Des Moines.

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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Neighborhood and Market Insights: How to Choose the Right Area to Rent

Written by: Robin Stewart

Apartment-hunting can be a gargantuan task. Renters have a wish list of items—some luxuries, some necessities—but finding what you seek in the right place is perhaps the most important part of the journey.

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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.

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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.