Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown Des Moines Neighborhood of Des Moines, IA from $300 (76 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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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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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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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 1 Bed unit found at Mezzo on Walnut priced from $350. Stockbridge Apartments has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $650. Here are the most affordable Downtown Des Moines apartments for rent in Des Moines, IA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Mezzo on WalnutAria 31BR,1BA$350
Stockbridge Apartments1x1 670-7001BR,1BA$650
The Brady Apartments0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$695
Civic Center Court ApartmentsStudio - Apply NowStudio,1BA$700
The Des Moines BuildingStudioStudio,1BA$705
Pleasant CourtStudioStudio,1BA$725
City Square LoftsS1Studio,1BA$727
Argonne ApartmentsStudio BStudio,1BA$749
The Elliott1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$775
The Griffin BuildingStudioStudio,1BA$800

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown Des Moines, IA

As of April 15, 2026 the best value apartment in the Downtown Des Moines area is the $1.10 price per square foot B2 Model at Matilda 235 Townhomes in the in the Downtown Des Moines neighborhood starting from $2,350. 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$1.10
The ElmhurstModel A2BR,2BA$1.00
Court Ave LoftsCA-C3 - Income Restricted2BR,2BA$1.21
Vine Street Lofts1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$1.21
Riverpoint LoftsA61BR,1BA$1.26
10th Street Lofts0BR/1.0BAStudio ,1BA$1.28
Stockbridge Apartments1x1 670-7001BR,1BA$0.93
High Street BrickstoneOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$1.26
722 18th St1x11BR,1BA$1.21
East Village Square1x1-6761BR,1BA$1.26

10 Hidden Costs of Renting You Should Budget for Before Signing a Lease

Avoid financial stress when renting. Learn about the 10 most common hidden costs—from pet fees to utilities—you must budget for before you sign a lease.

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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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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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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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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 $800.

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

The cheapest apartment in Downtown Des Moines is Mezzo on Walnut which is listed at $350, while the average apartment in Downtown Des Moines costs $9,450.

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 64 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 $173 which is $9,277 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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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.

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Maximizing Your Refund: Essential Tax Tips for Renters

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Other than tax professionals, I can’t think of anyone who looks forward to tax season. For everybody else, April is a stressful month to collect information and meet deadlines.

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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.