Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown Des Moines Neighborhood of Des Moines, IA from $500 (57 Rentals)

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

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Harrington Studios
Studio Apartments

Harrington Studios

677 16th StDes 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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Concord Apartments
Studio Apartments

Concord Apartments

732 18th StDes Moines, IA 50314
  • Utilities Included
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Twin Manor
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

Twin Manor

720 17th StDes Moines, IA 50314
  • Utilities Included
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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 Concord Apartments priced from $630. 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
Concord ApartmentsStudio 4 (Income Restricted)Studio,1BA$630
Stockbridge Apartments1x1 670-7001BR,1BA$650
East Village SquareStudio 390-392Studio,1BA$725
Pleasant CourtStudioStudio,1BA$725
Civic Center Court ApartmentsStudio - Apply NowStudio,1BA$750
The Brady Apartments0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$775
Woodland Avenue Brickstone1x1 6301BR,1BA$775
The Elliott1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$775
The Scott at East VillageStudioStudio,1BA$786
The Fleming Building#5 - StudioStudio,1BA$795

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown Des Moines, IA

As of August 18, 2025 the best value apartment in the Downtown Des Moines area is the $1.24 price per square foot C3 Model at 5Fifty5 in the in the Southwest Des Moines neighborhood starting from $2,749. The second greatest value Downtown Des Moines apartment is the B2 Model at Matilda 235 Townhomes starting at $2,795 with a $1.30 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.
5Fifty5C33BR,2.5BA$1.24
Matilda 235 TownhomesB22BR,2.5BA$1.30
The ElmhurstModel A2BR,2BA$1.00
Gateway Lofts1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$1.30
Court Ave LoftsCA-C72BR,1.5BA$1.13
Carbon 5502BR-C32BR,2BA$1.32
Arlington Hallett1 BR Dining Room1BR,1BA$1.15
Woodland Avenue Brickstone2x1 8502BR,1BA$1.19
Vine Street Lofts1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$1.14
Stockbridge Apartments1x1 670-7001BR,1BA$0.93

Quick Rent Budget Calculator

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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.

Getting Around the Downtown Des Moines Neighborhood in Des Moines, IA

Walk Score®

76 / 100

Very Walkable

Most errands can be accomplished on foot

Bike Score®

57 / 100

Bikeable

Some bike infrastructure

Transit Score®

59 / 100

Good Transit

Many 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 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 $795.

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

The cheapest apartment in Downtown Des Moines is Stockbridge Apartments which is listed at $650, while the average apartment in Downtown Des Moines costs $2,499.

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 49 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 $183 which is $2,316 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Downtown Des Moines.

Expert Rental Resources

Helpful Apartment Articles, How-To's and Tips

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.

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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The Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Hard truth. Moving is never easy. I’ve done it all – from local moves to cross-country relocations From packing to unpacking the last box, I have found moving to be an exhausting, expensive and stressful experience every time.

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Cash or credit? Understanding the Importance of Credit Score in Real Estate and Renting

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Throughout the day, think about all the times that you have to pay for something. So many of us reach automatically for a credit card or even our phone for a quick payment.

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Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls

Written by: Cheryl Bowman

A fantastic way to save money and enjoy a built-in community is to share an apartment. However, a bad roommate situation can turn your dream rental into a nightmare.