Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown Des Moines Neighborhood of Des Moines, IA from $500 (55 Rentals)

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

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

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Harrington Studios
Studio Apartments

Harrington Studios

677 16th StDes Moines, IA 50314
  • Utilities Included
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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 $675. East Village Square has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $725. Here are the most affordable Downtown Des Moines apartments for rent in Des Moines, IA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Concord ApartmentsStudio 5Studio,1BA$675
East Village SquareStudio 390-392Studio,1BA$725
Pleasant CourtStudioStudio,1BA$725
Woodland Avenue Brickstone1x1 6301BR,1BA$730
The Scott at East VillageStudioStudio,1BA$765
The Elliott1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$775
The Brady Apartments0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$775
R&T LoftsCropStudio,1BA$830
City Square LoftsS1Studio,1BA$831

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown Des Moines, IA

As of June 24, 2025 the best value apartment in the Downtown Des Moines area is the $1.25 price per square foot C3 Model at 5Fifty5 in the in the Southwest Des Moines neighborhood starting from $2,758. 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$1.25
Matilda 235 TownhomesB22BR,2.5BA$1.30
Gateway Lofts2BR/2.0BA2BR,2BA$1.29
The ElmhurstModel A2BR,2BA$1.00
Vine Street Lofts2 Bedroom - Affordable2BR,2BA$0.81
Court Ave LoftsCA-C4 Income Restricted2BR,2BA$1.09
Wilkins BldgMarket Rate1BR,1BA$1.30
10th Street Lofts1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$1.32
1818 Pleasant St, Unit 18181818 Pleasant St2BR,1BA$1.03
Woodland Avenue Brickstone1x1 6301BR,1BA$1.08

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.

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 $831.

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

The cheapest apartment in Downtown Des Moines is Woodland Avenue Brickstone which is listed at $730, while the average apartment in Downtown Des Moines costs $2,461.

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 47 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 $148 which is $2,313 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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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.

decorative image for The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour article

The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour

Written by: Marie Brown

You’ve scrolled through countless listings, walked through a blur of rentals, and finally found what feels like the one. The pictures? Fantastic. The neighborhood seems just right.

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Know Your Budget: Calculating What You Can Realistically Afford When Renting

Written by: Lauren Harrington

Renting an apartment or house isn’t just about looking through online ads, choosing a few apartments or homes you want to tour, filling out an application, and putting down a deposit. Those things are all necessary and important.