Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown Des Moines Neighborhood of Des Moines, IA from $500 (56 Rentals)

How Many Bedrooms?Done
Select your price rangeDone
Lifestyle Matching SearchDone
Learn more about Lifestyle Search
By AmenitiesDone
By Community TypeDone
Features and AvailabilityDone
Done

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

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 Article

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.

Read Article

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.

Read Article

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.

Read Article
close
View Me
Harrington Studios
Studio Apartments

Harrington Studios

677 16th StDes Moines, IA 50314
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
Concord Apartments
Studio Apartments

Concord Apartments

732 18th StDes Moines, IA 50314
  • Utilities Included

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.

Read Article
close
View Me
Twin Manor
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

Twin Manor

720 17th StDes Moines, IA 50314
  • Utilities Included
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 Stockbridge Apartments priced from $650. Civic Center Court Apartments has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $700. Here are the most affordable Downtown Des Moines apartments for rent in Des Moines, IA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Stockbridge Apartments1x1 670-7001BR,1BA$650
Civic Center Court ApartmentsStudio - Apply NowStudio,1BA$700
The ElliottStudioStudio,1BA$710
East Village SquareStudio 390-392Studio,1BA$725
Pleasant CourtStudioStudio,1BA$725
The Brady Apartments0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$750
418 East GrandStudio - The FlowStudio,1BA$760
Woodland Avenue Brickstone1x1 6301BR,1BA$775
FluxMellowStudio,1BA$790
The Scott at East VillageStudioStudio,1BA$793

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown Des Moines, IA

As of October 04, 2025 the best value apartment in the Downtown Des Moines area is the $1.30 price per square foot B2 Model at Matilda 235 Townhomes in the in the Downtown Des Moines neighborhood starting from $2,795. 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$1.30
The ElmhurstModel A2BR,2BA$1.00
Harbach Lofts2 Bedroom - D - Downtown View2BR,2BA$1.33
Court Ave LoftsCA-C72BR,1.5BA$1.13
Carbon 5502BR-C32BR,2BA$1.32
Woodland Avenue Brickstone2x1 8502BR,1BA$1.19
Wilkins BldgIncome Restricted1BR,1BA$1.18
Vine Street Lofts1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$1.15
Rumely Lofts1 Bedroom Income Restricted1BR,1BA$1.28
Stockbridge Apartments1x1 670-7001BR,1BA$0.93

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.

decorative image of people with a giant lease agreement

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 $793.

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 $2,205.

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 58 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 $205 which is $2,000 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.

decorative image for How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money article

How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Everything is a negotiation in real estate! 

decorative image for The Rental Move-In Inspection Checklist: A Guide for Renters article

The Rental Move-In Inspection Checklist: A Guide for Renters

Written by: Trey Huguley

The move-in inspection checklist is a crucial tool for both tenants and landlords. This checklist, provided by the team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com, helps document the condition of an apartment at the time of move-in.

decorative image for Your Guide to Co-Signers: The Risks, Rewards, and Everything in Between article

Your Guide to Co-Signers: The Risks, Rewards, and Everything in Between

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

For many people, obstacles can arise during the rental application process for a variety of issues.