
Cheap Homes for Rent in Downtown Des Moines Neighborhood of Des Moines, IA from $600 (2 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Homes 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.

732 19th St
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.
Downtown Des Moines, Des Moines, IA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent a home in Downtown Des Moines?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Des Moines 2 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $2,062 | $1,750 | $2,250 |
| Downtown Des Moines 3 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $1,350 | $1,350 | $1,350 |
| Downtown Des Moines 6 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $4,200 | $4,200 | $4,200 |
Browse Homes for Rent in this Neighborhood
There are currently 2 rentals with your search options within a 2 mile radius of the Downtown Des Moines Neighborhood of Des Moines, IA.
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Downtown Des Moines, Des Moines, IA Local Guide
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Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown Des Moines, IA
As of June 22, 2026 the best value apartment in the Downtown Des Moines area is the $1.27 price per square foot 6 Beds, 3.5 Baths Model at 669 17th St in the in the Southwest Des Moines neighborhood starting from $4,200. The second greatest value Downtown Des Moines apartment is the B2 Model at Matilda 235 Townhomes starting at $2,450 with a $1.14 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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 669 17th St | 6 Beds, 3.5 Baths | 6BR,3.5BA | $1.27 |
| Matilda 235 Townhomes | B2 | 2BR,2.5BA | $1.14 |
| The Elmhurst | Model A | 2BR,2BA | $1.00 |
| Wilkins Bldg | Market Rate | 2BR,1BA | $1.29 |
| The Griffin Building | 2 Bedroom 1 Bathroom | 2BR,1BA | $1.27 |
| Vine Street Lofts | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $1.15 |
| The Des Moines Building | 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom Apartment | 1BR,1BA | $1.28 |
| 722 18th St | 1x1 | 1BR,1BA | $1.21 |
| High Street Brickstone | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $1.26 |
| The Concord Building | Studio | Studio ,1BA | $1.33 |
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 ArticleReal 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.
Read ArticleQuick 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.
Pet Friendly LifestyleDowntown Des Moines, Des Moines, IA
Ranked #16
Among cities in Iowa for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.
Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score
4.0Pet Friendly
Frequently Asked Questions about Downtown Des Moines
What type of rentals are currently available in Downtown Des Moines?
There are currently 155 Apartments for Rent in Downtown Des Moines, IA with pricing that ranges from $630 to $3,158. There are also 13 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Downtown Des Moines ranging from $625 to $4,200.
What is the current price range for Rental Homes in Downtown Des Moines?
Today's rental pricing for Homes for Rent, Condos and Townhomes in Downtown Des Moines ranges from $625 to $4,200 with an average monthly rent of $2,236.
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

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.

Apartment Occupancy Rates: Renter Attraction vs Renter Retention
Written by: Robin Stewart
There’s a tenet in marketing about client or customer attraction and retention. Studies and data have consistently shown it costs less to keep a current customer than to attract a new one.

How I Find the Perfect Rental for My Clients: A Real Estate Pro's Guide
Written by: Robin Stewart
Evaluating rental properties for clients draws many parallels to house-hunting. Whether an apartment, loft, townhouse, or other rental, finding the right place means finding “home” for your client.

Pet-Friendly Renting: Everything You Need to Know Before You Move
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
For so many of us, pets are the best companions and a big part of our lives. For this reason, a pet-friendly house or apartment is often a very important - and nonnegotiable - part of a move.