
Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Drake University Neighborhood of Des Moines, IA from $400 (31 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Drake University area of Des Moines.


Village Green

The Grove at Hickman

The Drake

Beaverdale Housing LLC

1333 22nd Street

Pleasant Court
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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.

MLK Brickstone Apartments

1217 24th St

Woodland Avenue Brickstone

Old Main & Drake Apartments

1215 23rd St, Unit 1215 23RD apt #3

1067 23rd St

JK Sully1075
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.

New Haven Apartments

The Flats on 21st

Harrington Studios

3809 University Ave

Forest Avenue Senior Townhomes

University Terrace Apartments

Cottage Heights on 29th
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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.

Drake Collection

Concord Apartments

2413 24th St

Twin Manor

The Brady Apartments

Delester- 811 16th St.

Kingman Gardens
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Kingstone Apartments 2

Drake Pointe

1069 33rd St
Drake University, Des Moines, IA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Drake University?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drake University Studio Apartments | $941 | $555 | $2,986 |
| Drake University 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,022 | $695 | $2,948 |
| Drake University 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,319 | $795 | $2,795 |
| Drake University 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,308 | $1,100 | $1,625 |
| Drake University 4 Bedroom Apartments | $1,229 | $965 | $1,370 |
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 31 rentals with your search options within a 1 mile radius of the Drake University Neighborhood of Des Moines, IA.
See all Apartments in Des MoinesExplore Des Moines
Drake University, Des Moines, IA Local Guide
- Nearby Des Moines neighborhoods
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Cheapest Available Drake University Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in the Drake University area of Des Moines, IA is a Studio unit found at Village Green priced from $600. The Brady Apartments has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $695. Here are the most affordable Drake University apartments for rent in Des Moines, IA:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Village Green | Studio | Studio,1BA | $600 |
| The Brady Apartments | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio,1BA | $695 |
| The Drake | B3 | 1BR,1BA | $695 |
| Beaverdale Housing LLC | Studio | Studio,1BA | $710 |
| Pleasant Court | Studio | Studio,1BA | $725 |
| MLK Brickstone Apartments | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $730 |
| Woodland Avenue Brickstone | 1x1 630 | 1BR,1BA | $775 |
| 1069 33rd St | 1069 1 bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $795 |
| Canary Lofts | Studio A | Studio,1BA | $803 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Drake University, IA
As of January 29, 2026 the best value apartment in the Drake University 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 Drake University 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 Drake University apartments based on price per square foot:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matilda 235 Townhomes | B2 | 2BR,2.5BA | $1.30 |
| The Elmhurst | Model A | 2BR,2BA | $1.00 |
| 2813 Cottage Grove Ave | 2 bed | 2BR,1BA | $0.82 |
| 1171 21st St, Unit I | 1171 21st St | 2BR,1BA | $1.12 |
| 1215 23rd St, Unit 1215 23RD apt #3 | 1215 23rd St | 2BR,1BA | $0.80 |
| Woodland Avenue Brickstone | 2x1 850 | 2BR,1BA | $1.19 |
| 713 20th St, Unit 1915-2 | 713 20th St | 2BR,1BA | $1.00 |
| 722 18th St | 1x1 | 1BR,1BA | $1.21 |
| 1069 33rd St | 1069 1 bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $1.22 |
| MLK Brickstone Apartments | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $1.12 |
Don't Settle: How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money
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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 LifestyleDrake University, Des Moines, IA
Ranked #63
Among cities in Iowa for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.
Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score
4.0Pet Friendly
Lifestyle Ratings
This website compiles millions of data points to bring you our detailed rental analysis called 'Lifestyle Ratings' - a comparison of rentals in cities across the United States including Drake University, Des Moines, and the greater Des Moines area. Our Lifestyle Ratings help you zero-in on the perfect place to call home. This takes in many factors including filtering automatically for the best proximity to parks and outdoor amenities, luxury housing options, family-friendly amenities, raising pets, transit options, and how walkable or bikeable each community and area is. Use Lifestyle Search in the site filter options on this page - and find your Perfect place!
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Drake University Apartments
What is a cheap apartment in Drake University?
A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Drake University is under $803.
What is the price of a cheap apartment in Drake University?
The cheapest apartment in Drake University is The Drake which is listed at $695, while the average apartment in Drake University costs $1,295.
What types of apartments are the cheapest in Drake University?
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 4 regular apartments in Drake University 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 Drake University?
Cheap apartments in Drake University have an average cost of $232 which is $1,063 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Drake University.
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.

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.

A Renters Guide for Tips on Writing Your Notice for Not Renewing Your Apartment
Written by: Bob Mallory
Packing up everything you own to move is so stressful for many that ending your apartment lease can feel like a small or unimportant task. Ending your lease involves more than simply turning over your keys on the last day.

Renting with Roommates: Realistic Expectations for Shared Lease
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Given the high costs for housing, I have found that many people are looking for a roommate to share expenses. These arrangements can increase opportunities for more desirable and larger spaces.