Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Drake University Neighborhood of Des Moines, IA from $400 (31 Rentals)

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

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.

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 Flats on 21st
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

The Flats on 21st

1313 21st StDes Moines, IA 50311
  • Utilities Included
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Harrington Studios
Studio Apartments

Harrington Studios

677 16th StDes Moines, IA 50314
  • Utilities Included
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3809 University Ave
Studio Apartments

3809 University Ave

3809 University AveDes Moines, IA 50311
  • Utilities Included

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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Drake Collection
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Drake Collection

2931 Cottage Grove AveDes Moines, IA 50311
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Concord Apartments
Studio Apartments

Concord Apartments

732 18th StDes Moines, IA 50314
Corporate Housing
  • Utilities Included
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2413 24th St
2 Bedroom Apartments

2413 24th St

2413 24th StDes Moines, IA 50310
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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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The Brady Apartments
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

The Brady Apartments

650 16th StDes Moines, IA 50314
  • Utilities Included
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Kingman Gardens
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Kingman Gardens

3010 Kingman BlvdDes Moines, IA 50311
  • 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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Drake Pointe
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Drake Pointe

1101 25th StDes Moines, IA 50311
Student Housing
  • Utilities Included
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1069 33rd St
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

1069 33rd St

1069 33rd StDes Moines, IA 50311

Drake University, Des Moines, IA Local Guide

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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Village GreenStudioStudio,1BA$600
The Brady Apartments0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$695
The DrakeB31BR,1BA$695
Beaverdale Housing LLCStudioStudio,1BA$710
Pleasant CourtStudioStudio,1BA$725
MLK Brickstone ApartmentsOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$730
Woodland Avenue Brickstone1x1 6301BR,1BA$775
1069 33rd St1069 1 bedroom1BR,1BA$795
Canary LoftsStudio AStudio,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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Matilda 235 TownhomesB22BR,2.5BA$1.30
The ElmhurstModel A2BR,2BA$1.00
2813 Cottage Grove Ave2 bed2BR,1BA$0.82
1171 21st St, Unit I1171 21st St2BR,1BA$1.12
1215 23rd St, Unit 1215 23RD apt #31215 23rd St2BR,1BA$0.80
Woodland Avenue Brickstone2x1 8502BR,1BA$1.19
713 20th St, Unit 1915-2713 20th St2BR,1BA$1.00
722 18th St1x11BR,1BA$1.21
1069 33rd St1069 1 bedroom1BR,1BA$1.22
MLK Brickstone ApartmentsOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$1.12

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.

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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.

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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.

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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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Pet Friendly Lifestyle
Drake University, Des Moines, IA

Ranked #63

Among cities in Iowa for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

4.0
Pet Friendly

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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

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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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.

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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.

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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.