
Cheap Apartments for Rent in the East End Neighborhood of Des Moines, IA from $500 (45 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the East End area of Des Moines.


Northtown Apartments

Maverick Apartments

The Elliott

The Fleming Building

3225 5th Ave

East Village Square

Capitol Heights

2303 E 9th 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.

Riverview Oaks Apartments

Civic Center Court Apartments

City Square Lofts

Randolph Apartments

The Lyon

Vine Street Lofts

418 East Grand

Woodland Meadows

The Des Moines Building
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.

614 Douglas Ave

The Griffin Building

200 Grand Ave

1614 Arlington Ave

3719 3rd St

1614 Arlington Ave, Unit Unit 4

The Scott at East Village

1809 Arlington Ave

E300
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.

The Parker @ Seventh

1805 Arlington Ave

1809 Arlington Ave

Velocity

Highland Park Apartments (DSM)

La Placita on East Grand

Sixth Avenue Flats

Wedgewood Coop

The Aspen
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.

Eastview Manor

River Hills Apartments #2

421 College Ave

Capitol View Apartments

Grand Homes (55+ Community)

The Flats at Highland Park Apartments

Larnerd Apartments

Legacy Park Apartments

Iowa Eastview LLC
Navigating the Rental Market: Tips for First-Time Renters
Entering the rental market? Learn these simple tips and strategies to avoid common pitfalls and make confident choices. Rent with peace of mind.
East End, Des Moines, IA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in East End?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| East End Studio Apartments | $899 | $575 | $1,795 |
| East End 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,111 | $597 | $2,043 |
| East End 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,237 | $747 | $2,353 |
| East End 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,688 | $1,145 | $2,621 |
| East End 4 Bedroom Apartments | $1,391 | $1,219 | $1,563 |
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 45 rentals with your search options within a 2 mile radius of the East End Neighborhood of Des Moines, IA.
See all Apartments in Des MoinesExplore Des Moines
East End, Des Moines, IA Local Guide
- Nearby Des Moines neighborhoods
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Cheapest Available East End Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in the East End area of Des Moines, IA is a Studio unit found at Northtown Apartments priced from $595. Highland Park Apartments has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $597. Here are the most affordable East End apartments for rent in Des Moines, IA:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northtown Apartments | Studio | Studio,1BA | $595 |
| Highland Park Apartments | Standard 1 Bed | 1BR,1BA | $597 |
| Highland Park Apartments (DSM) | Standard 1 Bed | 1BR,1BA | $597 |
| Maverick Apartments | 0/1 | Studio,1BA | $695 |
| Capitol Heights | One-Bedroom Apartment in a Secure Building – Li... | 1BR,1BA | $725 |
| Riverview Oaks Apartments | 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom | 1BR,1BA | $745 |
| City Square Lofts | S1 | Studio,1BA | $755 |
| The Elliott | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $775 |
| The Lyon | 1 Bed Standard (T): Floors 3-11 | 1BR,1BA | $777 |
| Vine Street Lofts | Studio | Studio,1BA | $782 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in East End, IA
As of January 15, 2026 the best value apartment in the East End area is the $1.35 price per square foot #1 - 2 Bedroom Model at The Fleming Building in the in the Southwest Des Moines neighborhood starting from $1,495. The second greatest value East End apartment is the CA-C2 Model at Court Ave Lofts starting at $1,200 with a $1.38 price per square foot in the Southwest Des Moines neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for East End apartments based on price per square foot:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Fleming Building | #1 - 2 Bedroom | 2BR,1BA | $1.35 |
| Court Ave Lofts | CA-C2 | 2BR,2BA | $1.38 |
| The Aspen | Cypress Deluxe (W/D) | 2BR,1BA | $0.93 |
| Wilkins Bldg | Income Restricted | 1BR,1BA | $1.13 |
| 1120 E 6th St apt 3 | 1120 E 6th St apt 3 | 1BR,1BA | $1.19 |
| East Village Square | 1x1-676 | 1BR,1BA | $1.26 |
| Riverview Oaks Apartments | 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom | 1BR,1BA | $1.15 |
| 1614 Arlington Ave, Unit 4 | 1614 Arlington Ave | 1BR,1BA | $1.31 |
| Highland Park Apartments | Non-Renovated | 1BR,1BA | $1.23 |
| Highland Park Apartments (DSM) | Non-Renovated | 1BR,1BA | $1.23 |
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 ArticleThe Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro
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Read ArticleCash or credit? Understanding the Importance of Credit Score in Real Estate and Renting
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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 LifestyleEast End, Des Moines, IA
Ranked #29
Among cities in Iowa for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.
Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score
4.0Pet Friendly
Best Local Schools in East End, Des Moines, IA
Garton Elementary
East High School
Hiatt Middle School
School data provided by Great Schools
Lifestyle Ratings
ApartmentHomeLiving.com compiles millions of data points to bring you our detailed rental analysis called 'Lifestyle Ratings' - a comparison of rentals in cities and towns across the United States, including Des Moines. Our Lifestyle Ratings help you zero-in on the perfect place to call home. This takes in many factors including searching for the best amenities, and the best proximity to parks and outdoor amenities, transit availability, pet-friendly communities, places that make kids happy, and how walkable or bikeable each community and area is. Find Lifestyle Search in the filter options (above). Happy Searching!
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap East End Apartments
What is a cheap apartment in East End?
A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in East End is under $782.
What is the price of a cheap apartment in East End?
The cheapest apartment in East End is Highland Park Apartments which is listed at $597, while the average apartment in East End costs $1,601.
What types of apartments are the cheapest in East End?
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 45 regular apartments in East End 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 East End?
Cheap apartments in East End have an average cost of $207 which is $1,394 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in East End.
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.

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.

Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Back in the day when I rented one of my first apartments, the property didn’t even have laundry in the building. Now, rental properties are often competing against each other to provide the best amenities.