Cheap Apartments for Rent in the East End Neighborhood of Des Moines, IA from $500 (63 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 East End area of Des Moines.

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 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.

Read Article

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.

Read Article

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.

Read Article
Showing Results 1-50, Page 1 of 2

East End, Des Moines, IA Local Guide

Cheapest Available East End Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in the East End area of Des Moines, IA is a 1 Bed unit found at Highland Park Apartments (DSM) priced from $547. Northtown Apartments has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $595. Here are the most affordable East End apartments for rent in Des Moines, IA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Highland Park Apartments (DSM)Standard 1 Bed1BR,1BA$547
Northtown ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$595
Riverview Oaks ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$625
City Square LoftsS1Studio,1BA$642
East Village SquareStudio 390-392Studio,1BA$725
The Scott at East VillageStudioStudio,1BA$762
The Elliott1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$775
Grand Homes (55+ Community)One Bedroom1BR,1BA$800
The Flats at Highland Park ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$825

Best Value Apartments for Rent in East End, IA

As of July 12, 2025 the best value apartment in the East End area is the $1.13 price per square foot CA-C7 Model at Court Ave Lofts in the in the Southwest Des Moines neighborhood starting from $1,147. The second greatest value East End apartment is the 2BR-C3 Model at Carbon 550 starting at $1,353 with a $1.34 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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Court Ave LoftsCA-C72BR,1.5BA$1.13
Carbon 5502BR-C32BR,2BA$1.34
The Aspen3 Bedroom3BR,2BA$1.10
Wilkins BldgMarket Rate1BR,1BA$1.35
Vine Street Lofts1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$1.23
Grand Homes (55+ Community)One Bedroom1BR,1BA$1.00
1614 Arlington Ave, Unit 41614 Arlington Ave1BR,1BA$1.42
Riverview Oaks ApartmentsStudioStudio ,1BA$1.14
Northtown ApartmentsStudioStudio ,1BA$1.38
Highland Park Apartments (DSM)StudioStudio ,1BA$1.44

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

Pet Friendly Lifestyle
East End, Des Moines, IA

Ranked #31

Among neighborhoods in Des Moines, IA for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

4.0
Pet Friendly

decorative image of woman handing cat to small boy

Best Local Schools in
East End, Des Moines, IA

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!

Getting Around the East End Neighborhood in Des Moines, IA

Walk Score®

34 / 100

Car-Dependent

Most errands require a car

Bike Score®

33 / 100

Somewhat Bikeable

Minimal bike infrastructure

Transit Score®

24 / 100

Minimal Transit

It may be possible to get on a bus

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 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 $825.

What is the price of a cheap apartment in East End?

The cheapest apartment in East End is Highland Park Apartments (DSM) which is listed at $547, while the average apartment in East End costs $2,277.

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 25 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 $230 which is $2,047 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in East End.

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 Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls article

Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls

Written by: Cheryl Bowman

A fantastic way to save money and enjoy a built-in community is to share an apartment. However, a bad roommate situation can turn your dream rental into a nightmare.

decorative image for The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour article

The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour

Written by: Marie Brown

You’ve scrolled through countless listings, walked through a blur of rentals, and finally found what feels like the one. The pictures? Fantastic. The neighborhood seems just right.

decorative image for Know Your Budget: Calculating What You Can Realistically Afford When Renting article

Know Your Budget: Calculating What You Can Realistically Afford When Renting

Written by: Lauren Harrington

Renting an apartment or house isn’t just about looking through online ads, choosing a few apartments or homes you want to tour, filling out an application, and putting down a deposit. Those things are all necessary and important.