Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Fort Des Moines Neighborhood of Des Moines, IA from $500 (48 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Fort Des Moines 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.

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.

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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Meredith Homes
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Meredith Homes

3716 Indianola AveDes Moines, IA 50320
Senior Living
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Libertad Des Moines
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Libertad Des Moines

4421 SE 14th StDes Moines, IA 50320
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Cedar Crest Apartments
2 Bedroom Apartments

Cedar Crest Apartments

3722-3726 SE 14th StDes Moines, IA 50320
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The Quarters on 9th
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

The Quarters on 9th

5209 SW 9th StDes Moines, IA 50315
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920 Meadow Ln
2 Bedroom Apartments

920 Meadow Ln

920 Meadow LnDes Moines, IA 50315
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Casady Apartments
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Casady Apartments

1910-1914 Casady DrDes Moines, IA 50315
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1201 E Bell Avenue
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

1201 E Bell Avenue

1201 E Bell AveDes Moines, IA 50315

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.

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Community Homes
3 Bedroom Apartments

Community Homes

5301 SW 9th StDes Moines, IA 50315
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Bell Terrace
1 Bedroom Apartments

Bell Terrace

2701 SW 23rd StDes Moines, IA 50321
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Melbourne IV 55+ Living
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Melbourne IV 55+ Living

5514 SE 14th StDes Moines, IA 50320
Senior Living
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Southridge Senior Lofts
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Southridge Senior Lofts

695 E Army Post RdDes Moines, IA 50315
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Shelly Rose Estates
1 Bedroom Apartments

Shelly Rose Estates

3721 Indianola AveDes Moines, IA 50320
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Kenwood II
2 Bedroom Apartments

Kenwood II

211 E McKinley AveDes Moines, IA 50315
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Iowa Stanton LLC
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Iowa Stanton LLC

2200 Stanton AveDes Moines, IA 50321
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Fort Des Moines, Des Moines, IA Local Guide

Cheapest Available Fort Des Moines Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in the Fort Des Moines area of Des Moines, IA is a 1 Bed unit found at Melbourne priced from $545. Southern Knolls (Watrous) has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $600. Here are the most affordable Fort Des Moines apartments for rent in Des Moines, IA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
MelbourneA1 - 40 - Income Restricted1BR,1BA$545
Southern Knolls (Watrous)A11BR,1BA$600
Sutton HillA11BR,1BA$668
The Pointe on Fleur1x11BR,1BA$685
Park Forest1x1 6301BR,1BA$695
Valley Acres Apartments1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom1BR,1BA$725
The Hampton MeadowsB1 - Classic2BR,1BA$750
Goldbriar Chateau1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom1BR,1BA$750
Park Ridge Apartments1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$775
The RidgesA1 - Renovated1BR,1BA$785

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Fort Des Moines, IA

As of June 13, 2025 the best value apartment in the Fort Des Moines area is the $0.91 price per square foot 3 Bedroom Model at The Meadows in the in the Somerset neighborhood starting from $950. The second greatest value Fort Des Moines apartment is the 2 Bedroom Model at Magnolia Manor Apartments and Townhomes starting at $850 with a $0.89 price per square foot in the Southwest Des Moines neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Fort Des Moines apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
The Meadows3 Bedroom3BR,2BA$0.91
Magnolia Manor Apartments and Townhomes2 Bedroom2BR,1BA$0.89
McKinley Apartments2BD/2BA2BR,2BA$0.93
SomersetB22BR,1BA$1.08
SunburstTwo Bedroom-One Bath2BR,1BA$1.11
Park Ridge Apartments1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$1.11
The Pointe on Fleur1x11BR,1BA$1.01
Southern Knolls (Watrous)A11BR,1BA$0.92
Valley Acres Apartments1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom1BR,1BA$1.12
Park Forest1x1 6301BR,1BA$1.10

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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Lifestyle Ratings

ApartmentHomeLiving brings you our detailed rental analysis called 'Lifestyle Ratings' - a comparison of rentals in metropolitan areas across the United States including Fort Des Moines, Des Moines, and the greater Des Moines area. LifeStyle Ratings are the best way to sort through finding a place to live - beyond price and floorplan. This takes in many factors including searching for the best amenities, and the best proximity to parks and outdoor amenities, kid and pet-friendly communities, availability of transit options, in addition to floorplans, availablity, and pricing. These search options are in the site filters at the top of this page.

Getting Around the Fort Des Moines Neighborhood in Des Moines, IA

Walk Score®

50 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Some errands can be accomplished on foot

Bike Score®

41 / 100

Somewhat Bikeable

Minimal bike infrastructure

Transit Score®

31 / 100

Some Transit

A few nearby public transportation options

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Fort Des Moines Apartments

How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom Fort Des Moines Apartment?

The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom Fort Des Moines Apartment is $545 at Melbourne.

What is the lowest price for a Cheap Two Bedroom Fort Des Moines Apartment for rent?

Today's best deal for a Cheap Two Bedroom Apartment in Fort Des Moines is starting from $639 at Melbourne.

What is the most affordable Fort Des Moines Three Bedroom Apartment?

The best deal on a cheap Fort Des Moines Three Bedroom Apartment rental is at The Meadows and starts from $950.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.