Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Fort Des Moines Neighborhood of Des Moines, IA from $500 (64 Rentals)

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

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Park Ridge Apartments
$775 - $935
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$775 - $935
Total Monthly Price
$775 - $935
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Park Ridge Apartments

3200 Indianola AveDes Moines, IA 50315
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What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much

Learn the official definition (spending 30% or more of your gross income on housing) and how to calculate your exact rent-to-income ratio. This guide offers expert tips on factoring in total housing costs (including utilities and fees) and budgeting accurately to avoid unnecessary financial strain.

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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.

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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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Meredith Homes
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Meredith Homes

3716 Indianola AveDes Moines, IA 50320
Senior Living
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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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Cedar Crest Apartments
2 Bedroom Apartments

Cedar Crest Apartments

3722-3726 SE 14th StDes Moines, IA 50320
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South View Apartments
1 Bedroom Apartments

South View Apartments

4221 SE 13th StDes Moines, IA 50315
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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 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

920 Meadow Ln

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

Casady Apartments

1910-1914 Casady DrDes Moines, IA 50315
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McKinley Apartments
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

McKinley Apartments

315 E McKinley AveDes Moines, IA 50315
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Community Homes
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Community Homes

5301 SW 9th StDes Moines, IA 50315
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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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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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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 Valley Acres Apartments priced from $650. McKinley Apartments has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $699. Here are the most affordable Fort Des Moines apartments for rent in Des Moines, IA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Valley Acres Apartments1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom1BR,1BA$650
McKinley Apartments1BD/1BA1BR,1BA$699
Park Forest1x1 6301BR,1BA$705
The Pointe on Fleur ApartmentsOne Bedroom Available-$500 Rent Credit-Call for...1BR,1BA$725
The Ridges1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$740
The Hampton Meadows1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$750
Watrous ApartmentsA11BR,1BA$758
Wakonda Village and Manor Apartment HomesS1PwvStudio,1BA$765
Park Ridge Apartments1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$775
1201 E Bell AvenueSpacious 2 bedroom unit close to downtown2BR,1BA$795

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Fort Des Moines, IA

As of May 07, 2026 the best value apartment in the Fort Des Moines area is the $0.93 price per square foot Plan B - two story Model at Southern Meadows Homes in the in the Southwest Des Moines neighborhood starting from $1,275. The second greatest value Fort Des Moines apartment is the 3 Bedroom Model at The Meadows starting at $995 with a $0.95 price per square foot in the Somerset 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.
Southern Meadows HomesPlan B - two story3BR,2BA$0.93
The Meadows3 Bedroom3BR,2BA$0.95
Finn Apartmentsfin-2r2BR,2BA$0.92
Fort Des Moines2-Bedroom2BR,2BA$0.97
Magnolia Manor Apartments and Townhomes2 Bedroom2BR,1BA$0.93
Goldbriar Chateau2 Bedroom 1 Bathroom2BR,1BA$0.94
Evergreen Terrace2BR/1BA-Updated2BR,1BA$1.00
1201 E Bell Avenue2BR/1.0BA2BR,1BA$0.94
McKinley Apartments1BD/1BA1BR,1BA$1.02
Valley Acres Apartments1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom1BR,1BA$1.00

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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Real Estate and Rental Term Glossary | ApartmentHomeLiving.com Renter University

From the letter A all the way to the letter Z, the Real Estate and Rental Term Glossary from the content team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provides our visitors and shoppers with a little clarity and helpful guidance in navigating the real estate world through definitions and explainers for the top subjects and terms that someone may come across during the leasing, buying, or selling process.

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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.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Fort Des Moines Apartments

What is the price of a cheap apartment in Fort Des Moines?

The cheapest apartment in Fort Des Moines is Valley Acres Apartments which is listed at $650, while the average apartment in Fort Des Moines costs $1,347.

What types of apartments are the cheapest in Fort Des Moines?

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 38 regular apartments in Fort Des Moines 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 Fort Des Moines?

Cheap apartments in Fort Des Moines have an average cost of $316 which is $1,031 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Fort Des Moines.

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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A Seasoned Property Manager's Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Deposit Back

Written by: Lauren Harrington

I’m going to talk with you as a seasoned property manager and friend. So, let’s start with your security deposit. I want you to think about this guide as insider information. You deserve your deposit back.

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Expert Solutions for Creating the Perfect Work-From-Home Apartment Layouts

Written by: Lauren Harrington

This article is based on first-hand experience managing apartment communities and helping renters adapt to their spaces after moving in.

decorative image for What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much article

What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much

Written by: Lauren Harrington

This article draws from first-hand renter experiences and recurring financial challenges reported after moving in.