Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Greater South Side Neighborhood of Des Moines, IA from $500 (118 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Greater South Side 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.

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The Des Moines Building
Rent Specials
$735 - $1,339
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$710 - $1,314
Required Monthly Fees
$25

Total Monthly Price
$735 - $1,339
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

The Des Moines Building

405 6th AveDes Moines, IA 50309
Affordability
  • Verified
  • Customer Reviewed
  • Low Income
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Eagle View Lofts
$741 - $1,525
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$643 - $1,427
Required Monthly Fees
$98

Total Monthly Price
$741 - $1,525
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Eagle View Lofts

708-712 SE 6th StDes Moines, IA 50309
Corporate Housing
  • Verified
  • Customer Reviewed
  • 3D Tour
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City Square Lofts
Rent Specials
$755 - $1,795
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$722 - $1,762
Required Monthly Fees
$33

Total Monthly Price
$755 - $1,795
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

City Square Lofts

240 E Walnut StDes Moines, IA 50309
Affordability
  • Verified
  • 3D Tour

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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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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Park Ridge Apartments
Rent Specials
$805 - $975
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$805 - $975

Total Monthly Price
$805 - $975
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Park Ridge Apartments

3200 Indianola AveDes Moines, IA 50315
Cost Per Sq.Ft.
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  • Customer Reviewed
  • Utilities Included
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Finn Apartments
Rent Specials
$848 - $1,125
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$843 - $1,120
Required Monthly Fees
$5

Total Monthly Price
$848 - $1,125
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Finn Apartments

2221 Stanton AveDes Moines, IA 50321
Cost Per Sq.Ft.
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  • Customer Reviewed
  • 3D Tour

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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Maxwell
Rent Specials
$900 - $1,650Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments Contact Us For Availability

Maxwell

915 Mulberry StDes Moines, IA 50309
Corporate Housing
  • Verified
  • Customer Reviewed
  • Utilities Included

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.

Greater South Side, Des Moines, IA Local Guide

Cheapest Available Greater South Side Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in the Greater South Side area of Des Moines, IA is a Studio unit found at The Acacia priced from $647. Stockbridge Apartments has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $650. Here are the most affordable Greater South Side apartments for rent in Des Moines, IA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
The AcaciaStudio - ClassicStudio,1BA$647
Stockbridge Apartments1x1 670-7001BR,1BA$650
Ingersoll Park Studio Apartments 3607StudioStudio,1BA$675
Arlington HallettStudio WestStudio,1BA$680
Pioneer EstatesB11BR,1BA$690
The Brady Apartments0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$695
Watrous ApartmentsA11BR,1BA$705
Pleasant CourtStudioStudio,1BA$725
The Pointe on Fleur Apartments1x11BR,1BA$725
1201 E Bell AvenueTwo Bedroom Southside of Des Moines *No App Fee*1BR,1BA$725

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Greater South Side, IA

As of January 30, 2026 the best value apartment in the Greater South Side 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 Greater South Side apartment is the Riley Model at Ingersoll Towers starting at $906 with a $0.85 price per square foot in the Southwest Des Moines neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Greater South Side apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Southern Meadows HomesPlan B - two story3BR,2BA$0.93
Ingersoll TowersRiley2BR,2BA$0.85
Magnolia Park2nd Floor 2/2.02BR,2BA$0.80
Magnolia Manor Apartments and Townhomes2 Bedroom2BR,1BA$0.89
McKinley Apartments3BD/2BA3BR,2BA$0.94
Hamilton ApartmentsOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$0.84
Park Ridge Apartments2 Bedroom2BR,1BA$0.97
The JeffersonJefferson 2 Bed 1 Bath Renovated2BR,1BA$0.92
713 20th St, Unit 1915-2713 20th St2BR,1BA$1.00
Stockbridge Apartments1x1 670-7001BR,1BA$0.93

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
Greater South Side, Des Moines, IA

Ranked #10

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

ApartmentHomeLiving brings you comprehensive Lifestyle Ratings of rentals and neighborhoods across the USA, including Greater South Side, 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 searching for the best amenities, and the best outdoor access, transit availability, pet-friendly communities, apartment communities for the kids, walking, and biking. These search options are in the site filters at the top of this page.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Greater South Side Apartments

What is a cheap apartment in Greater South Side?

A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Greater South Side is under $725.

What is the price of a cheap apartment in Greater South Side?

The cheapest apartment in Greater South Side is Stockbridge Apartments which is listed at $650, while the average apartment in Greater South Side costs $19,668.

What types of apartments are the cheapest in Greater South Side?

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 92 regular apartments in Greater South Side 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 Greater South Side?

Cheap apartments in Greater South Side have an average cost of $232 which is $19,436 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Greater South Side.

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.