
Homes for Rent in Des Moines, IA (221 Rentals)


4206 SE 23rd St

2537 Lynner Dr

2837 Scott Ave

4200 Enden Ln

2725 Adams Ave

611 19th St

1008 Kingman Cir, Unit 1008 Kingman Circle, Unit 1008 Kingman Circle

4232 Urbandale Ave, Unit UnitAMainFloor, Unit UnitAMainFloor

1217 Filmore St
Des Moines's Best Affordable Neighborhoods
Learn about Des Moines and the best places to live with original content written by our Local Expert Joseph Isenberg

1801 E 12th St

1224 47th St

2636 Wedgewood Rd

9 Hillside Ave

2813 Hull Ave

1833 E 9th St

3300 Adams Ave

1231 46th St

7000 Lake Hill Dr

712 15th St, Unit 712, Unit 712
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.

3706 SE 19th St

3200 Hull Ave

2530 University Ave, Unit SI ID1036850P

925-925 28th St, Unit 925

1809 Arlington Ave, Unit 3

2530 University Ave, Unit SI ID1036856P

2301 Ingersoll Ave, Unit SI ID1234847P

1400 E Walnut St, Unit SI ID1036842P

1809 Arlington Ave, Unit 10

301 E Walnut St, Unit SI ID1285758P
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.

400 Walnut St, Unit SI ID1285755P

2530 University Ave, Unit SI ID1036809P

2301 Ingersoll Ave, Unit SI ID1036744P

1914 10th St

907 SE 9th St

901 41st St

2825 SE 14th St

2825 SE 14th St

4541 50th St

2825 SE 14th St
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.

2825 SE 14th St

1144 Polk Blvd

1933 E 25th St

1547 13th St

2000 Meadow Ct, Unit 506

1417 Cummins Pkwy

2621 SE 14th St

3113 SW 2nd St

3915 Lawnwoods Dr

4807 NW Aurora Ave.
Des Moines, IA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent a home in Des Moines?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines 2 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $1,268 | $650 | $2,250 |
| Des Moines 3 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $1,740 | $1,095 | $2,494 |
| Des Moines 4 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $2,143 | $1,300 | $2,850 |
| Des Moines 5 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $2,048 | $1,850 | $2,300 |
| Des Moines 6 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $4,200 | $4,200 | $4,200 |
Browse Top Homes for Rent in Des Moines
Explore Des Moines
Des Moines, IA Local Guide

- Des Moines Neighborhoods
- Nearby Cities
- ZIP codes
- Local Counties
- School Districts
10 Hidden Costs of Renting You Should Budget for Before Signing a Lease
Avoid financial stress when renting. Learn about the 10 most common hidden costs—from pet fees to utilities—you must budget for before you sign a lease.
Read ArticleDon'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
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.
Read ArticleCash 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.
Read ArticleHow a Move-In Inspection Can Protect Your Security Deposit
Learn How a Move-In Inspection Can Protect Your Security Deposit from the Renter University at AparmentHomeLiving.com.
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.
Des Moines Overview
Looking for a Midwest city with tons to do, great job opportunities, and beautiful surroundings? You’ll get all that — and more — with a move to Des Moines! The Des Moines River winds through the heart of the city, giving plenty of scenic views. And the city’s thriving downtown area offers lots of entertainment and attractions! Living in Des Moines also means you’re just a few hours away from Kansas City, Omaha, Cedar Rapids, and other Midwest towns and cities for a weekend visit. We’ll take a closer look at what’s driving up demand for Des Moines homes for rent — and what life is like here in Niceville USA!
What is the history of Des Moines?
Des Moines started out as Fort Des Moines in the mid-1800s. But it dropped “Fort” from its name and officially became a city in 1857. That’s also the year that Des Moines became the capital of Iowa. A couple of decades later — in 1879 — the world-famous Iowa State Fair moved to the city — and it’s been held here ever since! Des Moines went through rapid growth in the 19th century thanks in large part to coal and the railroad. In the late 1900s, more growth happened, with financial centers and other businesses moving to the area. And Des Moines continues to grow and thrive today!
How is the weather in Des Moines?
Love snowy winters? Des Moines gets a few feet of snow per year, making it a great place for sledding and other winter activities. Average highs during the season are in the 30s, with average lows in the teens. But hot summer weather makes up for that! Des Moines has highs in the 80s during summer and lows in the 60s. You can expect some rainy days this time of year — but plenty of sunny ones, too! Spring and fall have average highs in the 50s and 60s, with average lows in the 40s. Those are great daytime temps for enjoying hiking and other outdoor recreation in Fort Des Moines Park and other places.
How do I get around town?
Where do you plan on looking for Des Moines rental homes? Being in or near the downtown area is most likely your best bet without a car. Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) runs several bus routes throughout the city. There’s also a shuttle service you can take that goes through downtown from end to end. Flying somewhere? Des Moines International Airport in the southern part of town offers tons of daily international and domestic flights. There’s no direct Amtrak service in Des Moines — but you can catch a train in nearby Osceola. Or there’s a Greyhound bus station in the northeastern corner of the city.
What is the Des Moines commute like?
Looking for a short commute? You’ll be in luck with Des Moines rentals! Commute times in the city are around 20 minutes or less. Even rush hour traffic isn’t as bad here as it is in other cities. And it’s easy to get to major roads in the area, like I-35 and I-80. In fact, these roads cross right through the city! What’s the busiest road? That would be I-235 between 42nd and 56th Streets. You might experience slightly longer driving delays if you need to take this route to and from work. But overall, you can still look forward to a quick commute as a Des Moines resident!
Why live in Des Moines, IA?
What’s causing so many people to look for homes for rent in Des Moines? Having a downtown filled with a lot to see and do is one reason! But it’s not the only one. Des Moines also has a small-town feel overall — combined with several big-city amenities. That gives you the best of both worlds! The cost of living is another big advantage. It’s lower than many other cities in the Midwest. And more and more businesses are moving here — bringing major employers to the area in the finance, healthcare, and agricultural industries! You’ll also be close enough for weekend getaways in Chicago, KC, or other big cities.
What Des Moines landmarks should I see?
Des Moines has plenty of historical places to visit and learn more about the area. But which should be on your must-see list? There’s the Iowa State Capitol, dating back to 1886. And Terrace Hill, the governor’s residence, is an official National Historic Landmark. Visit Living History Farms, an open-air museum, to explore Iowa’s agricultural past. Head to the State Historical Museum to see Hollywood in the Heartland and other great exhibits! Enjoy a meal in a Victorian mansion at Aposto. Make plans to see Historic Jordan House, Bennet School Museum, the Swanson House — and more!
What is there to do around Des Moines?
Love animals and nature? See tigers, giraffes, and other animals at Blank Park Zoo. Visit the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden to stroll through beautiful outdoor and indoor gardens! Head to the Des Moines Art Center and the Pappajohn Sculpture Park for contemporary works of art. Stock up on local goods at the farmers’ market in the downtown area. Spend sunny afternoons at Gray’s Lake Park, where you can go boating or biking. And, of course, you can make plans to be at the Iowa State Fair each summer!
Where is the best place to move in Des Moines?
Wondering where to find rental homes in Des Moines that fit your needs? Check out the downtown area or Capitol East for neighborhoods in the heart of the city. These give you easy access to all kinds of amenities, public transportation, and attractions. Drake puts you conveniently close to Drake University. East Village offers historic charm, with tons of older buildings, close access to the Des Moines River — and many other perks! South Park is a neighborhood filled with different housing options and several parks.
Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:Location, Location, Location!
Explore Des Moines, IA Rentals by Map
See the most popular apartments and homes in Des Moines, IA
Des Moines, IA Area Reviews
Joseph • 4+ years in Des Moines
May 14, 2025Many residents prefer the western suburbs or more distant communities like Indianola, Boone, Ames, or Newton. Certainly those are all viable options.I would never pick Des Moines for its schools, for example. But the city has many fine neighborhoods which are worth a look.
Frequently Asked Questions about Des Moines
What type of rentals are currently available in Des Moines?
There are currently 1306 Apartments for Rent in Des Moines, IA with pricing that ranges from $380 to $17,609. There are also 221 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Des Moines ranging from $650 to $4,200.
What is the current price range for Rental Homes in Des Moines?
Today's rental pricing for Homes for Rent, Condos and Townhomes in Des Moines ranges from $650 to $4,200 with an average monthly rent of $2,073.
How much are larger Three and Four Bedroom Rentals in Des Moines?
For those who are looking for larger living arrangements, Three Bedroom Apartments in Des Moines range from $685 to $4,481, while Three Bedroom Homes, Condos, and Townhomes for rent range from $1,095 to $2,494. Four Bedroom Single-Family rentals are also available starting from $1,300 and Four Bedroom Apartments start at $600.
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.

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.

Maximizing Your Refund: Essential Tax Tips for Renters
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Other than tax professionals, I can’t think of anyone who looks forward to tax season. For everybody else, April is a stressful month to collect information and meet deadlines.

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.