
Cheap Homes for Rent in Des Moines, IA from $300 (37 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in Des Moines.


3419 1st St

3413 59th St

1108 25th St

1217 24th St

1314 22nd St

2537 Lynner Dr

3835 Boston Ave

1312 22nd St
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.

595 N Pleasant Hill Blvd

1809 Arlington Ave

901 7th Ave SE

4010 University

416 8th St

416 8th St

1809 Arlington Ave

200 Grand Ave

422 1/2 Broad St
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.

1831 Fuller Rd

828 Hartford Ave

822 Hartford Ave

2701 Ingersoll Ave

2701 Ingersoll Ave

1412 Alpha Ave

3421 Merle Hay Rd

3421 Thompson Ave

1910 10th 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

6202 62nd St

1211 34th St

1300 E 12th St

1211 Lewis Ave

4122 77th St Cir

4122 77th St Cir

1547 13th St

4754 NE 27th Ct

4001 EP True Pkwy
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.

1217 24th St
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 | $1,368 | $700 | $2,700 |
| Des Moines 3 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $1,745 | $1,100 | $2,795 |
| Des Moines 4 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $2,180 | $1,300 | $2,950 |
| Des Moines 5 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $2,050 | $1,850 | $2,300 |
| Des Moines 6 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $4,066 | $4,000 | $4,200 |
Browse Top Homes for Rent in Des Moines
Explore Des Moines
Des Moines, IA Local Guide
- Des Moines Neighborhoods
- Nearby Cities
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Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Des Moines, IA
Pricing Updated: 03/28/2026Current apartment rentals in the Des Moines, IA area range in price from $380 to $22,823 with an overall median price of $2,715. The three Des Moines neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Danamere Farms at $780, Echo Valley at $780, and Campus Park Wrights Grove at $461. Here is today’s list of the top 10 neighborhoods with the lowest median pricing for Des Moines Apartments for rent:
| Neighborhood | Median Price | Min Price | Available Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| Danamere Farms | $880 | $780 | 3 |
| Echo Valley | $880 | $780 | 3 |
| Campus Park Wrights Grove | $895 | $461 | 39 |
| River Bend | $895 | $461 | 7 |
| Patricia Park | $1,139 | $625 | 87 |
| Frisbie Park | $1,150 | $380 | 153 |
| Sheridan Gardens | $1,150 | $750 | 71 |
| Fort Des Moines | $1,154 | $650 | 184 |
| Watrous South | $1,154 | $650 | 155 |
| Accent | $1,160 | $597 | 38 |
Cheapest Available Des Moines Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in Des Moines, IA is a Studio unit found at Townhall Apartments in the Grandview College Area neighborhood priced from $461. Johnston Crossing Senior Apartments I in the Green Meadows West neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $548. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Des Moines apartments for rent:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Townhall Apartments | Unit 224 - Income Restricted | Studio,1BA | $461 |
| Johnston Crossing Senior Apartments I | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $548 |
| Highland Park Manor | Standard 1 Bed | 1BR,1BA | $597 |
| Highland Park Apartments | Standard 1 Bed | 1BR,1BA | $597 |
| The View on Douglas | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio,1BA | $599 |
| Village Green | Studio | Studio,1BA | $600 |
| Plymouth Place Retirement Community 62+ | Studio - Retirement Community | Studio,1BA | $600 |
| The View On Hickman | New Build Apartment Available for Immediate Mov... | Studio,1BA | $625 |
| Lenox Properties | Greenwood A | Studio,1BA | $635 |
| The Acacia | Studio - Classic | Studio,1BA | $647 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Des Moines, IA
As of March 28, 2026 the best value apartment in the Des Moines area is the $0.77 price per square foot Four bed Model at Prairie Trails in the in the Hayes Acres neighborhood starting from $2,300. The second greatest value Des Moines apartment is the 2 BR/ 1 BA Model at 3612 Ingersoll Ave starting at $1,200 with a $0.75 price per square foot in the Southwest Des Moines neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Des Moines apartments based on price per square foot:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prairie Trails | Four bed | 4BR,3BA | $0.77 |
| 3612 Ingersoll Ave | 2 BR/ 1 BA | 2BR,1BA | $0.75 |
| Normandy Terrace Apartments | 2 Bedroom 1.5 Bath | 2BR,1.5BA | $0.60 |
| Southern Meadows Homes | Plan B - two story | 3BR,2BA | $0.93 |
| Ingersoll Towers | Drake | 3BR,2BA | $0.84 |
| Magnolia Park | 2/2.0 | 2BR,2BA | $0.78 |
| Magnolia Manor Apartments and Townhomes | 2 Bedroom | 2BR,1BA | $0.89 |
| Washington Manor | Two Bedroom | 2BR,2BA | $0.91 |
| McKinley Apartments | 2BD/2BA | 2BR,2BA | $0.89 |
| Johnston Crossing Senior Apartments I | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $0.80 |
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 ArticleQuick Rent Budget Calculator
How much rent can you afford?
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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 1298 Apartments for Rent in Des Moines, IA with pricing that ranges from $380 to $22,823. There are also 210 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Des Moines ranging from $380 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 $380 to $4,200 with an average monthly rent of $1,841.
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 $3,189, while Three Bedroom Homes, Condos, and Townhomes for rent range from $1,100 to $2,795. 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.

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.

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.