Cheap Homes for Rent in Des Moines, IA from $800 (73 Rentals)

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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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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

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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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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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property at 3906 7th St

3906 7th St

Des MoinesIA50313

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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Des Moines, IA Local Guide

Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Des Moines, IA

Pricing Updated: 06/21/2025

Current apartment rentals in the Des Moines, IA area range in price from $450 to $5,554 with an overall median price of $1,708. The three Des Moines neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are River Bend at $750, Bethany Heights at $600, and Campus Park Wrights Grove at $450. Here is today’s list of the top 10 neighborhoods with the lowest median pricing for Des Moines Apartments for rent:

NeighborhoodMedian PriceMin PriceAvailable Units
River Bend$887$7503
Bethany Heights$947$60044
Campus Park Wrights Grove$947$45016
Highland Park$947$60035
Chautauqua Park$972$60036
Indianola Hills$975$60026
Watrous South$975$600100
Fort Des Moines$1,037$545133
Fairmont Park$1,100$45024
Magnolia Park$1,100$545149

Cheapest Available Des Moines Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in Des Moines, IA is a 2 Beds unit found at Campus View Student Housing in the Springwood neighborhood priced from $500. Melbourne in the Southeast Des Moines neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $545. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Des Moines apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Campus View Student Housing2 Bed / 2 Bath2BR,2BA$500
MelbourneA1 - 40 - Income Restricted1BR,1BA$545
Highland Park Apartments (DSM)Standard 1 Bed1BR,1BA$547
Johnston Crossing Senior Apartments I1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$548
Village GreenStudioStudio,1BA$600
Watrous ApartmentsA11BR,1BA$600
Ingersoll Park Studios0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$625
Ingersoll Park Studio Apartments 3607StudioStudio,1BA$625
Riverview Oaks ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$625
The AspenStandard 2 Bedroom2BR,1BA$647

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Des Moines, IA

As of June 21, 2025 the best value apartment in the Des Moines area is the $0.81 price per square foot 2 Bedroom - Affordable Model at Vine Street Lofts in the in the Southwest Des Moines neighborhood starting from $957. The second greatest value Des Moines apartment is the 3 Bedroom Model at The Meadows starting at $950 with a $0.91 price per square foot in the Somerset neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Des Moines apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Vine Street Lofts2 Bedroom - Affordable2BR,2BA$0.81
The Meadows3 Bedroom3BR,2BA$0.91
Magnolia Manor Apartments and Townhomes2 Bedroom2BR,1BA$0.89
Hamilton ApartmentsOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$0.84
Goldbriar Chateau2 Bedroom 1 Bathroom2BR,1BA$0.94
608 Knoll Dr, Unit 4608 Knoll Dr2BR,1BA$0.94
Colonial VillagePlymouth1BR,1BA$0.89
Campus View Student Housing2 Bed / 2 Bath2BR,2BA$0.67
Johnston Crossing Senior Apartments I1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$0.80
Watrous ApartmentsA11BR,1BA$0.92

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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Des Moines, IA Area Reviews

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Joseph • 4+ years in Des Moines

May 14, 2025

Many 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 1252 Apartments for Rent in Des Moines, IA with pricing that ranges from $450 to $5,554. There are also 159 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Des Moines ranging from $850 to $3,950.

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 $850 to $3,950 with an average monthly rent of $1,892.

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 $736 to $5,554, while Three Bedroom Homes, Condos, and Townhomes for rent range from $1,150 to $3,000. Four Bedroom Single-Family rentals are also available starting from $1,495 and Four Bedroom Apartments start at $630.

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.