Cheap Homes for Rent in Des Moines, IA from $500 (34 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in Des Moines.

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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property at 2537 Lynner Dr

$800

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$800
Total Monthly Price
$800

2 Bedroom, 1 Bath Home for Rent

Available Now

2537 Lynner Dr

Des MoinesIA50310

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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property at 2527 Lynner Dr

$1,075

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,075
Total Monthly Price
$1,075

2 Bedroom, 1 Bath Home for Rent

Available Now

2527 Lynner Dr

Des MoinesIA50310

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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Showing Results 1-34, Page 1 of 1

Des Moines, IA Local Guide

Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Des Moines, IA

Pricing Updated: 05/12/2026

Current apartment rentals in the Des Moines, IA area range in price from $480 to $15,886 with an overall median price of $2,303. The three Des Moines neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Danamere Farms at $750, Echo Valley at $750, and Campus Park Wrights Grove at $480. 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
Danamere Farms$850$7503
Echo Valley$850$7503
Campus Park Wrights Grove$850$48023
River Bend$960$4806
East Des Moines$1,135$69919
Accent$1,140$59725
Douglas Acres$1,140$59750
Sheridan Gardens$1,140$75067
Frisbie Park$1,150$525191
Golf & Country Club$1,150$625245

Cheapest Available Des Moines Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in Des Moines, IA is a 1 Bed unit found at The Townhall Food Hall and Apartments in the Grandview College Area neighborhood priced from $480. 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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
The Townhall Food Hall and Apartments1 BR1BR,1BA$480
Johnston Crossing Senior Apartments I1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$548
Clover Creek0/1 - ClassicStudio,1BA$575
Highland Park ApartmentsStandard 1 Bed1BR,1BA$597
Highland Park ManorStandard 1 Bed1BR,1BA$597
Plymouth Place Retirement Community 62+Studio - Retirement CommunityStudio,1BA$600
Village GreenStudioStudio,1BA$600
The View On HickmanNew Build Apartment Available for Immediate Mov...Studio,1BA$625
The Concord BuildingStudioStudio,1BA$630
Lenox PropertiesGreenwood AStudio,1BA$635

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Des Moines, IA

As of May 13, 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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Prairie TrailsFour bed4BR,3BA$0.77
3612 Ingersoll Ave2 BR/ 1 BA2BR,1BA$0.75
Normandy Terrace Apartments2 Bedroom 1.5 Bath2BR,1.5BA$0.60
Southern Meadows HomesPlan B - two story3BR,2BA$0.93
Colonial VillageJamestown2BR,1.5BA$0.78
Finn Apartmentsfin-2r2BR,2BA$0.92
Magnolia Manor Apartments and Townhomes2 Bedroom2BR,1BA$0.93
West Glen ApartmentsB1 Classic2BR,1.5BA$0.92
Northtown Apartments2 Bedroom 1 Bathroom2BR,1BA$0.92
Johnston Crossing Senior Apartments I1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$0.80

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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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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Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:
Location, Location, Location!

Explore Des Moines, IA Rentals by Map

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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 1296 Apartments for Rent in Des Moines, IA with pricing that ranges from $480 to $15,886. There are also 202 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Des Moines ranging from $525 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 $525 to $4,200 with an average monthly rent of $1,920.

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 $3,376, while Three Bedroom Homes, Condos, and Townhomes for rent range from $550 to $2,300. Four Bedroom Single-Family rentals are also available starting from $1,300 and Four Bedroom Apartments start at $550.

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.

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

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.