Cheap Homes for Rent in Des Moines, IA from $400 (66 Rentals)

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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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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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Des Moines, IA Local Guide

Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Des Moines, IA

Pricing Updated: 01/22/2026

Current apartment rentals in the Des Moines, IA area range in price from $450 to $6,500 with an overall median price of $2,528. The three Des Moines neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Woodland Heights at $840, River Bend at $725, and Valley High Manor at $1,345. 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
Woodland Heights$1,240$8406
River Bend$1,250$7253
Valley High Manor$1,345$1,3451
Woodland Heights$1,525$74021
East End$1,595$45030
Laurel Hill$1,595$1,0951
Martin Luther King Jr. Park$1,595$45033
Campus Park Wrights Grove$1,600$45020
Grandview College Area$1,600$45030
Union Park$1,600$45032

Cheapest Available Des Moines Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in Des Moines, IA is a Studio unit found at Highland Park Apartments in the Grandview College Area neighborhood priced from $575. Highland Park Apartments (DSM) in the Grandview College Area neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $575. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Des Moines apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Highland Park ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$575
Highland Park Apartments (DSM)StudioStudio,1BA$575
Northtown ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$595
Urban Heights0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$599
Village GreenStudioStudio,1BA$600
Clover Creek0/1 - ClassicStudio,1BA$605
The View On Hickman0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$625
The AcaciaStudio - ClassicStudio,1BA$647
Johnston Crossing Senior Apartments I2 Bedroom2BR,1BA$648
Valley Acres Apartments1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom1BR,1BA$650

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Des Moines, IA

As of January 22, 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 Bedroom 1.5 Bath Model at Normandy Terrace Apartments starting at $900 with a $0.60 price per square foot in the Maplenol Heights 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
Normandy Terrace Apartments2 Bedroom 1.5 Bath2BR,1.5BA$0.60
Prairie Pointe Student Living3 Bdrm Townhome3BR,3BA$0.52
Colonial VillageJamestown2BR,1.5BA$0.81
Magnolia Park2nd Floor 2/2.02BR,2BA$0.80
1215 23rd St, Unit 1215 23RD apt #31215 23rd St2BR,1BA$0.80
Magnolia Manor Apartments and Townhomes2 Bedroom2BR,1BA$0.89
Hamilton ApartmentsOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$0.84
Johnston Crossing Senior Apartments I2 Bedroom2BR,1BA$0.73
The JeffersonJefferson 2 Bed 1 Bath Renovated2BR,1BA$0.92

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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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 1309 Apartments for Rent in Des Moines, IA with pricing that ranges from $558 to $19,668. There are also 251 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Des Moines ranging from $450 to $6,500.

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 $450 to $6,500 with an average monthly rent of $1,767.

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 $4,060, while Three Bedroom Homes, Condos, and Townhomes for rent range from $800 to $3,095. Four Bedroom Single-Family rentals are also available starting from $1,395 and Four Bedroom Apartments start at $655.

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

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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.