
Cheap Homes for Rent in Des Moines, IA from $511 (69 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in Des Moines.


732 19th St

732 19th St

732 19th St

304 5th St

1210 West St

3607 Ingersoll Ave

3607 Ingersoll Ave

3607 Ingersoll Ave

1314 22nd 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

3607 Ingersoll Ave

1123 24th St

3607 Ingersoll Ave

1123 24th St

1108 25th St

1314 22nd St

1206 39th St

3607 Ingersoll Ave

3607 Ingersoll Ave

3607 Ingersoll Ave
Rent According to Income: A Look at Income-Restricted Rentals
Find income-restricted rentals and housing subsidies. Explore government programs designed to help low-income families secure stable, affordable housing.

3607 Ingersoll Ave

1123 24th St

1831 Fuller Rd

1831 Fuller Rd

2500 Grand Ave

1303 College Ave

713 20th St

2636.5 Capitol Ave

1137 44th St

9533 University Ave, Unit 01
Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It
From theft to fire to water damage, the unexpected can happen to any renter. Discover why renters insurance is one of the smartest and most affordable investments you can make as a tenant.

2500 Grand Ave

1809 Arlington Ave, Unit 3

1924 Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy

1122 27th St

1025 Wade St

3840 15th St

840 16th St

2300 Beaver Ave

1964 Arlington Ave

830 Hartford Ave
How I Find the Perfect Rental for My Clients: A Real Estate Pro's Guide
Finding the right apartment starts with three things: location, cost, and amenities. Get the insider perspective from a real estate professional on how to nail all three.

917 Maury St

802 SE 10th St

6633 NW 6th Dr

6633 NW 6th Dr

3315 SE 4th St

1332 E 37th St

35 Hillside Ave

917 SW Titus Ave

2805 Cottage Grove Ave

1329 Fremont St
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.
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 | $1,289 | $795 | $2,100 |
| Des Moines 3 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $1,786 | $1,095 | $2,995 |
| Des Moines 4 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $2,133 | $1,290 | $2,995 |
| Des Moines 6 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $4,200 | $4,200 | $4,200 |
Browse Top Homes for Rent in Des Moines
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Des Moines, IA Local Guide
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Cheapest Neighborhoods for Homes in Des Moines, IA
Pricing Updated: 09/25/2026Current rental homes in the Des Moines, IA area range in price from $511 to $4,500 with an overall median price of $1,308. The three Des Moines neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are North of Grand at $695, Sherman Hill at $697, and Roosevelt Cultural District at $745. Here is today’s list of the top 10 neighborhoods with the lowest median pricing for Des Moines Homes for rent:
| Neighborhood | Median Price | Min Price | Available Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| North of Grand | $695 | $695 | 5 |
| Sherman Hill | $697 | $550 | 3 |
| Roosevelt Cultural District | $745 | $695 | 10 |
| Woodland Heights | $800 | $511 | 27 |
| Greenwood | $862 | $511 | 32 |
| Linden Heights | $875 | $511 | 31 |
| Salisbury Oaks | $900 | $511 | 33 |
| Woodland Heights | $942 | $511 | 3 |
| Jordan Grove | $947 | $795 | 3 |
| Frisbie Park | $972 | $695 | 16 |
Cheapest Available Des Moines Homes for Rent
 The cheapest available rental home in Des Moines, IA is a 1 Bed home found at 732 19th St in the Downtown Des Moines neighborhood priced from $550. 732 19th St in the Downtown Des Moines neighborhood has the second lowest priced home, which is a 1 Bed rental home currently listed from $550. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Des Moines homes for rent:
| Home Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| 732 19th St | 732 19th St | 1BR, 1BA | $550 |
| 732 19th St | 732 19th St | 1BR, 1BA | $550 |
| 3607 Ingersoll Ave | 3607 Ingersoll Ave | 1BR, 1BA | $695 |
| 3607 Ingersoll Ave | 3607 Ingersoll Ave | 1BR, 1BA | $695 |
| 3607 Ingersoll Ave | 3607 Ingersoll Ave | 1BR, 1BA | $695 |
| 3607 Ingersoll Ave | 3607 Ingersoll Ave | 1BR, 1BA | $695 |
| 1314 22nd St | 1314 22nd St | 1BR, 1BA | $695 |
| 1123 24th St | 1123 24th St | Studio, 1BA | $695 |
| 1108 25th St | 1108 25th St | 1BR, 1BA | $700 |
Best Value Homes for Rent in Des Moines, IA
As of September 25, 2026 the best value rental home in the Des Moines area is the $1.04 price per square foot 8716 NW 54th Ave Model at 8716 NW 54th Ave in the Cross Creek neighborhood starting from $1,850. The second greatest value Des Moines rental home is the 6202 Franklin Ave Model at 6202 Franklin Ave in the Windsor Heights neighborhood starting at $1,300 with a $0.93 price per square foot. Here is today’s list of the best values for Des Moines homes based on price per square foot:
| Home Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8716 NW 54th Ave | 8716 NW 54th Ave | 4BR, 3.5BA | $1.04 |
| 6202 Franklin Ave | 6202 Franklin Ave | 2BR, 1BA | $0.93 |
| 612 E Edison Ave | 612 E Edison Ave | 3BR, 2BA | $1.10 |
| 1122 27th St | 1122 27th St | 3BR, 1BA | $0.92 |
| 1310 4th St | 1310 4th St | 3BR, 1BA | $1.00 |
| 802 SE 10th St | 802 SE 10th St | 2BR, 1BA | $1.07 |
| 917 Maury St | 917 Maury St | 2BR, 1BA | $1.07 |
| 9533 University Ave, Unit Unit 01 | 9533 University Ave | 1BR, 1BA | $1.11 |
| 1108 25th St | 1108 25th St | 1BR, 1BA | $0.93 |
| 1831 Fuller Rd | 1831 Fuller Rd | 2BR, 2BA | $1.07 |
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.
Read ArticleNavigating the Rental Market: Tips for First-Time Renters
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Read ArticleReal 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.
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 1307 Apartments for Rent in Des Moines, IA with pricing that ranges from $480 to $5,481. There are also 220 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Des Moines ranging from $511 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 $511 to $4,200 with an average monthly rent of $1,475.
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 $655 to $3,723, while Three Bedroom Homes, Condos, and Townhomes for rent range from $1,095 to $2,995. Four Bedroom Single-Family rentals are also available starting from $1,290 and Four Bedroom Apartments start at $530.
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.

Rent According to Income: A Look at Income-Restricted Rentals
Written by: Robin Stewart
The idea of affordable housing can be subjective. Every individual is in a different place financially and vocationally. What one may easily afford could be a struggle for someone else.

How Commercial-to-Residential Property Conversions Help the Housing Crisis
Written by: Robin Stewart
Many housing markets throughout America share a common complaint: a lack of affordable rental properties.

Exploring Rental Options: Apartments, Townhomes, and Lofts - Oh My!
Written by: Robin Stewart
Where do you see yourself? When you think of home, sweet home, are you in a 3/2 apartment? Dreaming of a tall townhome? Maybe an industrial loft heavy on cool vibes is on your visioning board.