Cheap Homes for Rent in Des Moines, IA from $400 (59 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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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 702 20th St

702 20th St

Des MoinesIA50314

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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Des Moines, IA Local Guide

Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Des Moines, IA

Pricing Updated: 10/24/2025

Current apartment rentals in the Des Moines, IA area range in price from $520 to $11,019 with an overall median price of $1,842. The three Des Moines neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Highland Park at $547, River Bend at $745, and Chautauqua Park at $650. 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
Highland Park$845$54731
River Bend$895$7455
Chautauqua Park$1,000$65032
Westown$1,060$625267
Maplenol Heights$1,075$625326
Bethany Heights$1,085$54783
Accent$1,120$54728
Fairmont Park$1,120$54743
Laurel Hill$1,140$69557
Sun Prairie$1,150$705299

Cheapest Available Des Moines Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in Des Moines, IA is a 1 Bed unit found at Johnston Crossing Senior Apartments I in the Green Meadows West neighborhood priced from $548. Clover Creek in the Northwest Des Moines neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $593. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Des Moines apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Johnston Crossing Senior Apartments I1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$548
Clover Creek0/1 - ClassicStudio,1BA$593
The Flats on 21st1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$595
Northtown ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$595
Village GreenStudioStudio,1BA$600
Riverview Oaks ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$625
Urban Heights0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$625
Ingersoll Park Studio Apartments 3607StudioStudio,1BA$625
Imperial Grand PrixGrand Prix StudioStudio,1BA$647

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Des Moines, IA

As of October 24, 2025 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 3614 6th Ave starting at $1,395 with a $0.89 price per square foot in the Grandview College Area 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
3614 6th Ave2 BR/ 1 BA2BR,1BA$0.89
Southern Meadows HomesPlan B - two story3BR,2BA$0.88
Prairie Pointe Student Living3 Bdrm Townhome3BR,3BA$0.52
Magnolia Park2/2.02BR,2BA$0.85
Magnolia Manor Apartments and Townhomes2 Bedroom2BR,1BA$0.89
3120 Cottage Grove Ave, Unit Apt 23120 Cottage Grove Ave1BR,1BA$0.83
Hamilton ApartmentsOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$0.84
The JeffersonJefferson 2bedroom2BR,1BA$0.90
Johnston Crossing Senior Apartments I1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$0.80

Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know

From the lounge to the laundry room, understand your rights and responsibilities in shared apartment spaces. Get tips on pet rules, noise, and security.

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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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Quick Rent Budget Calculator

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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
Population: 216,853

Ranked #101

in US Census Population by City

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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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See the most popular apartments and homes in Des Moines, IA

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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 1292 Apartments for Rent in Des Moines, IA with pricing that ranges from $520 to $11,401. There are also 247 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Des Moines ranging from $450 to $4,250.

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 $4,250 with an average monthly rent of $1,683.

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 $2,844, while Three Bedroom Homes, Condos, and Townhomes for rent range from $850 to $3,095. Four Bedroom Single-Family rentals are also available starting from $1,295 and Four Bedroom Apartments start at $655.

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.

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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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Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Back in the day when I rented one of my first apartments, the property didn’t even have laundry in the building. Now, rental properties are often competing against each other to provide the best amenities.

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How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Everything is a negotiation in real estate! 

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The Rental Move-In Inspection Checklist: A Guide for Renters

Written by: Trey Huguley

The move-in inspection checklist is a crucial tool for both tenants and landlords. This checklist, provided by the team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com, helps document the condition of an apartment at the time of move-in.