Cheap Homes for Rent in Des Moines, IA from $400 (50 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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property at 702 20th St

702 20th St

Des MoinesIA50314

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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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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property at 1306 E 29th St

1306 E 29th St

Des MoinesIA50317

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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Des Moines, IA Local Guide

Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Des Moines, IA

Pricing Updated: 09/07/2025

Current apartment rentals in the Des Moines, IA area range in price from $450 to $9,988 with an overall median price of $2,299. The three Des Moines neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are River Bend at $750, Nuttall Acres at $850, and Easter Lake Area at $1,150. 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$750$7501
Nuttall Acres$900$8502
Easter Lake Area$1,372$1,15011
Sheridan Gardens$1,395$7006
Chautauqua Park$1,445$7502
Grand Avenue$1,450$9005
Southwestern Hills$1,450$8254
Valley High Manor$1,522$7002
Terrell Manor$1,550$9007
Accent$1,550$59514

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 Creek0/1Studio,1BA$593
The Flats on 21stStudioStudio,1BA$595
Northtown ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$595
Lenox PropertiesDrake StudioStudio,1BA$595
Village GreenStudioStudio,1BA$600
Ingersoll Park Studio Apartments 3607StudioStudio,1BA$625
Riverview Oaks ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$625
The AcaciaStudio - ClassicStudio,1BA$647

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Des Moines, IA

As of September 08, 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 3 Bedroom Model at The Meadows starting at $995 with a $0.95 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.
Prairie TrailsFour bed4BR,3BA$0.77
The Meadows3 Bedroom3BR,2BA$0.95
Magnolia Park2/2.02BR,2BA$0.80
Magnolia Manor Apartments and Townhomes2 Bedroom2BR,1BA$0.89
Hamilton ApartmentsOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$0.84
West Glen ApartmentsB1 Classic2BR,1.5BA$0.89
The JeffersonJefferson 2bedroom2BR,1BA$0.90
Colonial VillagePlymouth1BR,1BA$0.95
Stockbridge Apartments1x1 670-7001BR,1BA$0.93
Johnston Crossing Senior Apartments I1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$0.80

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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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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 1285 Apartments for Rent in Des Moines, IA with pricing that ranges from $547 to $14,616. There are also 248 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Des Moines ranging from $450 to $9,988.

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 $9,988 with an average monthly rent of $1,717.

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 $4,800, while Three Bedroom Homes, Condos, and Townhomes for rent range from $1,175 to $3,295. Four Bedroom Single-Family rentals are also available starting from $1,550 and Four Bedroom Apartments start at $965.

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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Your Guide to Co-Signers: The Risks, Rewards, and Everything in Between

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

For many people, obstacles can arise during the rental application process for a variety of issues.

decorative image for The Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro article

The Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Hard truth. Moving is never easy. I’ve done it all – from local moves to cross-country relocations From packing to unpacking the last box, I have found moving to be an exhausting, expensive and stressful experience every time.

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Cash or credit? Understanding the Importance of Credit Score in Real Estate and Renting

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Throughout the day, think about all the times that you have to pay for something. So many of us reach automatically for a credit card or even our phone for a quick payment.