Cheap Homes for Rent in Des Moines, IA from $400 (49 Rentals)

How Many Bedrooms?Done
Select your price rangeDone
to
By AmenitiesDone
By Community TypeDone
Features and AvailabilityDone
Done

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

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.

Read Article

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.

Read Article
property at 2537 Lynner Dr

2537 Lynner Dr

Des MoinesIA50310

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.

Read Article

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

Read Article
property at 702 20th St

702 20th St

Des MoinesIA50314

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.

Read Article
Showing Results 1-49, Page 1 of 1

Des Moines, IA Local Guide

Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Des Moines, IA

Pricing Updated: 12/08/2025

Current apartment rentals in the Des Moines, IA area range in price from $500 to $14,711 with an overall median price of $2,084. The three Des Moines neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Campus Park Wrights Grove at $595, River Bend at $850, and North of Grand at $647. 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
Campus Park Wrights Grove$750$59529
River Bend$895$8505
North of Grand$957$64717
Plaza Hills$1,055$59936
Indianola Hills$1,067$70563
Westown$1,073$599252
Crown Point$1,110$60044
Easton Park$1,110$60044
Trail View$1,110$60044
Maplenol Heights$1,115$599318

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. Northtown Apartments in the Grandview College Area neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $595. 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
Northtown ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$595
Riverview Oaks ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$595
Highland Park ApartmentsStandard 1 Bed1BR,1BA$597
Highland Park Apartments (DSM)Standard 1 Bed1BR,1BA$597
The View on Douglas0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$599
Urban Heights0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$599
Village GreenStudioStudio,1BA$600
Clover Creek0/1 - ClassicStudio,1BA$611

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Des Moines, IA

As of December 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 2 BR/ 1 BA Model at 3612 Ingersoll Ave starting at $1,300 with a $0.81 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$0.81
Normandy Terrace Apartments2 Bedroom 1.5 Bath2BR,1.5BA$0.60
Prairie Pointe Student Living3 Bdrm Townhome3BR,3BA$0.52
Colonial VillageRichmond2BR,1.5BA$0.77
Magnolia Park2nd Floor 2/2.02BR,2BA$0.88
1215 23rd St, Unit 1215 23RD apt #31215 23rd St2BR,1BA$0.80
3120 Cottage Grove Ave, Unit Apt 23120 Cottage Grove Ave1BR,1BA$0.76
Hamilton ApartmentsOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$0.84
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.

Read Article
Decorative image

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.

Read Article
Decorative image

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.

decorative image of people with a giant lease agreement

Des Moines, IA
Population: 216,853

Ranked #101

in US Census Population by City

decorative image of people examining a giant globe and floating graphs

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

Explore Des Moines, IA Rentals by Map

Decorative image of map

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

View Map
Des Moines, IA Apartments Map
View Map
Des Moines, IA Rental Homes Map

Des Moines, IA Area Reviews

  • Parks
  • Entertainment
  • Local Vibes
  • Restaurants
  • Location
  • Traffic
  • Public Transportation
  • Outdoor Access
  • Cost of Living
  • Safety

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 1293 Apartments for Rent in Des Moines, IA with pricing that ranges from $500 to $11,071. There are also 254 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 $1,659.

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 $2,966, while Three Bedroom Homes, Condos, and Townhomes for rent range from $1,045 to $3,095. Four Bedroom Single-Family rentals are also available starting from $1,475 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.

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.

decorative image for Renting with Roommates: Realistic Expectations for Shared Lease article

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.

decorative image for Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know article

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.

decorative image for How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money article

How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Everything is a negotiation in real estate!