Cheap Homes for Rent in Des Moines, IA from $500 (46 Rentals)

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

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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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.

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property at 3841 69th St

$975 - $1,200

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$975 - $1,200
Total Monthly Price
$975 - $1,200

1 To 2 Bedroom Townhomes for Rent

Available Now

3841 69th St

UrbandaleIA50322

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.

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property at 2900 SE 10th St

$1,050

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,050
Total Monthly Price
$1,050

2 Bedroom, 1 Bath Townhome for Rent

Available Now

2900 SE 10th St

Des MoinesIA50315
property at 3902 E 38th St

$1,050

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,050
Total Monthly Price
$1,050

2 Bedroom, 1.5 Bath Home for Rent

Available Now

3902 E 38th St

Des MoinesIA50317

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.

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property at 1831 Fuller Rd

$1,100

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,100
Total Monthly Price
$1,100

2 Bedroom, 1 Bath Condo for Rent

Available Now

1831 Fuller Rd, Unit 4

1831 Fuller Rd
West Des MoinesIA50265
property at 1831 Fuller Rd

$1,100

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,100
Total Monthly Price
$1,100

2 Bedroom, 1 Bath Condo for Rent

Available Now

1831 Fuller Rd, Unit 24

1831 Fuller Rd
West Des MoinesIA50265
property at 1120 E 6th St

$1,100

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,100
Total Monthly Price
$1,100

2 Bedroom, 1 Bath Condo for Rent

Available Now

1120 E 6th St, Unit 8

1120 E 6th St
Des MoinesIA50316

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.

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Showing Results 1-46, Page 1 of 1

Des Moines, IA Local Guide

Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Des Moines, IA

Pricing Updated: 08/12/2026

Current apartment rentals in the Des Moines, IA area range in price from $480 to $5,884 with an overall median price of $1,178. The three Des Moines neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are River Bend at $710, Campus Park Wrights Grove at $745, and Highland Park at $745. 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$710$4803
Campus Park Wrights Grove$745$48019
Highland Park$745$48021
Lower Beaver$785$48015
East Des Moines$797$69926
Craig Reed Park$817$60520
Grand Avenue$825$59514
North of Grand$833$64710
Crown Point$842$70840
Easton Park$842$70840

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. 732 19th St in the Downtown Des Moines neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $550. 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
732 19th St1 Beds, 1 Baths1BR,1BA$550
Highland Park ManorStandard 1 Bed1BR,1BA$597
Highland Park ApartmentsStandard 1 Bed1BR,1BA$597
The Concord BuildingStudioStudio,1BA$630
The AcaciaStudio - ClassicStudio,1BA$647
Valley Acres Apartments1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom1BR,1BA$650
Douglas Oaks0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$650
Urban Heights0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$650
The Pointe on Fleur ApartmentsOne Month Free Rent Call Today!1BR,1BA$675

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Des Moines, IA

As of August 12, 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 Elm St - Ranch Finished Basement Model at Elm St Villas starting at $2,600 with a $0.94 price per square foot in the Hayes Acres 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
Elm St VillasElm St - Ranch Finished Basement3BR,3BA$0.94
Normandy Terrace Apartments2 Bedroom 1.5 Bath2BR,1.5BA$0.60
Southern Meadows HomesPlan B - two story3BR,2BA$0.93
Magnolia Park2 Bed /2 Bath2BR,2BA$0.85
Magnolia Manor Apartments and Townhomes2 Bedroom2BR,1BA$0.93
McKinley Apartments3BD/2BA3BR,2BA$0.94
Sunset Apartments2bd, 1ba2BR,1BA$0.94
3119 Grand Ave2 Beds, 1 Baths2BR,1BA$0.90
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.

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Real 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.

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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 1303 Apartments for Rent in Des Moines, IA with pricing that ranges from $480 to $5,884. There are also 259 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Des Moines ranging from $550 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 $550 to $4,200 with an average monthly rent of $1,401.

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 $3,301, while Three Bedroom Homes, Condos, and Townhomes for rent range from $1,185 to $2,895. Four Bedroom Single-Family rentals are also available starting from $1,050 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

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.

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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.

decorative image for First Apartment Regrets: Real Renters Share What They'd Do Differently article

First Apartment Regrets: Real Renters Share What They'd Do Differently

Written by: Robin Stewart

Hindsight is 20/20. Live and Learn. With age comes wisdom. We’re familiar with all those expressions, and all of them apply to lessons first-time renters learn.

decorative image for Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It article

Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It

Written by: Robin Stewart

Insurance seems to be a part of life. In some states, having insurance is the law, as is the case for automobile insurance. Renters are no exception.