Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Merle Hay Neighborhood of Des Moines, IA from $500 (75 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Merle Hay area of Des Moines.

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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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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Uplift Manor
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Uplift Manor

2916 30th StDes Moines, IA 50310
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3809 University Ave
Studio Apartments

3809 University Ave

3809 University AveDes Moines, IA 50311
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Clover Creek
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Clover Creek

2901-2907 Boston AveDes Moines, IA 50310
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Drake Collection
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Drake Collection

2931 Cottage Grove AveDes Moines, IA 50311
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Eddy Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Eddy Apartments

1120 Polk BlvdDes Moines, IA 50311

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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University West
2 Bedroom Apartments

University West

4010 UniversityDes Moines, IA 50311
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Hickman House
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Hickman House

2221 63rd StDes Moines, IA 50322
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Roosevelt Manor
2 Bedroom Apartments

Roosevelt Manor

4223 Chamberlain DrDes Moines, IA 50312
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The Flats on 56th
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

The Flats on 56th

3710 56th StDes Moines, IA 50310
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4671 NW 50th St
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

4671 NW 50th St

4671 NW 50th StDes Moines, IA 50310
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JK Sully 1075
2 Bedroom Apartments

JK Sully 1075

1075 33rd StDes Moines, IA 50311
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1069 33rd St
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

1069 33rd St

1069 33rd StDes Moines, IA 50311

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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5902 Hickman Rd
2 Bedroom Apartments

5902 Hickman Rd

5902 Hickman RdDes Moines, IA 50322
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4314 University Ave
1 Bedroom Apartments

4314 University Ave

4314 University AveDes Moines, IA 50311
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Chetwynd Apartments
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Chetwynd Apartments

3519 University AveDes Moines, IA 50311
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1414 30th St
2 Bedroom Apartments

1414 30th St

1414 30th StDes Moines, IA 50311
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University Park Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

University Park Apartments

3725-3727 University AveDes Moines, IA 50311
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Twin Oaks Residences
2 Bedroom Apartments

Twin Oaks Residences

6315-6319 Hickman RdDes Moines, IA 50322
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3615 61st St
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

3615 61st St

3615 61st StDes Moines, IA 50322
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Kingman Gardens
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Kingman Gardens

1025 31st StDes Moines, IA 50311
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The Birch
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

The Birch

3120 Douglas AveDes Moines, IA 50310

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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Merle Hay, Des Moines, IA Local Guide

Cheapest Available Merle Hay Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in the Merle Hay area of Des Moines, IA is a Studio unit found at Clover Creek priced from $597. The View on Douglas has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $599. Here are the most affordable Merle Hay apartments for rent in Des Moines, IA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Clover Creek0/1 - GrandStudio,1BA$597
The View on Douglas0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$599
Urban Heights0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$675
The View On Hickman0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$675
The 2800 Residences2nd Floor - 1 Bed1BR,1BA$675
Legacy MeadowsS1 Partial RenoStudio,1BA$675
Chad Estates1 bedroom1BR,1BA$700
Beaverdale Housing LLCStudioStudio,1BA$710
Lillis LoftsStargazer II 30%3BR,2BA$736

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Merle Hay, IA

As of May 27, 2026 the best value apartment in the Merle Hay area is the $1.18 price per square foot 3 BDRM Model at Elm Village Apartments in the in the Merle Hay neighborhood starting from $1,085. The second greatest value Merle Hay apartment is the 2B OG Model at Urban Green Apartments - Urbandale starting at $875 with a $1.03 price per square foot in the Windsor Heights neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Merle Hay apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Elm Village Apartments3 BDRM3BR,2BA$1.18
Urban Green Apartments - Urbandale2B OG2BR,1BA$1.03
Crossroad Apartments2BR/1.0BA2BR,1BA$1.09
Park West Apartments2 Bedroom 1 Bathroom2BR,1BA$1.22
Hickman OneModel A2BR,1BA$1.20
Village Green Apartments- 4532 Douglas2 Bedroom2BR,2BA$1.28
Hickman Hill Apartments HEAT & WATER INCLUDED1 Bedroom- Call for Specials1BR,1BA$1.11
Chad Estates1 bedroom1BR,1BA$1.08
Robin Hill1 Bed 1 Bath1BR,1BA$1.26
Legacy MeadowsS1 Partial RenoStudio ,1BA$1.35

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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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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Pet Friendly Lifestyle
Merle Hay, Des Moines, IA

Ranked #44

Among cities in Iowa for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

4.0
Pet Friendly

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Best Local Schools in
Merle Hay, Des Moines, IA

School data provided by Great Schools

Lifestyle Ratings

ApartmentHomeLiving brings you comprehensive Lifestyle Ratings of rentals in cities and towns across the United States, including Des Moines. LifeStyle Ratings are a useful tool for comparing and sorting apartments and neighborhoods when choosing your rental home. This takes in many factors including searching for the best amenities, and convenient access to the outdoors, kid and pet-friendly communities, availability of transit options, and how walkable or bikeable each community and area is. These search options are in the site filters at the top of this page.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Merle Hay Apartments

What is a cheap apartment in Merle Hay?

A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Merle Hay is under $736.

What is the price of a cheap apartment in Merle Hay?

The cheapest apartment in Merle Hay is The 2800 Residences which is listed at $675, while the average apartment in Merle Hay costs $1,409.

What types of apartments are the cheapest in Merle Hay?

Student, low-income, and by-the-bed apartments are typically the cheapest rentals in most cities, though they require qualifying criteria to rent. There are 10 regular apartments in Merle Hay that we think qualify as ‘cheap apartments’ that do not have special requirements to apply to rent.

How do the prices of cheap apartments compare to the average apartment in Merle Hay?

Cheap apartments in Merle Hay have an average cost of $135 which is $1,274 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Merle Hay.

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.

decorative image for A Seasoned Property Manager's Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Deposit Back article

A Seasoned Property Manager's Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Deposit Back

Written by: Lauren Harrington

I’m going to talk with you as a seasoned property manager and friend. So, let’s start with your security deposit. I want you to think about this guide as insider information. You deserve your deposit back.

decorative image for Expert Solutions for Creating the Perfect Work-From-Home Apartment Layouts article

Expert Solutions for Creating the Perfect Work-From-Home Apartment Layouts

Written by: Lauren Harrington

This article is based on first-hand experience managing apartment communities and helping renters adapt to their spaces after moving in.

decorative image for What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much article

What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much

Written by: Lauren Harrington

This article draws from first-hand renter experiences and recurring financial challenges reported after moving in.