Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Merle Hay Neighborhood of Des Moines, IA from $500 (50 Rentals)

How Many Bedrooms?Done
Select your price rangeDone
Lifestyle Matching SearchDone
Learn more about Lifestyle Search
By AmenitiesDone
By Community TypeDone
Features and AvailabilityDone
Done

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

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
close
View Me
Uplift Manor
1 Bedroom Apartments

Uplift Manor

2916 30th StDes Moines, IA 50310
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
3809 University Ave
Studio Apartments

3809 University Ave

3809 University AveDes Moines, IA 50311
  • Utilities Included

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
close
View Me
Drake Collection
1 Bedroom Apartments

Drake Collection

2931 Cottage Grove AveDes Moines, IA 50311
close
View Me
Oakview Terrace
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Oakview Terrace

2901-2907 Boston AveDes Moines, IA 50310
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
Hickman House
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Hickman House

2221 63rd StDes Moines, IA 50322
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
Roosevelt Manor
2 Bedroom Apartments

Roosevelt Manor

4223 Chamberlain DrDes Moines, IA 50312
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
University West
2 Bedroom Apartments

University West

4010 UniversityDes Moines, IA 50311
  • Utilities Included

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
close
View Me
4314 University Ave
1 Bedroom Apartments

4314 University Ave

4314 University AveDes Moines, IA 50311
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
University Park Place
2 Bedroom Apartments

University Park Place

3725-3727 University AveDes Moines, IA 50311
  • Utilities Included

Smart Renter's Guide: Calculating Affordable Rent & Housing Costs

Wondering how to determine your rental budget? This comprehensive guide covers everything from the 30% rule to hidden fees and effective budgeting strategies.

Read Article
close
View Me
Westridge Apartments
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Westridge Apartments

8330 Harbach BlvdClive, IA 50325
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
Executive Heights
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Executive Heights

8355 Alice AveClive, IA 50325
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
Capri Apartments
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Capri Apartments

8465 Clark StClive, IA 50325
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
West Winds Apartments
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

West Winds Apartments

8190 Harbach BlvdClive, IA 50325
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
2170 NW 82nd St
2 Bedroom Apartments

2170 NW 82nd St

2170 NW 82nd StClive, IA 50325
  • Utilities Included

Navigating the Rental Market: Tips for First-Time Renters

Entering the rental market? Learn these simple tips and strategies to avoid common pitfalls and make confident choices. Rent with peace of mind.

Read Article
Showing Results 1-50, Page 1 of 1

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 Urban Heights priced from $599. The View on Douglas has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $650. Here are the most affordable Merle Hay apartments for rent in Des Moines, IA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Urban Heights0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$599
The View on Douglas0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$650
Plaza ManorAzalea2BR,1BA$696
The View On Hickman0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$699
Beaverdale Housing LLCStudioStudio,1BA$710
Oakview TerraceStudioStudio,1BA$710
The Drake1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom1BR,1BA$730
Westpointe ApartmentsWashingtonStudio,1BA$732
Silhouette Apartments1A1BR,1BA$750
The Village at WestchesterBuchanan2BR,1BA$755

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Merle Hay, IA

As of June 17, 2025 the best value apartment in the Merle Hay area is the $1.15 price per square foot 2107 52nd St Model at 2107 52nd St, Unit 2017 in the in the Merle Hay neighborhood starting from $1,150. The second greatest value Merle Hay apartment is the 7815 Douglas Ave Model at 7815 Douglas Ave, Unit 102 starting at $995 with a $1.04 price per square foot in the Merle Hay 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.
2107 52nd St, Unit 20172107 52nd St2BR,1.5BA$1.15
7815 Douglas Ave, Unit 1027815 Douglas Ave2BR,1.5BA$1.04
The Birch (Douglas Terrace)Classic 2-Bed2BR,1BA$0.94
Crest Manor2 Bedroom2BR,1BA$1.05
Elm Village Apartments2 BDRM2BR,1BA$1.11
Park West Apartments2 Bedroom 1 Bathroom2BR,1BA$1.12
Harsunvest HKM - 5902-5906 Hickman Rd2BR/1.0BA2BR,1BA$1.03
The Village at WestchesterBuchanan2BR,1BA$0.95
Urban Green Apartments - Urbandale1 BR Oak1BR,1BA$1.11
The Drake1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom1BR,1BA$1.17

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

Pet Friendly Lifestyle
Merle Hay, Des Moines, IA

Ranked #81

Among neighborhoods in Des Moines, IA for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

4.0
Pet Friendly

decorative image of woman handing cat to small boy

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.

Getting Around the Merle Hay Neighborhood in Des Moines, IA

Walk Score®

76 / 100

Very Walkable

Most errands can be accomplished on foot

Bike Score®

51 / 100

Bikeable

Some bike infrastructure

Transit Score®

31 / 100

Some Transit

A few nearby public transportation options

What Are Walk Score®, Transit Score®, and Bike Score® Ratings?

  • Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address.
  • Transit Score® measures access to public transit.
  • Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Merle Hay Apartments

What is the Cheapest Studio apartment in Merle Hay?

Currently the most affordable Cheap Studio Apartment in Merle Hay is at Urban Heights listed at $599.

How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom Merle Hay Apartment?

The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom Merle Hay Apartment is $730 at The Drake.

What is the lowest price for a Cheap Two Bedroom Merle Hay Apartment for rent?

Today's best deal for a Cheap Two Bedroom Apartment in Merle Hay is starting from $696 at Plaza Manor.

What is the most affordable Merle Hay Three Bedroom Apartment?

The best deal on a cheap Merle Hay Three Bedroom Apartment rental is at Country Club Village Apartments and starts from $1,105.

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 Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls article

Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls

Written by: Cheryl Bowman

A fantastic way to save money and enjoy a built-in community is to share an apartment. However, a bad roommate situation can turn your dream rental into a nightmare.

decorative image for The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour article

The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour

Written by: Marie Brown

You’ve scrolled through countless listings, walked through a blur of rentals, and finally found what feels like the one. The pictures? Fantastic. The neighborhood seems just right.

decorative image for Know Your Budget: Calculating What You Can Realistically Afford When Renting article

Know Your Budget: Calculating What You Can Realistically Afford When Renting

Written by: Lauren Harrington

Renting an apartment or house isn’t just about looking through online ads, choosing a few apartments or homes you want to tour, filling out an application, and putting down a deposit. Those things are all necessary and important.