Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Merle Hay Neighborhood of Des Moines, IA from $500 (54 Rentals)

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

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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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The Eddy
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

The Eddy

1120 Polk BlvdDes Moines, IA 50311
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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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1069 33rd St
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

1069 33rd St

1069 33rd StDes Moines, IA 50311
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4314 University Ave
1 Bedroom Apartments

4314 University Ave

4314 University AveDes Moines, IA 50311
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3519 University Ave
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

3519 University Ave

3519 University AveDes Moines, IA 50311

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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University Park Place
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

University Park Place

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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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.

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Westridge Apartments
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Westridge Apartments

8330 Harbach BlvdClive, IA 50325
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Executive Heights
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Executive Heights

8355 Alice AveClive, IA 50325
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Capri Apartments
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Capri Apartments

8465 Clark StClive, IA 50325
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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.

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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 Urban Heights priced from $599. Clover Creek has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $611. 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
Clover Creek0/1 - ClassicStudio,1BA$611
The View On Hickman0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$625
The View on Douglas0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$650
Beaverdale Housing LLCStudioStudio,1BA$710
Plaza ManorAzalea2BR,1BA$724
Westpointe ApartmentsWashingtonStudio,1BA$749
1/2 OFF 1ST MONTHS RENT!!! APPLY TODAY CHAD ESTATES1 bedroom1BR,1BA$765
The Drake ApartmentsB11BR,1BA$775
1069 33rd St1069 1 bedroom1BR,1BA$795

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Merle Hay, IA

As of January 10, 2026 the best value apartment in the Merle Hay area is the $1.10 price per square foot 5000 Twana Dr Model at 5000 Twana Dr, Unit 1 in the in the Merle Hay neighborhood starting from $1,100. The second greatest value Merle Hay apartment is the 2 Bedroom 1.5 Bathroom Model at Park West Apartments starting at $975 with a $0.99 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.
5000 Twana Dr, Unit 15000 Twana Dr2BR,1BA$1.10
Park West Apartments2 Bedroom 1.5 Bathroom2BR,1.5BA$0.99
Westchester SquareTwo Bedroom A2BR,2BA$0.97
Urban Green Apartments - Urbandale2 BD Oak2BR,1BA$1.02
Recently updated apartments near to shopping, dining, and public transportationBirch elevated 2 Bed2BR,1BA$1.19
Crest Manor2 Bedroom2BR,1BA$1.05
Crossroad Apartments2BR/1.0BA2BR,1BA$1.09
Elm Village Apartments2 BDRM2BR,1BA$1.09
Skyloft Apartments2BR/1.0BA2BR,1BA$1.06
1/2 OFF 1ST MONTHS RENT!!! APPLY TODAY CHAD ESTATES1 bedroom1BR,1BA$1.18

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

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

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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 #45

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 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 $685 at Clover Creek.

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 $724 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 $1,165.

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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A Renters Guide for Tips on Writing Your Notice for Not Renewing Your Apartment

Written by: Bob Mallory

Packing up everything you own to move is so stressful for many that ending your apartment lease can feel like a small or unimportant task. Ending your lease involves more than simply turning over your keys on the last day.

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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.

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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.