Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Merle Hay Neighborhood of Des Moines, IA from $500 (60 Rentals)

How Many Bedrooms?Done
Select your price rangeDone
to
Note: Properties with the Total Monthly Price badge include all required fees. Hover over the badge for details.
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.

close
View Me
The Drake
$695 - $960
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$630 - $895
Required Monthly Fees
$65
Total Monthly Price
$695 - $960
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

The Drake

1260 34th StDes Moines, IA 50311
Corporate Housing
  • Verified
  • Customer Reviewed
  • 3D Tour
close
View Me
Legacy Meadows
Rent Specials
$760 - $940
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$745 - $925
Required Monthly Fees
$15
Total Monthly Price
$760 - $940
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Legacy Meadows

4530 Lower Beaver RdDes Moines, IA 50310
Outdoors
  • Verified
  • Customer Reviewed
  • 3D Tour

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
close
View Me
Uplift Manor
1 to 2 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
close
View Me
Drake Collection
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Drake Collection

2931 Cottage Grove AveDes 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.

Read Article
close
View Me
Clover Creek
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Clover Creek

2901-2907 Boston AveDes Moines, IA 50310
close
View Me
The Eddy
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

The Eddy

1120 Polk BlvdDes Moines, IA 50311
close
View Me
University West
2 Bedroom Apartments

University West

4010 UniversityDes Moines, IA 50311
  • 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

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
1069 33rd St
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

1069 33rd St

1069 33rd StDes Moines, IA 50311
close
View Me
JK Sully1075
2 Bedroom Apartments

JK Sully1075

1075 33rd StDes Moines, IA 50311
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
4314 University Ave
1 Bedroom Apartments

4314 University Ave

4314 University AveDes Moines, IA 50311
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
Chetwynd Apartments
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Chetwynd Apartments

3519 University AveDes Moines, IA 50311
close
View Me
University Park Place
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

University Park Place

3725-3727 University AveDes Moines, IA 50311
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
Twin Oaks Residences
2 Bedroom Apartments

Twin Oaks Residences

6315-6319 Hickman RdDes Moines, IA 50322
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
The View On Hickman
$625
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$575
Required Monthly Fees
$50
Total Monthly Price
$625
Studio Apartments Available Now

The View On Hickman

7625 Hickman RdUrbandale, IA 50322
Affordability
  • Verified
  • Utilities Included
  • 3D Tour

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
1136 1/2 68th St, Unit 1136 12
$695
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$695
Total Monthly Price
$695
1 Bedroom Apartment Available Mar 1

1136 1/2 68th St, Unit 1136 12

1136 1/2 68th StWindsor Heights, IA 50324
Furnished
  • Smoke Free
close
View Me
Westpointe Apartments
Rent Specials
$751 - $1,705
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$704 - $1,658
Required Monthly Fees
$47
Total Monthly Price
$751 - $1,705
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Westpointe Apartments

2510 Canterbury RdUrbandale, IA 50322
Family Friendly
  • Verified
  • Customer Reviewed
  • 3D Tour

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
Showing Results 1-50, Page 1 of 2

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 The View On Hickman priced from $625. 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
The View On Hickman0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$625
The View on Douglas0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$650
Urban Heights0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$650
The DrakeB31BR,1BA$695
Park West ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$700
Beaverdale Housing LLCStudioStudio,1BA$710
Westpointe ApartmentsWashingtonStudio,1BA$751
Legacy MeadowsA2 Classic1BR,1BA$760
Crossroad ApartmentsBeautiful 1 Bedroom Apartment | Prime Location ...1BR,1BA$775

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Merle Hay, IA

As of February 26, 2026 the best value apartment in the Merle Hay area is the $0.98 price per square foot Two Bedroom A Model at Westchester Square in the in the Merle Hay neighborhood starting from $972. The second greatest value Merle Hay apartment is the 2 Bedroom Model at Crest Manor starting at $895 with a $1.05 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.
Westchester SquareTwo Bedroom A2BR,2BA$0.98
Crest Manor2 Bedroom2BR,1BA$1.05
Recently updated apartments near to shopping, dining, and public transportationBirch elevated 2 Bed2BR,1BA$1.19
Clover Creek2/1.5 - Classic2BR,1.5BA$0.94
Windsor Chateau Apartments2BR/1.5BA2BR,1.5BA$1.12
Skyloft Apartments2BR/1.0BA2BR,1BA$1.08
Comfortable living minutes from Merle Hay Mall!2 bed 1 bath2BR,1BA$1.03
Crossroad Apartments1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$1.03
Urban Green Apartments - Urbandale1 BR Oak1BR,1BA$1.13
Hickman Hill Apartments HEAT & WATER INCLUDED1 Bedroom- Call for Specials1BR,1BA$1.11

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

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
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

Pet Friendly Lifestyle
Merle Hay, Des Moines, IA

Ranked #43

Among cities in Iowa 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.

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 $775.

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

The cheapest apartment in Merle Hay is The Drake which is listed at $695, while the average apartment in Merle Hay costs $1,347.

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 $304 which is $1,043 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 Maximizing Your Refund: Essential Tax Tips for Renters article

Maximizing Your Refund: Essential Tax Tips for Renters

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Other than tax professionals, I can’t think of anyone who looks forward to tax season. For everybody else, April is a stressful month to collect information and meet deadlines.

decorative image for 18 Must-Ask Rental Tour Questions That Reveal the Truth about a Property article

18 Must-Ask Rental Tour Questions That Reveal the Truth about a Property

Written by: Lauren Harrington

Renting your next home can feel thrilling and overwhelming at the same time.

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

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.