3721 Cottage Grove Ave
Des MoinesIA50311
Cheap Homes for Rent in Merle Hay Neighborhood of Des Moines, IA from $600 (6 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in the Merle Hay area of Des Moines.
3903 University Ave
Des MoinesIA50311
1534 63rd St
Windsor HeightsIA50324
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.
2300 Beaver Ave
Des MoinesIA50310
3841 69th St
UrbandaleIA50322
901 41st St
Des MoinesIA50312
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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Merle Hay, Des Moines, IA Local Guide
Copyright CoStar Group, Inc
How much does it cost to rent a home in Merle Hay?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Merle Hay 2 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $1,209 | $900 | $1,700 |
| Merle Hay 3 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $1,698 | $1,300 | $2,300 |
| Merle Hay 4 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $2,133 | $1,850 | $2,495 |
Note: Properties with the Total Monthly Price badge include all required fees. Hover over the badge for details.
Browse Homes for Rent in this Neighborhood
There are currently 6 rentals with your search options within a 2 mile radius of the Merle Hay Neighborhood of Des Moines, IA.
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Merle Hay, Des Moines, IA Local Guide
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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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clover Creek | 0/1 - Grand | Studio,1BA | $597 |
| The View on Douglas | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio,1BA | $599 |
| Urban Heights | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio,1BA | $675 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Merle Hay, IA
As of May 28, 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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elm Village Apartments | 3 BDRM | 3BR,2BA | $1.18 |
| Urban Green Apartments - Urbandale | 2B OG | 2BR,1BA | $1.03 |
| Crossroad Apartments | 2BR/1.0BA | 2BR,1BA | $1.09 |
| Park West Apartments | 2 Bedroom 1 Bathroom | 2BR,1BA | $1.22 |
| Hickman One | Model A | 2BR,1BA | $1.20 |
| Village Green Apartments- 4532 Douglas | 2 Bedroom | 2BR,2BA | $1.28 |
| Hickman Hill Apartments HEAT & WATER INCLUDED | 1 Bedroom- Call for Specials | 1BR,1BA | $1.11 |
| Chad Estates | 1 bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $1.08 |
| Robin Hill | 1 Bed 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $1.27 |
| Legacy Meadows | S1 Partial Reno | Studio ,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.
Read Article
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.
Read ArticleQuick Rent Budget Calculator
How much rent can you afford?
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Pet Friendly LifestyleMerle Hay, Des Moines, IA
Ranked #45
Among cities in Iowa for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.
Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score
4.0Pet Friendly
Best Local Schools in Merle Hay, Des Moines, IA
Hoover High School
Des Moines Independent Community School District
Public School - Grades 9-12 (991)
2 out of 10
School data provided by Great Schools
Frequently Asked Questions about Merle Hay
What type of rentals are currently available in Merle Hay?
There are currently 217 Apartments for Rent in Merle Hay, IA with pricing that ranges from $525 to $1,700. There are also 38 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Merle Hay ranging from $650 to $2,495.
What is the current price range for Rental Homes in Merle Hay?
Today's rental pricing for Homes for Rent, Condos and Townhomes in Merle Hay ranges from $650 to $2,495 with an average monthly rent of $1,335.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.