3721 Cottage Grove Ave
Des MoinesIA50311
Cheap Homes for Rent in the Merle Hay Neighborhood of Des Moines, IA from $500 (8 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in the Merle Hay area of Des Moines.
3903 University Ave
Des MoinesIA50311
1137 44th St
Des MoinesIA50311
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$9251 Bedroom Apartments Available Sep 5
4009 University Ave, Unit 3
4009 University AveDes Moines, IA 50311
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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$9502 Bedroom Apartments Available Aug 15
4010 University
4010 UniversityDes Moines, IA 50311
3841 69th St
UrbandaleIA50322
901 41st St
Des MoinesIA50312
7815 Douglas Ave
UrbandaleIA50322
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 | $1,227 | $975 | $1,700 |
| Merle Hay 3 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $1,712 | $1,390 | $2,385 |
| Merle Hay 4 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $2,136 | $1,850 | $2,295 |
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 8 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 Urban Heights priced from $650. The 2800 Residences has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $675. Here are the most affordable Merle Hay apartments for rent in Des Moines, IA:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Urban Heights | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio,1BA | $650 |
| The 2800 Residences | 2nd Floor - 1 Bed | 1BR,1BA | $675 |
| The View on Douglas | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio,1BA | $675 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Merle Hay, IA
As of July 12, 2026 the best value apartment in the Merle Hay area is the $1.05 price per square foot 5000 Twana Dr Model at 5000 Twana Dr, Unit 1 in the in the Merle Hay neighborhood starting from $1,050. The second greatest value Merle Hay apartment is the 2 Beds, 2 Baths Model at 5908-5924 Sutton Dr starting at $1,150 with a $1.27 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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5000 Twana Dr, Unit 1 | 5000 Twana Dr | 2BR,1BA | $1.05 |
| 5908-5924 Sutton Dr | 2 Beds, 2 Baths | 2BR,2BA | $1.27 |
| Urban Green Apartments - Urbandale | 2 BD Oak | 2BR,1BA | $0.97 |
| Hickman One | Model A | 2BR,1BA | $1.20 |
| Westchester Square | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $1.10 |
| Crossroad Apartments | 1BR/1.0BA | 1BR,1BA | $1.03 |
| Hickman Hill Apartments HEAT & WATER INCLUDED | 1 Bedroom - FURNISHED | 1BR,1BA | $1.22 |
| Legacy Meadows | A3 Renovated | 1BR,1BA | $1.16 |
| Chad Estates | 1 bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $1.08 |
| Clover Creek | 1/1 - Grand | 1BR,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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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 LifestyleMerle Hay, Des Moines, IA
Ranked #38
Among cities in Iowa for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.
Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score
3.5Pet Friendly
Best Local Schools in Merle Hay, Des Moines, IA
Hoover High School
Des Moines Independent Community School District
Public School - Grades 9-12 (874)
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 220 Apartments for Rent in Merle Hay, IA with pricing that ranges from $605 to $2,000. There are also 40 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Merle Hay ranging from $525 to $2,385.
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 $525 to $2,385 with an average monthly rent of $1,309.
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.
Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It
Written by: Robin Stewart
Insurance seems to be a part of life. In some states, having insurance is the law, as is the case for automobile insurance. Renters are no exception.
Apartment Occupancy Rates: Renter Attraction vs Renter Retention
Written by: Robin Stewart
There’s a tenet in marketing about client or customer attraction and retention. Studies and data have consistently shown it costs less to keep a current customer than to attract a new one.
How I Find the Perfect Rental for My Clients: A Real Estate Pro's Guide
Written by: Robin Stewart
Evaluating rental properties for clients draws many parallels to house-hunting. Whether an apartment, loft, townhouse, or other rental, finding the right place means finding “home” for your client.