
Cheap Homes for Rent in Merle Hay Neighborhood of Des Moines, IA from $400 (9 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in the Merle Hay area of Des Moines.


1109 42nd St

1334 32nd St

1334 32nd St
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.

2826 67th St

2300 Beaver Ave

3812 Center St

3330 52nd St
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.

1539 56th St
Merle Hay, Des Moines, IA Local Guide

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 | $1,195 | $795 | $1,625 |
| Merle Hay 3 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $1,741 | $1,395 | $2,500 |
| Merle Hay 4 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $2,449 | $1,750 | $4,000 |
| Merle Hay 5 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $6,500 | $6,500 | $6,500 |
Browse Homes for Rent in this Neighborhood
There are currently 9 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 $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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Urban Heights | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio,1BA | $599 |
| Clover Creek | 0/1 - Classic | Studio,1BA | $611 |
| The View On Hickman | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio,1BA | $625 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Merle Hay, IA
As of December 29, 2025 the best value apartment in the Merle Hay area is the $1.07 price per square foot 2 Bedroom 1.5 Bathroom Model at Park West Apartments in the in the Windsor Heights neighborhood starting from $1,060. The second greatest value Merle Hay apartment is the Two Bedroom A Model at Westchester Square starting at $989 with a $1.00 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. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park West Apartments | 2 Bedroom 1.5 Bathroom | 2BR,1.5BA | $1.07 |
| Westchester Square | Two Bedroom A | 2BR,2BA | $1.00 |
| Bexley Urbandale | bxl-B2r | 2BR,1BA | $1.24 |
| Recently updated apartments near to shopping, dining, and public transportation | Birch elevated 2 Bed | 2BR,1BA | $1.11 |
| Crest Manor | 2 Bedroom | 2BR,1BA | $1.05 |
| Crossroad Apartments | 2BR/1.0BA | 2BR,1BA | $1.09 |
| Elm Village Apartments | 2 BDRM | 2BR,1BA | $1.09 |
| Skyloft Apartments | 2BR/1.0BA | 2BR,1BA | $1.06 |
| Urban Green Apartments - Urbandale | 1 BR Oak | 1BR,1BA | $1.13 |
| SaddleBrook Apartments | B1 | 1BR,1BA | $1.23 |
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 ArticleThe 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 ArticleCash 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 ArticleQuick 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.
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
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 215 Apartments for Rent in Merle Hay, IA with pricing that ranges from $490 to $2,000. There are also 42 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Merle Hay ranging from $490 to $6,500.
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 $490 to $6,500 with an average monthly rent of $2,170.
How much are larger Three and Four Bedroom Rentals in Merle Hay?
For those who are looking for larger living arrangements, Three Bedroom Apartments in Merle Hay range from $748 to $1,799, while Three Bedroom Homes, Condos, and Townhomes for rent range from $1,395 to $2,500. Four Bedroom Single-Family rentals are also available starting from $1,750 and Four Bedroom Apartments start at $1,370.
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.

How to Make Your Apartment Holiday-Ready: Renter-Friendly Tips
Written by: Justin Habersaat
Getting your apartment ready for the holidays can be exciting but sometimes challenging in a smaller space. Here are some modern tips to keep things festive, safe, and inviting this season.

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.

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.