Cheap Homes for Rent in Merle Hay Neighborhood of Des Moines, IA from $500 (9 Rentals)

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

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.

property at 4131 55th St

4131 55th St

Des MoinesIA50310

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.

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 Clover Creek priced from $593. The Drake Apartments has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $640. Here are the most affordable Merle Hay apartments for rent in Des Moines, IA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Clover Creek0/1Studio,1BA$593
The Drake ApartmentsB31BR,1BA$640
The View On Hickman0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$650

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Merle Hay, IA

As of September 21, 2025 the best value apartment in the Merle Hay area is the $1.10 price per square foot 2107 52nd St Model at 2107 52nd St, Unit 2017 in the in the Merle Hay neighborhood starting from $1,100. The second greatest value Merle Hay apartment is the 2105 52nd St Model at 2105 52nd St, Unit 2105 starting at $1,150 with a $1.15 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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
2107 52nd St, Unit 20172107 52nd St2BR,1.5BA$1.10
2105 52nd St, Unit 21052105 52nd St2BR,2BA$1.15
Westchester SquareTwo Bedroom B2BR,2BA$1.02
Urban Green Apartments - Urbandale2 BD Oak2BR,1BA$0.97
Crest Manor2 Bedroom2BR,1BA$1.05
Recently updated apartmentsBirch elevated 2 Bed W/D2BR,1BA$1.11
Bexley Urbandalebxl-B2c2BR,1BA$1.12
Crossroad Apartments2BR/1.0BA2BR,1BA$1.18
Park West Apartments2 Bedroom 1 Bathroom2BR,1BA$1.21
Skyloft Apartments2BR/1.0BA2BR,1BA$1.09

Quick Rent Budget Calculator

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Pet Friendly Lifestyle
Merle Hay, Des Moines, IA

Ranked #41

Among cities in Iowa for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

4.0
Pet Friendly

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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 $593 to $2,500. There are also 41 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Merle Hay ranging from $560 to $2,400.

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 $560 to $2,400 with an average monthly rent of $1,313.

Expert Rental Resources

Helpful Apartment Articles, How-To's and Tips

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.

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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How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Everything is a negotiation in real estate! 

decorative image for The Rental Move-In Inspection Checklist: A Guide for Renters article

The Rental Move-In Inspection Checklist: A Guide for Renters

Written by: Trey Huguley

The move-in inspection checklist is a crucial tool for both tenants and landlords. This checklist, provided by the team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com, helps document the condition of an apartment at the time of move-in.

decorative image for Your Guide to Co-Signers: The Risks, Rewards, and Everything in Between article

Your Guide to Co-Signers: The Risks, Rewards, and Everything in Between

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

For many people, obstacles can arise during the rental application process for a variety of issues.