Cheap Homes for Rent in Merle Hay Neighborhood of Des Moines, IA from $400 (9 Rentals)

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

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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.

Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls

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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 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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Urban Heights0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$599
Clover Creek0/1 - ClassicStudio,1BA$611
The View On Hickman0BR/1.0BAStudio,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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Park West Apartments2 Bedroom 1.5 Bathroom2BR,1.5BA$1.07
Westchester SquareTwo Bedroom A2BR,2BA$1.00
Bexley Urbandalebxl-B2r2BR,1BA$1.24
Recently updated apartments near to shopping, dining, and public transportationBirch elevated 2 Bed2BR,1BA$1.11
Crest Manor2 Bedroom2BR,1BA$1.05
Crossroad Apartments2BR/1.0BA2BR,1BA$1.09
Elm Village Apartments2 BDRM2BR,1BA$1.09
Skyloft Apartments2BR/1.0BA2BR,1BA$1.06
Urban Green Apartments - Urbandale1 BR Oak1BR,1BA$1.13
SaddleBrook ApartmentsB11BR,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.

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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.

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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.

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Quick Rent Budget Calculator

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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 Lifestyle
Merle Hay, Des Moines, IA

Ranked #45

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 $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

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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 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.

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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.

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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.