3903 University Ave
Des MoinesIA50311
Cheap Homes for Rent in Merle Hay Neighborhood of Des Moines, IA from $700 (17 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in the Merle Hay area of Des Moines.
3425 Merle Hay Rd
Des MoinesIA50310
3421 Merle Hay Rd
Des MoinesIA50310
901 41st St
Des MoinesIA50312
1211 34th St
Des MoinesIA50311
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.
1512 Beaver Ave
Des MoinesIA50310
7815 Douglas Ave
UrbandaleIA50322
4807 NW Aurora Ave.
Des MoinesIA50310
4807 NW Aurora Ave.
Des MoinesIA50310
1144 Polk Blvd
Des MoinesIA50311
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.
5924 Sutton Pl
UrbandaleIA50322
1145 65th St
Windsor HeightsIA50324
1145 65th St
Windsor HeightsIA50324
5908 Sutton Pl, Unit 1
5908 Sutton Pl
UrbandaleIA50322
1231 56th St
Des MoinesIA50311
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.
4924 Madison Ave
Des MoinesIA50310
4926 Madison Ave
Des MoinesIA50310
Showing Results 1-17, Page 1 of 1
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 | $1,271 | $1,000 | $1,800 |
| Merle Hay 3 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $1,782 | $1,500 | $2,000 |
| Merle Hay 4 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $2,016 | $1,850 | $2,250 |
| Merle Hay 5 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $1,995 | $1,995 | $1,995 |
Browse Homes for Rent in this Neighborhood
There are currently 17 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 The View On Hickman priced from $625. Clover Creek has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $647. Here are the most affordable Merle Hay apartments for rent in Des Moines, IA:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| The View On Hickman | New Build Apartment Available for Immediate Mov... | Studio,1BA | $625 |
| Clover Creek | 1/1 - Grand | 1BR,1BA | $647 |
| The View on Douglas | Completely Renovated Studio Apartment | Studio,1BA | $650 |
| Urban Heights | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio,1BA | $675 |
| Beaverdale Housing LLC | Studio | Studio,1BA | $710 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Merle Hay, IA
As of April 13, 2026 the best value apartment in the Merle Hay area is the $1.09 price per square foot 2BR/1.0BA Model at Crossroad Apartments in the in the Merle Hay neighborhood starting from $899. The second greatest value Merle Hay apartment is the 2 BDRM Model at Elm Village Apartments starting at $825 with a $1.01 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. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crossroad Apartments | 2BR/1.0BA | 2BR,1BA | $1.09 |
| Elm Village Apartments | 2 BDRM | 2BR,1BA | $1.01 |
| Hickman One | Model A | 2BR,1BA | $1.20 |
| Urban Green Apartments | 1 BR Oak | 1BR,1BA | $1.12 |
| The Village at Westchester | Bedford | 2BR,1BA | $1.01 |
| Hickman Hill Apartments HEAT & WATER INCLUDED | 1 Bedroom- Call for Specials | 1BR,1BA | $1.11 |
| 1136 1/2 68th St, Unit 1136 12 | 1136 1/2 68th St | 1BR,1BA | $0.99 |
| Olde English Village | 1 Bed | 1 Bath | 662 sq ft | 1BR,1BA | $1.20 |
| 2915 Cottage Grove Ave, Unit 2 | 2915 Cottage Grove Ave | 1BR,1BA | $1.15 |
| Clover Creek | 1/1 - Grand | 1BR,1BA | $1.09 |
10 Hidden Costs of Renting You Should Budget for Before Signing a Lease
Avoid financial stress when renting. Learn about the 10 most common hidden costs—from pet fees to utilities—you must budget for before you sign a lease.
Read Article
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.
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Pet Friendly LifestyleMerle Hay, Des Moines, IA
Ranked #43
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 221 Apartments for Rent in Merle Hay, IA with pricing that ranges from $380 to $2,500. There are also 34 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Merle Hay ranging from $775 to $2,250.
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 $775 to $2,250 with an average monthly rent of $1,597.
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.
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.
Maximizing Your Refund: Essential Tax Tips for Renters
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Other than tax professionals, I can’t think of anyone who looks forward to tax season. For everybody else, April is a stressful month to collect information and meet deadlines.
18 Must-Ask Rental Tour Questions That Reveal the Truth about a Property
Written by: Lauren Harrington
Renting your next home can feel thrilling and overwhelming at the same time.