
Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Oak Park Neighborhood of Des Moines, IA from $480 (76 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Oak Park area of Des Moines.


1501 University Ave

Highland Park Apartments

The 2800 Residences

2303 E 9th St

Forest Avenue Village

1333 22nd St

The Drake

Northtown Apartments

1314 22nd St
Rent According to Income: A Look at Income-Restricted Rentals
Find income-restricted rentals and housing subsidies. Explore government programs designed to help low-income families secure stable, affordable housing.

Canary Lofts

Lofts on 34th

Beaverdale Housing LLC

1314 22nd St

Riverview Oaks Apartments

Welbeck Apartments

1464 E 14th St

Old Main & Drake Apartments

Legacy Meadows

Cornerstone Apartments
Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It
From theft to fire to water damage, the unexpected can happen to any renter. Discover why renters insurance is one of the smartest and most affordable investments you can make as a tenant.

1438 9th St

1303 College Ave

1300 34th St

1260 34th St

Newens Dairy Lofts

Total Monthly Price
1614 Arlington Ave, Unit 4

University Place Lofts

Total Monthly Price
4009 University Ave, Unit #1

4009 University Ave, Unit 1

1809 Arlington Ave, Unit 3
How I Find the Perfect Rental for My Clients: A Real Estate Pro's Guide
Finding the right apartment starts with three things: location, cost, and amenities. Get the insider perspective from a real estate professional on how to nail all three.

New Haven Apartments

1914 10th St

University Village

1809 Arlington Ave

3902 38th St

Uplift Manor

3809 University Ave

Forest Avenue Senior Townhomes

University Terrace Apartments

614 Douglas Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313
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.

Highland Park Manor

Drake West Village

3309 University Ave

The Gables

Clover Creek

3419 1st St

Douglas Oaks

319 Franklin Ave

The Grove at Hickman

1314 22nd 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.
Oak Park, Des Moines, IA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Oak Park?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oak Park Studio Apartments | $905 | $480 | $1,912 |
| Oak Park 1 Bedroom Apartments | $832 | $480 | $1,912 |
| Oak Park 2 Bedroom Apartments | $991 | $745 | $1,600 |
| Oak Park 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,147 | $1,100 | $1,195 |
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 76 rentals with your search options within a 2 mile radius of the Oak Park Neighborhood of Des Moines, IA.
See all Apartments in Des MoinesExplore Des Moines
Oak Park, Des Moines, IA Local Guide
- Nearby Des Moines neighborhoods
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Cheapest Available Oak Park Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in the Oak Park area of Des Moines, IA is a 1 Bed unit found at Highland Park Apartments priced from $597. Highland Park Manor has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $597. Here are the most affordable Oak Park apartments for rent in Des Moines, IA:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highland Park Apartments | Standard 1 Bed | 1BR,1BA | $597 |
| Highland Park Manor | Standard 1 Bed | 1BR,1BA | $597 |
| Drake West Village | 4 Bed - 2 Bath | 4BR,2BA | $599 |
| 3309 University Ave | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio,1BA | $600 |
| The Gables | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio,1BA | $600 |
| 1333 22nd St | 1-bedroom 1333 | 1BR,1BA | $690 |
| Forest Avenue Village | Studio | Studio,1BA | $690 |
| Northtown Apartments | 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom | 1BR,1BA | $695 |
| The Grove at Hickman | 1x1 | 1BR,1BA | $695 |
| 1314 22nd St | 1 Beds, 1 Baths | 1BR,1BA | $695 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Oak Park, IA
As of September 13, 2026 the best value apartment in the Oak Park area is the $1.00 price per square foot 2 Bed 1 Bath Model at University Place Lofts in the in the Drake Park neighborhood starting from $870. The second greatest value Oak Park apartment is the 2/1.5 - Grand Big Buildings Model at Clover Creek starting at $842 with a $0.97 price per square foot in the Northwest Des Moines neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Oak Park apartments based on price per square foot:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| University Place Lofts | 2 Bed 1 Bath | 2BR,1BA | $1.00 |
| Clover Creek | 2/1.5 - Grand Big Buildings | 2BR,1.5BA | $0.97 |
| 4004 University | 2BR/1.0BA | 2BR,1BA | $1.31 |
| 1614 Arlington Ave, Unit 4 | 1614 Arlington Ave | 1BR,1BA | $1.31 |
| Riverview Oaks Apartments | 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom | 1BR,1BA | $1.15 |
| Northtown Apartments | 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom | 1BR,1BA | $1.21 |
| Highland Park Apartments | Standard 1 Bed | 1BR,1BA | $1.09 |
| Highland Park Manor | Standard 1 Bed | 1BR,1BA | $1.09 |
| 1314 22nd St | 1 Beds, 1 Baths | 1BR,1BA | $1.30 |
| 3309 University Ave | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio ,1BA | $1.26 |
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 ArticleNavigating the Rental Market: Tips for First-Time Renters
Entering the rental market? Learn these simple tips and strategies to avoid common pitfalls and make confident choices. Rent with peace of mind.
Read ArticleReal 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.
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 LifestyleOak Park, Des Moines, IA
Ranked #49
Among cities in Iowa for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.
Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score
3.5Pet Friendly
Best Local Schools in Oak Park, Des Moines, IA
North High School
School data provided by Great Schools
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Oak Park Apartments
What is a cheap apartment in Oak Park?
A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Oak Park is under $695.
What is the price of a cheap apartment in Oak Park?
The cheapest apartment in Oak Park is Highland Park Apartments which is listed at $597, while the average apartment in Oak Park costs $830.
What types of apartments are the cheapest in Oak Park?
Student, low-income, and by-the-bed apartments are typically the cheapest rentals in most cities, though they require qualifying criteria to rent. There are 4 regular apartments in Oak Park that we think qualify as ‘cheap apartments’ that do not have special requirements to apply to rent.
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.

Rent According to Income: A Look at Income-Restricted Rentals
Written by: Robin Stewart
The idea of affordable housing can be subjective. Every individual is in a different place financially and vocationally. What one may easily afford could be a struggle for someone else.

Exploring Rental Options: Apartments, Townhomes, and Lofts - Oh My!
Written by: Robin Stewart
Where do you see yourself? When you think of home, sweet home, are you in a 3/2 apartment? Dreaming of a tall townhome? Maybe an industrial loft heavy on cool vibes is on your visioning board.

Practical Tips for Renters: How to Identify a Great Rental and Avoid Red Flags
Written by: Robin Stewart
Renters want to find a great apartment, the right place for them, one that checks all the boxes of location, rental cost, amenities, safety, and more.