
Cheap Apartments for Rent in the South Park Neighborhood of Des Moines, IA from $500 (59 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the South Park area of Des Moines.


2825 SE 14th St

2825 SE 14th St

Park Forest

Watrous Apartments

The Ridges

Ivy II

The Hampton Meadows

Sutton Hill

Melbourne
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.

The Oaks

Somerset

Magnolia Park

Total Monthly Price
Park Ridge Apartments

The Jefferson

Sunburst

Evergreen Terrace

Willow Bend

Rosemont Place

Elmcrest
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.

Goldbriar Chateau

2825 SE 14th St

Lyn Crossing

Southbrook Green

1013 1/2 Kenyon Ave

Total Monthly Price
Woodside Park Apartments

Magnolia Manor Apartments and Townhomes

Prairie Winds Apartments

501 E Porter Ave

927 Herold Ave
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.

2825 SE 14th St

Park Indy Rowhomes!

3435 SE 20th St

3420 SW 8th St

Meredith Homes

Libertad Des Moines

South View Apartments

Cedar Crest Apartments

The Quarters on 9th

920 Meadow Ln
The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour
Touring a rental? This guide helps you know exactly what to look for, from safety features to hidden flaws, so you can confidently sign your lease or keep searching.

Southern Park Apartments

Community Homes

Southview Manor

Melbourne IV 55+ Living

6920 SW 9th St

McKinley Apartments

1201 E Bell Avenue

Southridge Senior Lofts

Flats on 5th

Christ the King II
Smart Renter's Guide: Calculating Affordable Rent & Housing Costs
Wondering how to determine your rental budget? This comprehensive guide covers everything from the 30% rule to hidden fees and effective budgeting strategies.
South Park, Des Moines, IA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in South Park?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Park Studio Apartments | $735 | $735 | $735 |
| South Park 1 Bedroom Apartments | $833 | $650 | $1,125 |
| South Park 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,013 | $769 | $2,300 |
| South Park 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,256 | $995 | $1,425 |
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 59 rentals with your search options within a 2 mile radius of the South Park Neighborhood of Des Moines, IA.
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South Park, Des Moines, IA Local Guide
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Cheapest Available South Park Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in the South Park area of Des Moines, IA is a 1 Bed unit found at Valley Acres Apartments priced from $650. Park Forest has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $705. Here are the most affordable South Park apartments for rent in Des Moines, IA:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valley Acres Apartments | 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom | 1BR,1BA | $650 |
| Park Forest | 1x1 630 | 1BR,1BA | $705 |
| Watrous Apartments | A1 | 1BR,1BA | $709 |
| The Ridges | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $740 |
| The Hampton Meadows | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $750 |
| The Oaks | 1/1 Renovated | 1BR,1BA | $759 |
| Somerset | A1 | 1BR,1BA | $769 |
| Park Ridge Apartments | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $775 |
| Magnolia Park | 3rd Floor 2/2.0 | 2BR,2BA | $775 |
| McKinley Apartments | 2BD/2BA | 2BR,2BA | $785 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in South Park, IA
As of April 16, 2026 the best value apartment in the South Park area is the $0.93 price per square foot Plan B - two story Model at Southern Meadows Homes in the in the Southwest Des Moines neighborhood starting from $1,275. The second greatest value South Park apartment is the 3 Bedroom Model at The Meadows starting at $995 with a $0.95 price per square foot in the Somerset neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for South Park apartments based on price per square foot:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Meadows Homes | Plan B - two story | 3BR,2BA | $0.93 |
| The Meadows | 3 Bedroom | 3BR,2BA | $0.95 |
| Fort Des Moines | 2-Bedroom | 2BR,2BA | $0.97 |
| Magnolia Park | 2/2.0 | 2BR,2BA | $0.78 |
| Magnolia Manor Apartments and Townhomes | 2 Bedroom | 2BR,1BA | $0.93 |
| Goldbriar Chateau | 2 Bedroom 1 Bathroom | 2BR,1BA | $0.94 |
| Evergreen Terrace | 2BR/1BA-Updated | 2BR,1BA | $1.00 |
| 1201 E Bell Avenue | 2BR/1.0BA | 2BR,1BA | $0.94 |
| Lyn Crossing | 2 Bedroom | 2BR,1BA | $1.04 |
| Valley Acres Apartments | 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom | 1BR,1BA | $1.00 |
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 ArticleDon't Settle: How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money
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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.
Lifestyle Ratings
ApartmentHomeLiving.com compares millions of points of data to bring you Lifestyle Ratings of rentals and neighborhoods across the USA, including South Park, Des Moines, and the greater Des Moines area. Lifestyle Ratings show you the best fit for your needs and interests. This takes in many factors including rankings of the best places for convenient access to the outdoors, luxury amenities, kid and pet-friendly communities, availability of transit options, and much more. Find Lifestyle Search in the filter options (above). Happy Searching!
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap South Park Apartments
What is the price of a cheap apartment in South Park?
The cheapest apartment in South Park is Valley Acres Apartments which is listed at $650, while the average apartment in South Park costs $1,262.
What types of apartments are the cheapest in South 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 39 regular apartments in South Park that we think qualify as ‘cheap apartments’ that do not have special requirements to apply to rent.
How do the prices of cheap apartments compare to the average apartment in South Park?
Cheap apartments in South Park have an average cost of $274 which is $988 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in South Park.
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.