
Cheap Apartments for Rent in the South Park Neighborhood of Des Moines, IA from $500 (42 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the South Park area of Des Moines.


2825 SE 14th St

Valley Acres Apartments

1210 West St

Park Forest

The Ridges

Ivy II

Watrous Apartments
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 Hampton Meadows

Sutton Hill

Melbourne

Evergreen Terrace

Magnolia Park

Total Monthly Price
Park Ridge Apartments

Rosemont Place

Willow Bend
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.

Elmcrest

The Oaks

Goldbriar Chateau

Southbrook Green

Total Monthly Price
Woodside Park Apartments

The Jefferson

Magnolia Manor Apartments and Townhomes

Meredith Homes
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.

South View Apartments

Cedar Crest Apartments

Libertad Des Moines

The Quarters on 9th

920 Meadow Ln

Southern Park Apartments

McKinley Apartments

Community Homes
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.

1201 E Bell Avenue

Southview Manor

6920 SW 9th St

Melbourne IV 55+ Living

Southridge Senior Lofts

Christ the King II

The Meadows

Shelly Rose Estates
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.

Southwinds Apartments

Brookside Apartments
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 1 Bedroom Apartments | $816 | $650 | $1,125 |
| South Park 2 Bedroom Apartments | $956 | $747 | $2,300 |
| South Park 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,314 | $1,100 | $1,610 |
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 42 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. McKinley Apartments has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $699. 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 |
| McKinley Apartments | 1BD/1BA | 1BR,1BA | $699 |
| Park Forest | 1x1 630 | 1BR,1BA | $705 |
| 1201 E Bell Avenue | 1BR/1.0BA | 1BR,1BA | $725 |
| Ivy II | Elevated 1 bed/1 bath | 2BR,1BA | $747 |
| The Hampton Meadows | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $750 |
| Sutton Hill | A1 | 1BR,1BA | $765 |
| Melbourne | A1 - 40 - Income Restricted | 1BR,1BA | $773 |
| The Ridges | 2 Bedroom Regular | 2BR,1BA | $780 |
| Magnolia Park | 2 Bed /2 Bath | 2BR,2BA | $810 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in South Park, IA
As of July 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 Bed /2 Bath | 2BR,2BA | $0.81 |
| Magnolia Manor Apartments and Townhomes | 2 Bedroom | 2BR,1BA | $0.93 |
| Evergreen Terrace | 2BR/1BA-Updated | 2BR,1BA | $1.00 |
| The Ridges | 2 Bedroom Regular | 2BR,1BA | $0.89 |
| Park Ridge Apartments | 2 Bedroom | 2BR,1BA | $0.97 |
| McKinley Apartments | 1BD/1BA | 1BR,1BA | $1.02 |
| Valley Acres Apartments | 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom | 1BR,1BA | $1.00 |
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 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.
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 $1,295.
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 20 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 $214 which is $1,081 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.

Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It
Written by: Robin Stewart
Insurance seems to be a part of life. In some states, having insurance is the law, as is the case for automobile insurance. Renters are no exception.

Apartment Occupancy Rates: Renter Attraction vs Renter Retention
Written by: Robin Stewart
There’s a tenet in marketing about client or customer attraction and retention. Studies and data have consistently shown it costs less to keep a current customer than to attract a new one.

How I Find the Perfect Rental for My Clients: A Real Estate Pro's Guide
Written by: Robin Stewart
Evaluating rental properties for clients draws many parallels to house-hunting. Whether an apartment, loft, townhouse, or other rental, finding the right place means finding “home” for your client.