Cheap Apartments for Rent in the South Park Neighborhood of Des Moines, IA from $500 (59 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the South Park area of Des Moines.

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.

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Park Ridge Apartments
Rent Specials
$775 - $925
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$775 - $925

Total Monthly Price
$775 - $925
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Park Ridge Apartments

3200 Indianola AveDes Moines, IA 50315
Cost Per Sq.Ft.
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  • Utilities Included

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.

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.

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Meredith Homes
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Meredith Homes

3716 Indianola AveDes Moines, IA 50320
Senior Living
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Libertad Des Moines
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Libertad Des Moines

4421 SE 14th StDes Moines, IA 50320
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South View Apartments
1 Bedroom Apartments

South View Apartments

4221 SE 13th StDes Moines, IA 50315
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Cedar Crest Apartments
2 Bedroom Apartments

Cedar Crest Apartments

3722-3726 SE 14th StDes Moines, IA 50320
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The Quarters on 9th
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

The Quarters on 9th

5209 SW 9th StDes Moines, IA 50315
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920 Meadow Ln
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

920 Meadow Ln

920 Meadow LnDes Moines, IA 50315
  • Utilities Included

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.

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Community Homes
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Community Homes

5301 SW 9th StDes Moines, IA 50315
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Southview Manor
1 Bedroom Apartments

Southview Manor

2417 SW 9th StDes Moines, IA 50315
Senior Living
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Melbourne IV 55+ Living
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Melbourne IV 55+ Living

5514 SE 14th StDes Moines, IA 50320
Senior Living
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6920 SW 9th St
2 Bedroom Apartments

6920 SW 9th St

6920 SW 9th StDes Moines, IA 50315
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McKinley Apartments
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

McKinley Apartments

315 E McKinley AveDes Moines, IA 50315
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1201 E Bell Avenue
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

1201 E Bell Avenue

1201 E Bell AveDes Moines, IA 50315
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Southridge Senior Lofts
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Southridge Senior Lofts

695 E Army Post RdDes Moines, IA 50315
Senior Living
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Flats on 5th
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Flats on 5th

7109 SE 5th StDes Moines, IA 50315
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Christ the King II
2 Bedroom Apartments

Christ the King II

5602 SW 9th StDes Moines, IA 50315
Senior Living
  • Utilities Included

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

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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Valley Acres Apartments1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom1BR,1BA$650
Park Forest1x1 6301BR,1BA$705
Watrous ApartmentsA11BR,1BA$709
The Ridges1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$740
The Hampton Meadows1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$750
The Oaks1/1 Renovated1BR,1BA$759
SomersetA11BR,1BA$769
Park Ridge Apartments1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$775
Magnolia Park3rd Floor 2/2.02BR,2BA$775
McKinley Apartments2BD/2BA2BR,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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Southern Meadows HomesPlan B - two story3BR,2BA$0.93
The Meadows3 Bedroom3BR,2BA$0.95
Fort Des Moines2-Bedroom2BR,2BA$0.97
Magnolia Park2/2.02BR,2BA$0.78
Magnolia Manor Apartments and Townhomes2 Bedroom2BR,1BA$0.93
Goldbriar Chateau2 Bedroom 1 Bathroom2BR,1BA$0.94
Evergreen Terrace2BR/1BA-Updated2BR,1BA$1.00
1201 E Bell Avenue2BR/1.0BA2BR,1BA$0.94
Lyn Crossing2 Bedroom2BR,1BA$1.04
Valley Acres Apartments1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom1BR,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.

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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

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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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

decorative image for A Local Expert's Guide To the Top Budget-Friendly Neighborhoods to Rent in Des Moines, Iowa article

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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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.

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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.

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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.