
Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Southeast Des Moines Neighborhood of Des Moines, IA from $500 (16 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Southeast Des Moines area of Des Moines.


Watrous Apartments

Sutton Hill
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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.

Evergreen Terrace

Park Ridge Apartments

Rosemont Place
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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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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.
Southeast Des Moines, Des Moines, IA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Southeast Des Moines?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southeast Des Moines 1 Bedroom Apartments | $837 | $705 | $1,125 |
| Southeast Des Moines 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,119 | $765 | $1,600 |
| Southeast Des Moines 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,267 | $975 | $1,400 |
| Southeast Des Moines 4 Bedroom Apartments | $1,500 | $1,500 | $1,500 |
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 16 rentals with your search options within a 2 mile radius of the Southeast Des Moines Neighborhood of Des Moines, IA.
See all Apartments in Des MoinesExplore Des Moines
Southeast Des Moines, Des Moines, IA Local Guide
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Cheapest Available Southeast Des Moines Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in the Southeast Des Moines area of Des Moines, IA is a 1 Bed unit found at Park Forest priced from $705. Watrous Apartments has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $705. Here are the most affordable Southeast Des Moines apartments for rent in Des Moines, IA:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park Forest | 1x1 630 | 1BR,1BA | $705 |
| Watrous Apartments | A1 | 1BR,1BA | $705 |
| Pioneer Estates | B1 | 1BR,1BA | $720 |
| 1201 E Bell Avenue | One Bedroom Southside of Des Moines *No App Fee* | 1BR,1BA | $725 |
| Sutton Hill | A1 | 1BR,1BA | $730 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Southeast Des Moines, IA
As of December 24, 2025 the best value apartment in the Southeast Des Moines 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 Southeast Des Moines apartment is the 3 Bedroom Model at The Vineyards starting at $1,270 with a $1.04 price per square foot in the Southeast Des Moines neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Southeast Des Moines 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 Vineyards | 3 Bedroom | 3BR,2BA | $1.04 |
| 2323 E Porter Avenue #86 | 2323 E Porter Avenue #86 | 3BR,2BA | $0.97 |
| Evergreen Terrace | 2BR/1BA-Updated | 2BR,1BA | $1.00 |
| The Jefferson | Jefferson 2bedroom | 2BR,1BA | $0.90 |
| Prairie Winds Apartments | 2 Bedroom Unit | 2BR,1BA | $1.16 |
| Park Ridge Apartments | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $1.14 |
| 1201 E Bell Avenue | One Bedroom Southside of Des Moines *No App Fee* | 1BR,1BA | $1.09 |
| Watrous Apartments | A1 | 1BR,1BA | $1.08 |
| Park Forest | 1x1 630 | 1BR,1BA | $1.12 |
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.
Pet Friendly LifestyleSoutheast Des Moines, Des Moines, IA
Ranked #69
Among cities in Iowa for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.
Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score
2.5Pet Friendly
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Southeast Des Moines Apartments
What is the price of a cheap apartment in Southeast Des Moines?
The cheapest apartment in Southeast Des Moines is Park Forest which is listed at $705, while the average apartment in Southeast Des Moines costs $1,500.
What types of apartments are the cheapest in Southeast Des Moines?
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 32 regular apartments in Southeast Des Moines 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 Southeast Des Moines?
Cheap apartments in Southeast Des Moines have an average cost of $356 which is $1,144 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Southeast Des Moines.
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.

Renting with Roommates: Realistic Expectations for Shared Lease
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Given the high costs for housing, I have found that many people are looking for a roommate to share expenses. These arrangements can increase opportunities for more desirable and larger spaces.

Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Back in the day when I rented one of my first apartments, the property didn’t even have laundry in the building. Now, rental properties are often competing against each other to provide the best amenities.

How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Everything is a negotiation in real estate!









