Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Southeast Des Moines Neighborhood of Des Moines, IA from $500 (29 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Southeast Des Moines 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
$825 - $935
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$825 - $935

Total Monthly Price
$825 - $935
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.

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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Meredith Homes
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Meredith Homes

3716 Indianola AveDes Moines, IA 50320
Senior Living
  • Utilities Included
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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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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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1201 E Bell Avenue
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

1201 E Bell Avenue

1201 E Bell AveDes Moines, IA 50315
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Shelly Rose Estates
1 Bedroom Apartments

Shelly Rose Estates

3721 Indianola AveDes Moines, IA 50320
Senior Living
  • Utilities Included

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.

Southeast Des Moines, Des Moines, IA Local Guide

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 Pioneer Estates priced from $699. Park Forest 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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Pioneer EstatesB11BR,1BA$699
Park Forest1x1 6301BR,1BA$705
1201 E Bell AvenueSpacious 2 bedroom unit close to downtown2BR,1BA$795
Sutton HillB12BR,1BA$812
Rosemont PlaceB12BR,1BA$815
Park Ridge Apartments1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$825
Watrous ApartmentsB12BR,1BA$833
Evergreen Terrace2BR/1BA2BR,1BA$870
Southbrook Green1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$875
Woodside Park Apartments2 Bed A2BR,1BA$895

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Southeast Des Moines, IA

As of May 19, 2026 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 3BR/2.0BA Model at 1201 E Bell Avenue starting at $1,100 with a $0.99 price per square foot in the East Des Moines neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Southeast Des Moines apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Southern Meadows HomesPlan B - two story3BR,2BA$0.93
1201 E Bell Avenue3BR/2.0BA3BR,2BA$0.99
Carman Estates2 Bedroom2BR,2BA$1.18
Rosemont PlaceB5 - Renovated2BR,2BA$1.15
Evergreen Terrace2BR/1BA-Updated2BR,1BA$1.00
Park Ridge Apartments2 Bedroom2BR,1BA$1.03
Woodside Park Apartments2 Bed A2BR,1BA$1.08
Watrous ApartmentsB12BR,1BA$1.04
Prairie Winds Apartments2 Bedroom Unit2BR,1BA$1.16
Park Forest1x1 6301BR,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.

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Real 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.

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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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Pet Friendly Lifestyle
Southeast Des Moines, Des Moines, IA

Ranked #58

Among cities in Iowa for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

3.0
Pet Friendly

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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 Pioneer Estates which is listed at $699, while the average apartment in Southeast Des Moines costs $1,270.

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 12 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 $297 which is $973 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

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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A Seasoned Property Manager's Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Deposit Back

Written by: Lauren Harrington

I’m going to talk with you as a seasoned property manager and friend. So, let’s start with your security deposit. I want you to think about this guide as insider information. You deserve your deposit back.

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Expert Solutions for Creating the Perfect Work-From-Home Apartment Layouts

Written by: Lauren Harrington

This article is based on first-hand experience managing apartment communities and helping renters adapt to their spaces after moving in.

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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.