Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Southeast Des Moines Neighborhood of Des Moines, IA from $500 (19 Rentals)

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

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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.

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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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Libertad Des Moines
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Libertad Des Moines

4421 SE 14th StDes Moines, IA 50320
  • Utilities Included
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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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1201 E Bell Avenue
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

1201 E Bell Avenue

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

Shelly Rose Estates

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

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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 Park Forest priced from $695. 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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Park Forest1x1 6301BR,1BA$695
Watrous ApartmentsA11BR,1BA$705
Rosemont PlaceB52BR,2BA$719
Sutton HillA11BR,1BA$722
1201 E Bell AvenueOne Bedroom Southside of Des Moines *No App Fee*1BR,1BA$725

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Southeast Des Moines, IA

As of November 07, 2025 the best value apartment in the Southeast Des Moines area is the $0.88 price per square foot Plan B - two story Model at Southern Meadows Homes in the in the Southwest Des Moines neighborhood starting from $1,215. The second greatest value Southeast Des Moines apartment is the 2323 E Porter Avenue #86 Model at 2323 E Porter Avenue #86 starting at $1,275 with a $1.05 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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Southern Meadows HomesPlan B - two story3BR,2BA$0.88
2323 E Porter Avenue #862323 E Porter Avenue #863BR,2BA$1.05
Rosemont PlaceB6 - Renovated2BR,2BA$1.05
The JeffersonJefferson 2bedroom2BR,1BA$0.90
Woodside Park Apartments2 Bed A2BR,1BA$0.98
Prairie Winds Apartments2 Bedroom Unit2BR,1BA$1.18
Park Ridge Apartments1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$1.07
1201 E Bell AvenueOne Bedroom Southside of Des Moines *No App Fee*1BR,1BA$1.09
Watrous ApartmentsA11BR,1BA$1.08
Park Forest1x1 6301BR,1BA$1.10

Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know

From the lounge to the laundry room, understand your rights and responsibilities in shared apartment spaces. Get tips on pet rules, noise, and security.

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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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Quick Rent Budget Calculator

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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 #71

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 Park Forest which is listed at $695, 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 30 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 $373 which is $897 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Southeast Des Moines.

Expert Rental Resources

Helpful Apartment Articles, How-To's and Tips

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.

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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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.

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How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Everything is a negotiation in real estate! 

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The Rental Move-In Inspection Checklist: A Guide for Renters

Written by: Trey Huguley

The move-in inspection checklist is a crucial tool for both tenants and landlords. This checklist, provided by the team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com, helps document the condition of an apartment at the time of move-in.