Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Southwest Des Moines Neighborhood of Des Moines, IA from $500 (160 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Southwest 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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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.

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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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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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How I Find the Perfect Rental for My Clients: A Real Estate Pro's Guide

Finding the right apartment starts with three things: location, cost, and amenities. Get the insider perspective from a real estate professional on how to nail all three.

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Southwest Des Moines, Des Moines, IA Local Guide

Cheapest Available Southwest Des Moines Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in the Southwest Des Moines area of Des Moines, IA is a Studio unit found at The Acacia priced from $647. Valley Acres Apartments has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $650. Here are the most affordable Southwest Des Moines apartments for rent in Des Moines, IA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
The AcaciaStudio - ClassicStudio,1BA$647
Valley Acres Apartments1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom1BR,1BA$650
Grand Colony0 Bed 1 BathStudio,1BA$665
The Pointe on Fleur ApartmentsUp to 2 Months Free Rent Call Today!1BR,1BA$675
Arlington HallettStudio EastStudio,1BA$695
Lenox PropertiesDrake B1BR,1BA$695
Hampton House ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$700
Pleasant CourtStudioStudio,1BA$725
East Village SquareSayers - AffordableStudio,1BA$725
Ivy IIClassic 2 bed/1 bath2BR,1BA$747

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Southwest Des Moines, IA

As of June 20, 2026 the best value apartment in the Southwest 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 Southwest Des Moines apartment is the 2 Bedroom Model at Alta Casa starting at $1,195 with a $1.14 price per square foot in the Southwest Des Moines neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Southwest 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
Alta Casa2 Bedroom2BR,1BA$1.14
Fort Des Moines2-Bedroom2BR,2BA$0.97
Magnolia Manor Apartments and Townhomes2 Bedroom2BR,1BA$0.93
McKinley Apartments3BD/1.5BA3BR,1.5BA$0.94
Willow Bend2 Bedroom1BR,1BA$1.07
Vine Street Lofts1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$1.15
Ivy IIClassic 2 bed/1 bath2BR,1BA$1.00
The Pointe on Fleur ApartmentsUp to 2 Months Free Rent Call Today!1BR,1BA$0.99
Valley Acres Apartments1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom1BR,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.

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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
Southwest Des Moines, Des Moines, IA

Ranked #5

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

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

4.0
Pet Friendly

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Lifestyle Ratings

ApartmentHomeLiving brings you Lifestyle Ratings of rentals and neighborhoods across the USA, including Southwest Des Moines, Des Moines, and the greater Des Moines area. Our Lifestyle Ratings help you zero-in on the perfect place to call home. This takes in many factors including rankings of the best places for outdoor amenities like tennis courts, luxury amenities, pet-friendly features, features that make it easier to raise kids, proximity to transit, and much more. Use Lifestyle Search in the site filter options on this page - and find your Perfect place!

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Southwest Des Moines Apartments

What is the Cheapest Studio apartment in Southwest Des Moines?

Currently the most affordable Cheap Studio Apartment in Southwest Des Moines is at The Acacia listed at $647.

How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom Southwest Des Moines Apartment?

The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom Southwest Des Moines Apartment is $650 at Valley Acres Apartments.

What is the lowest price for a Cheap Two Bedroom Southwest Des Moines Apartment for rent?

Today's best deal for a Cheap Two Bedroom Apartment in Southwest Des Moines is starting from $747 at Ivy II.

What is the most affordable Southwest Des Moines Three Bedroom Apartment?

The best deal on a cheap Southwest Des Moines Three Bedroom Apartment rental is at McKinley Apartments and starts from $895.

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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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.

decorative image for How I Find the Perfect Rental for My Clients: A Real Estate Pro's Guide article

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.

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Pet-Friendly Renting: Everything You Need to Know Before You Move

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

For so many of us, pets are the best companions and a big part of our lives. For this reason, a pet-friendly house or apartment is often a very important - and nonnegotiable - part of a move.