Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Southwest Des Moines Neighborhood of Des Moines, IA from $500 (151 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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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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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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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.

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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 Plymouth Place Retirement Community 62+ priced from $600. Lenox Properties has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $635. Here are the most affordable Southwest Des Moines apartments for rent in Des Moines, IA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Plymouth Place Retirement Community 62+Studio - Retirement CommunityStudio,1BA$600
Lenox PropertiesGreenwood AStudio,1BA$635
The AcaciaStudio - ClassicStudio,1BA$647
Valley Acres Apartments1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom1BR,1BA$650
The Brady Apartments0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$695
The Fleming Building#5 - StudioStudio,1BA$695
McKinley Apartments1BD/1BA1BR,1BA$699
Hampton House ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$699
The Des Moines BuildingStudioStudio,1BA$705
The ElliottStudioStudio,1BA$710

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Southwest Des Moines, IA

As of May 06, 2026 the best value apartment in the Southwest Des Moines area is the $0.75 price per square foot 2 BR/ 1 BA Model at 3612 Ingersoll Ave in the in the Southwest Des Moines neighborhood starting from $1,200. The second greatest value Southwest Des Moines apartment is the Plan B - two story Model at Southern Meadows Homes starting at $1,275 with a $0.93 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.
3612 Ingersoll Ave2 BR/ 1 BA2BR,1BA$0.75
Southern Meadows HomesPlan B - two story3BR,2BA$0.93
Riverpoint LoftsB42BR,2BA$1.10
Finn Apartmentsfin-2r2BR,2BA$0.92
Fort Des Moines2-Bedroom2BR,2BA$0.97
560 29th St560 29th St2BR,1BA$0.98
Magnolia Manor Apartments and Townhomes2 Bedroom2BR,1BA$0.93
Goldbriar Chateau2 Bedroom 1 Bathroom2BR,1BA$0.94
McKinley Apartments1BD/1BA1BR,1BA$1.02
The Pointe on Fleur ApartmentsOne Bedroom Available-$500 Rent Credit-Call for...1BR,1BA$1.07

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

Learn the property manager's true secrets to a zero-deduction move-out. Use this step-by-step guide on documentation, cleaning, and lease-reading to reclaim your security deposit.

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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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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 a cheap apartment in Southwest Des Moines?

A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Southwest Des Moines is under $710.

What is the price of a cheap apartment in Southwest Des Moines?

The cheapest apartment in Southwest Des Moines is Plymouth Place Retirement Community 62+ which is listed at $640, while the average apartment in Southwest Des Moines costs $15,886.

What types of apartments are the cheapest in Southwest 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 138 regular apartments in Southwest 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 Southwest Des Moines?

Cheap apartments in Southwest Des Moines have an average cost of $190 which is $15,696 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Southwest 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.

decorative image for What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much article

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.