
Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Southwest Des Moines Neighborhood of Des Moines, IA from $525 (178 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Southwest Des Moines area of Des Moines.


2243 SW 9th St

Lenox Properties

The Acacia

Valley Acres Apartments

1210 West St

3607 Ingersoll Ave

3607 Ingersoll Ave

3607 Ingersoll Ave

3607 Ingersoll Ave
Rent According to Income: A Look at Income-Restricted Rentals
Find income-restricted rentals and housing subsidies. Explore government programs designed to help low-income families secure stable, affordable housing.

3607 Ingersoll Ave

Arlington Hallett

The Elliott

The Ridges

Pleasant Court

Ivy II

Grand Colony

The Fleming Building

3607 Ingersoll Ave

3607 Ingersoll Ave
Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It
From theft to fire to water damage, the unexpected can happen to any renter. Discover why renters insurance is one of the smartest and most affordable investments you can make as a tenant.

3607 Ingersoll Ave

The Pointe on Fleur Apartments

The Hampton Meadows

Hampton House Apartments

Civic Center Court Apartments

Wakonda Village

Argonne Apartments

River Oaks Apartments

Goldbriar Chateau

Inglewood Apartments
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.

Flux

Village on Grand

Treehouse Apartments

Stockbridge Apartments

Hamilton Apartments

2500 Grand Ave

The Griffin Building

Sunburst

Four Seasons Apartments

Imperial Grand Prix
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.

The Des Moines Building

Randolph Apartments

The Village at Grays Lake

Willow Bend

3000 Grand Apartments

Elmcrest

Magnolia Park

The Oaks

Total Monthly Price
713 20th St, Unit 1915-3

Finn Apartments
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.
Southwest Des Moines, Des Moines, IA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Southwest Des Moines?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southwest Des Moines Studio Apartments | $936 | $525 | $1,591 |
| Southwest Des Moines 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,181 | $675 | $5,630 |
| Southwest Des Moines 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,342 | $747 | $3,705 |
| Southwest Des Moines 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,775 | $1,145 | $2,734 |
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 178 rentals with your search options within a 3 mile radius of the Southwest Des Moines Neighborhood of Des Moines, IA.
See all Apartments in Des MoinesExplore Des Moines
Southwest Des Moines, Des Moines, IA Local Guide
- Nearby Des Moines neighborhoods
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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 $675. Here are the most affordable Southwest Des Moines apartments for rent in Des Moines, IA:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Acacia | Studio - Classic | Studio, 1BA | $647 |
| Valley Acres Apartments | 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom | 1BR, 1BA | $675 |
| Arlington Hallett | Studio East | Studio, 1BA | $695 |
| Lenox Properties | Drake B | 1BR, 1BA | $695 |
| 3119 Grand Ave | 2 Beds, 1 Baths | 2BR, 1BA | $695 |
| The Elliott | Studio | Studio, 1BA | $710 |
| McKinley Apartments | 2BD/2BA | 2BR, 2BA | $725 |
| Pleasant Court | Studio | Studio, 1BA | $725 |
| Grand Colony | 0 Bed 1 Bath | Studio, 1BA | $740 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Southwest Des Moines, IA
As of September 19, 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 Southwest Des Moines neighborhood starting from $1,275. The second greatest value Southwest Des Moines apartment is the 3 Beds, 1 Baths Model at 4216 Ingersoll Ave in the Southwest Des Moines neighborhood starting at $1,145 with a $0.95 price per square foot. Here is today’s list of the best values for Southwest 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 |
| 4216 Ingersoll Ave | 3 Beds, 1 Baths | 3BR, 1BA | $0.95 |
| Fort Des Moines | 2-Bedroom | 2BR, 2BA | $0.97 |
| Magnolia Park | 2 Bed /2 Bath | 2BR, 2BA | $0.85 |
| Magnolia Manor Apartments and Townhomes | 2 Bedroom | 2BR, 1BA | $0.93 |
| McKinley Apartments | 3BD/2BA | 3BR, 2BA | $0.86 |
| Goldbriar Chateau | 2 Bedroom 1 Bathroom | 2BR, 1BA | $0.88 |
| The Pointe on Fleur Apartments | 2 Bedroom Apartment-One Month Free rent Call fo... | 2BR, 1BA | $0.85 |
| 713 20th St, Unit 1915-3 | 713 20th St | 2BR, 1BA | $0.99 |
| River Oaks Apartments | 2 Bedroom 1 Bathroom | 2BR, 1BA | $0.99 |
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 ArticleNavigating the Rental Market: Tips for First-Time Renters
Entering the rental market? Learn these simple tips and strategies to avoid common pitfalls and make confident choices. Rent with peace of mind.
Read ArticleReal 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.
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 LifestyleSouthwest Des Moines, Des Moines, IA
Ranked #5
Among cities in Iowa for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.
Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score
4.0Pet Friendly
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 $740.
What is the price of a cheap apartment in Southwest Des Moines?
The cheapest apartment in Southwest Des Moines is Valley Acres Apartments which is listed at $675, while the average apartment in Southwest Des Moines costs $1,124.
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 93 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 $258 which is $866 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

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.

Rent According to Income: A Look at Income-Restricted Rentals
Written by: Robin Stewart
The idea of affordable housing can be subjective. Every individual is in a different place financially and vocationally. What one may easily afford could be a struggle for someone else.

How Commercial-to-Residential Property Conversions Help the Housing Crisis
Written by: Robin Stewart
Many housing markets throughout America share a common complaint: a lack of affordable rental properties.

Exploring Rental Options: Apartments, Townhomes, and Lofts - Oh My!
Written by: Robin Stewart
Where do you see yourself? When you think of home, sweet home, are you in a 3/2 apartment? Dreaming of a tall townhome? Maybe an industrial loft heavy on cool vibes is on your visioning board.