
Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Watrous South Neighborhood of Des Moines, IA from $600 (49 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Watrous South area of Des Moines.


The Pointe on Fleur Apartments

The Ridges

Ivy II

Wakonda Village and Manor Apartment Homes

The Hampton Meadows

Watrous Apartments

Magnolia Park

Total Monthly Price
Park Ridge Apartments
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.

Willow Bend

Elmcrest

Goldbriar Chateau

The Oaks

1013 1/2 Kenyon Ave

The Jefferson

Sunburst

Magnolia Manor Apartments and Townhomes

Somerset
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.

Finn Apartments

The Village at Gray's Lake Apartments - Des Moines

501 E Porter Ave

Park Indy Rowhomes!

3420 SW 8th St

404 E Pleasant Vw Dr

3310 SE 5th St

Southern Meadows Homes

4613-4615 SE 3rd Ct
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.

1233 Park Ave

South View Apartments

Cedar Crest Apartments

The Quarters on 9th

920 Meadow Ln

Casady Apartments

Southern Park Apartments

McKinley Apartments

Community Homes
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.

Southview Manor

Bell Terrace Apartments

6920 SW 9th St

1201 E Bell Avenue

Southridge Senior Lofts

Christ the King II

Flats on 5th

Southwinds Apartments

Brookside Apartments
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.

Stanton Apartments

3422 SW 8th St

30 E Kirkwood Ave

4003 SE 2nd St
Watrous South, Des Moines, IA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Watrous South?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Watrous South Studio Apartments | $742 | $735 | $750 |
| Watrous South 1 Bedroom Apartments | $874 | $650 | $1,125 |
| Watrous South 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,050 | $775 | $1,550 |
| Watrous South 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,250 | $1,025 | $1,425 |
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 49 rentals with your search options within a 2 mile radius of the Watrous South Neighborhood of Des Moines, IA.
See all Apartments in Des MoinesExplore Des Moines
Watrous South, Des Moines, IA Local Guide
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Cheapest Available Watrous South Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in the Watrous South area of Des Moines, IA is a 1 Bed unit found at Valley Acres Apartments priced from $650. McKinley Apartments has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $699. Here are the most affordable Watrous South apartments for rent in Des Moines, IA:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valley Acres Apartments | 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom | 1BR,1BA | $650 |
| McKinley Apartments | 1BD/1BA | 1BR,1BA | $699 |
| The Pointe on Fleur Apartments | One Bedroom Available-$500 Rent Credit-Call for... | 1BR,1BA | $725 |
| The Ridges | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $740 |
| Wakonda Village and Manor Apartment Homes | S1Pwv | Studio,1BA | $750 |
| The Hampton Meadows | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $750 |
| Park Ridge Apartments | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $775 |
| 1201 E Bell Avenue | Spacious 2 bedroom unit close to downtown | 2BR,1BA | $795 |
| Willow Bend | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $810 |
| Elmcrest | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $825 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Watrous South, IA
As of April 29, 2026 the best value apartment in the Watrous South 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 Watrous South apartment is the fin-2r Model at Finn Apartments starting at $945 with a $0.92 price per square foot in the Southwest Des Moines neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Watrous South 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 |
| Finn Apartments | fin-2r | 2BR,2BA | $0.92 |
| Fort Des Moines | 2-Bedroom | 2BR,2BA | $0.97 |
| Magnolia Manor Apartments and Townhomes | 2 Bedroom | 2BR,1BA | $0.93 |
| Goldbriar Chateau | 2 Bedroom 1 Bathroom | 2BR,1BA | $0.94 |
| 1201 E Bell Avenue | 2BR/1.0BA | 2BR,1BA | $0.94 |
| Park Ridge Apartments | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $1.11 |
| McKinley Apartments | 1BD/1BA | 1BR,1BA | $1.02 |
| The Pointe on Fleur Apartments | One Bedroom Available-$500 Rent Credit-Call for... | 1BR,1BA | $1.07 |
| Valley Acres Apartments | 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom | 1BR,1BA | $1.00 |
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.
Read ArticleDon'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 ArticleThe 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.
Read ArticleCash 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.
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.
Lifestyle Ratings
This website is proud to bring you Lifestyle Ratings of rentals and neighborhoods across the USA, including Watrous South, Des Moines, and the greater Des Moines area. LifeStyle Ratings are a useful tool for comparing and sorting apartments and neighborhoods when choosing your rental home. This takes in many factors including filtering automatically for the best proximity to parks and outdoor amenities, luxury housing options, pet-friendly features, features that make it easier to raise kids, proximity to transit, and other valuable search options. Find Lifestyle Search in the filter options (above). Happy Searching!
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Watrous South Apartments
What is the price of a cheap apartment in Watrous South?
The cheapest apartment in Watrous South is Valley Acres Apartments which is listed at $650, while the average apartment in Watrous South costs $1,275.
What types of apartments are the cheapest in Watrous South?
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 26 regular apartments in Watrous South 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 Watrous South?
Cheap apartments in Watrous South have an average cost of $215 which is $1,060 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Watrous South.
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.

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.

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.

Maximizing Your Refund: Essential Tax Tips for Renters
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Other than tax professionals, I can’t think of anyone who looks forward to tax season. For everybody else, April is a stressful month to collect information and meet deadlines.