
Cheap Apartments for Rent in Elma, IA from $400 (39 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Elma.


Key Apartments

18 S Adams Ave

Key West Apartments

The Meadows Apartments

105 Main St S

Flats on 21

The River Apartments & Townhomes

Meadow Lake of Clear Lake 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.

Pebble Creek Apartments

Brentwood Estates Apartments

City Center Kent Apartments

The Manor

UNION HOUSE APARTMENTS

Rolling Meadows Apartments

Total Monthly Price
Northern Place Apartments

1200 Jade Apartments

Thunder Ridge 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.

Wild Grove Apartments

Pilgrim Place Senior Housing (62+)

Total Monthly Price
Lincoln Apartments LLC

The Meadows

The Delaware - Luxury Apartment's in Mason City!

Webster Apartments

Cottages of Stewartville

River Place

Total Monthly Price
Parkview Place
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.

Briar Grove Apartments (Building D)

131 S Vine St

121 Clinton St

27 2nd Ave SE

1918 Olive St

1315 State St

208 W Main St

Grant Village

121 Main St S
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.

621 Oak St

1306 9th Ave SW

620 Lakeside St
Elma, IA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Elma?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elma Studio Apartments | $1,025 | $500 | $1,413 |
| Elma 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,313 | $405 | $1,779 |
| Elma 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,529 | $700 | $2,279 |
| Elma 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,553 | $850 | $2,594 |
| Elma 4 Bedroom Apartments | $1,718 | $937 | $2,500 |
Browse Top Apartments in Elma
See all Apartments in ElmaExplore Elma
Elma, IA Local Guide
- Nearby Cities
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Cheapest Available Elma Apartments for Rent and Nearby
 The cheapest available apartment rental in Elma, IA is a 1 Bed unit found at Shalom Tower II priced from $405. Key Apartments has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $500. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Elma apartments for rent:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shalom Tower II | Tower I Efficiency | 1BR,1BA | $405 |
| Key Apartments | Efficiency | Studio,1BA | $500 |
| 18 S Adams Ave | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $525 |
| Key West Apartments | Studio | Studio,1BA | $550 |
| The Meadows Apartments | Otter Creek 1Bd | 1BR,1BA | $620 |
| 105 Main St S | 1-bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $675 |
| The River Apartments & Townhomes | Studio | Studio,1BA | $720 |
| Brentwood Estates Apartments | Spacious One-Bedroom Apartment – Comfortable, P... | 1BR,1BA | $795 |
| City Center Kent Apartments | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $800 |
| The Manor | 1bd 1 bth | 1BR,1BA | $820 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Elma, IA and Nearby
As of April 27, 2026 the best value apartment in the Elma area is the $1.03 price per square foot 3 Bedroom 1.5 Bathrooms Model at Pebble Creek Apartments in the starting from $1,150. The second greatest value Elma apartment is the 3 bedroom/2bath Model at Rolling Meadows Apartments starting at $975 with a $0.96 price per square foot . Here is today’s list of the best values for Elma apartments based on price per square foot:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pebble Creek Apartments | 3 Bedroom 1.5 Bathrooms | 3BR,1.5BA | $1.03 |
| Rolling Meadows Apartments | 3 bedroom/2bath | 3BR,2BA | $0.96 |
| The Meadows | 2 Bedroom 1 Bathroom | 2BR,1BA | $1.28 |
| Shalom Tower II | Tower II - One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $0.73 |
| Thunder Ridge Apartments | Conveniently Located 2 Bedroom/1 Bathroom Apart... | 2BR,1BA | $1.34 |
| Northern Place Apartments | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $1.31 |
| Brentwood Estates Apartments | Spacious One-Bedroom Apartment – Comfortable, P... | 1BR,1BA | $1.32 |
| The Meadows Apartments | Otter Creek 1Bd | 1BR,1BA | $1.03 |
| City Center Kent Apartments | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $1.33 |
| 18 S Adams Ave | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $0.95 |
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.
Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:Location, Location, Location!
Explore Elma, IA Rentals by Map
See the most popular apartments and homes in Elma, IA
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Elma Apartments
What is the Cheapest Studio apartment in Elma?
Currently the most affordable Cheap Studio Apartment in Elma is at Key Apartments listed at $500.
How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom Elma Apartment?
The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom Elma Apartment is $405 at Shalom Tower II.
What is the lowest price for a Cheap Two Bedroom Elma Apartment for rent?
Today's best deal for a Cheap Two Bedroom Apartment in Elma is starting from $750 at The Meadows Apartments.
What is the most affordable Elma Three Bedroom Apartment?
The best deal on a cheap Elma Three Bedroom Apartment rental is at The Meadows Apartments and starts from $850.
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

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.

18 Must-Ask Rental Tour Questions That Reveal the Truth about a Property
Written by: Lauren Harrington
Renting your next home can feel thrilling and overwhelming at the same time.