Cheap Apartments for Rent in Iowa City, IA from $600 (105 Rentals)

How Many Bedrooms?Done
Select your price rangeDone
to
Note: Properties with the Total Monthly Price badge include all required fees. Hover over the badge for details.
Lifestyle Matching SearchDone
By AmenitiesDone
By Community TypeDone
Features and AvailabilityDone
Done

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

close
View Me
2601 Westwinds Dr, Unit 4
$895
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$895

Total Monthly Price
$895
1 Bedroom Apartment Available Jul 1

2601 Westwinds Dr, Unit 4

2601 Westwinds DrIowa City, IA 52246
Affordability
  • Smoke Free

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.

close
View Me
810 Benton Dr, Unit #11
$995
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$995

Total Monthly Price
$995
2 Bedroom Apartment Available Aug 1

810 Benton Dr, Unit #11

810 Benton DrIowa City, IA 52246
Affordability
  • Smoke Free
property at 109 S Johnson St

$1,050

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,050

Total Monthly Price
$1,050

1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Home for Rent

Available Now

109 S Johnson St

Iowa CityIA52240

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.

property at 173 S Scott Blvd

$1,100

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,100

Total Monthly Price
$1,100

2 Bedroom, 1 Bath Condo for Rent

Available Aug 3

173 S Scott Blvd

Iowa CityIA52245
close
View Me
Apartments at Iowa
1 Bedroom Apartments

Apartments at Iowa

507 E College StIowa City, IA 52240
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
Apartments at Iowa
Studio to 6 Bedroom Apartments

Apartments at Iowa

355 S Gilbert StIowa City, IA 52240
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
Carriage Hill
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Carriage Hill

700-710 Carriage HlIowa City, IA 52246
Corporate Housing
  • Utilities Included

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.

close
View Me
Finkbine Lane
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Finkbine Lane

302 Finkbine LnIowa City, IA 52246
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
Sycamore Coop
1 Bedroom Apartments

Sycamore Coop

2001 Kountry Ln SEIowa City, IA 52240
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
Oakcrest
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Oakcrest

801 Oakcrest StIowa City, IA 52246
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
Cross Park Avenue
2 Bedroom Apartments

Cross Park Avenue

801-845 Cross Park AveIowa City, IA 52240
close
View Me
625 E Burlington St
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

625 E Burlington St

625 E Burlington StIowa City, IA 52240
Student Housing

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.

close
View Me
Violet Square
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Violet Square

501-511 S Gilbert StIowa City, IA 52240
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
Parish Apartments
Studio Apartments

Parish Apartments

108 McLean StIowa City, IA 52246
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
5 Woolf Ave
2 Bedroom Apartments

5 Woolf Ave

5 Woolf AveIowa City, IA 52246
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
SoDo Flats
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

SoDo Flats

322 E Prentiss StIowa City, IA 52240
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
631 S Van Buren St
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

631 S Van Buren St

631 S Van Buren StIowa City, IA 52240
Student Housing
  • Utilities Included

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.

Iowa City, IA Local Guide

Photo of Justin Habersaat - Editing Staff
Written By:
Justin Habersaat
Editing Staff

Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Iowa City, IA

Pricing Updated: 06/12/2026

Current apartment rentals in the Iowa City, IA area range in price from $695 to $3,300 with an overall median price of $1,898. The three Iowa City neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Oak Woods at $695, Court Hill at $695, and Northside at $875. Here is today’s list of the top 10 neighborhoods with the lowest median pricing for Iowa City Apartments for rent:

NeighborhoodMedian PriceMin PriceAvailable Units
Oak Woods$1,300$69511
Court Hill$1,315$69511
Northside$1,715$87522
Weber$1,790$72530
Horn$1,795$82510
Westgate$1,795$82511
County Center$1,800$73482
Hoover$1,800$69548
Pepperwood$1,800$69589
Roosevelt$1,800$78069

Cheapest Available Iowa City Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in Iowa City, IA is a Studio unit found at Lakewood Hills Apartments in the Old Mill Creek neighborhood priced from $695. 308 N Linn St in the Fair Meadows neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $800. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Iowa City apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Lakewood Hills ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$695
308 N Linn StStudio1BR,1BA$800
Aspire at West Campus2x2 Herky - Unfurnished2BR,2BA$812
Forest Ridge1 Bed/1 Bath1BR,1BA$850
Regency Heights (55+ Community)One Bedroom1BR,1BA$875
Seville1 BR - Sublet1BR,1BA$905
1165 S Riverside DrStudio - TwinStudio,1BA$990
Riverfront CrossingsStudioStudio,1BA$995
808 on 5thStudioStudio,1BA$995
Claremont Apartments2BR/1.0BA2BR,1BA$1,025

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Iowa City, IA

As of June 13, 2026 the best value apartment in the Iowa City area is the $1.44 price per square foot G Model at The Hawthorne in the in the The Pond's Edge neighborhood starting from $1,800. The second greatest value Iowa City apartment is the 2BR/1.5BA Model at 220 River Street starting at $1,675 with a $1.38 price per square foot in the Saddlebrook neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Iowa City apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
The HawthorneG3BR,2BA$1.44
220 River Street2BR/1.5BA2BR,1.5BA$1.38
The Quarters Iowa CityC1 - 3x33BR,3BA$0.59
Newton Pointe Apartments3 bed 1 bath3BR,1BA$1.30
1453-1458 Eastview Dr1455 Eastview2BR,1.5BA$1.08
926 Harlocke St (IC)2 BR/1 BA2BR,1BA$1.25
Claremont Apartments2BR/1.0BA2BR,1BA$1.16
Belmont Apartments2BR/1.0BA2BR,1BA$1.30
Seville1 BR - Sublet1BR,1BA$1.34
Regency Heights (55+ Community)One Bedroom1BR,1BA$1.43

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 Article
Decorative image

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.

Read Article
Decorative image

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.

decorative image of people with a giant lease agreement

Iowa City Overview

Iowa City is the perfect town for people of all ages. From the lively college scene to the quaint and cultural qualities throughout the many neighborhoods, Iowa City should be a top pick for many apartment-seekers. Additionally, Iowa City apartments cost much less than apartments around the country, so finding your next apartment in the area can also be very beneficial for your wallet. Whether you enjoy watching a competitive college football game or you like a peaceful bike ride around town, Iowa City is the perfect place to call home and enjoy life to the fullest.

Why live in Iowa City, IA?

If you love mild temperatures, peace and quiet, and a quaint college town, then Iowa City is perfect for you. This town is ideal for raising a family, enjoying retirement, or just trying somewhere new. And with a bustling sports scene, many historic buildings, and a thriving economy, Iowa City is a great place to live.

Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:
Location, Location, Location!

Explore Iowa City, IA Rentals by Map

View Map
Iowa City, IA Apartments Map
View Map
Iowa City, IA Rental Homes Map

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Iowa City Apartments

What is a cheap apartment in Iowa City?

A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Iowa City is under $1,025.

What is the price of a cheap apartment in Iowa City?

The cheapest apartment in Iowa City is 308 N Linn St which is listed at $800, while the average apartment in Iowa City costs $1,898.

What types of apartments are the cheapest in Iowa City?

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 575 regular apartments in Iowa City 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 Iowa City?

Cheap apartments in Iowa City have an average cost of $791 which is $1,107 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Iowa City.

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 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.

decorative image for Pet-Friendly Renting: Everything You Need to Know Before You Move article

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.

decorative image for Creative Ways Developers Reimagine Retail Spaces as Residential Units  article

Creative Ways Developers Reimagine Retail Spaces as Residential Units

Written by: Robin Stewart

Adaptive reuse is when a commercial property is converted and repurposed. The real estate industry has embraced a growing number of these projects.

decorative image for Neighborhood and Market Insights: How to Choose the Right Area to Rent   article

Neighborhood and Market Insights: How to Choose the Right Area to Rent

Written by: Robin Stewart

Apartment-hunting can be a gargantuan task. Renters have a wish list of items—some luxuries, some necessities—but finding what you seek in the right place is perhaps the most important part of the journey.