Cheap Apartments for Rent in Iowa City, IA from $600 (130 Rentals)

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

property at 118 S Dubuque St

$895 - $995

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$895 - $995
Total Monthly Price
$895 - $995

Studio To 1 Bedroom Condos for Rent

Available Aug 1

118 S Dubuque St

Iowa CityIA52240

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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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

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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property at 303 Grandview Ct

$1,150

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,150
Total Monthly Price
$1,150

1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Condo for Rent

Available Jul 1

303 Grandview Ct, Unit 303, Unit 303

303 Grandview Ct
Iowa CityIA52246
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Apartments at Iowa
Studio to 6 Bedroom Apartments

Apartments at Iowa

355 S Gilbert StIowa City, IA 52240
  • Utilities Included
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Apartments at Iowa
1 Bedroom Apartments

Apartments at Iowa

507 E College StIowa City, IA 52240
  • Utilities Included

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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Carriage Hill
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Carriage Hill

700-710 Carriage HlIowa City, IA 52246
Corporate Housing
  • Utilities Included
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Finkbine Lane
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Finkbine Lane

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

Sycamore Coop

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

Oakcrest

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

Cross Park Avenue

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

625 E Burlington St

625 E Burlington StIowa City, IA 52240
Student Housing

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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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: 04/28/2026

Current apartment rentals in the Iowa City, IA area range in price from $695 to $3,300 with an overall median price of $2,388. The three Iowa City neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Oak Woods at $695, Court Hill at $695, and Weber at $699. 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$69515
Court Hill$1,307$69515
Weber$1,310$69945
Peninsula Neighborhood$1,495$69533
Horn$1,800$83011
Roosevelt$1,800$78070
Terrace Hill$1,800$78072
Westgate$1,800$83012
Cottage Hill$2,265$78046
South Iowa City$2,498$69593

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$830
Regency Heights (55+ Community)One Bedroom1BR,1BA$875
Whiteway 2000StudioStudio,1BA$900
Seville1 BR - Sublet1BR,1BA$905
Sycamore ApartmentsOne Bedroom Units1BR,1BA$910
1165 S Riverside DrStudio - TwinStudio,1BA$990
808 on 5thStudioStudio,1BA$995

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Iowa City, IA

As of April 28, 2026 the best value apartment in the Iowa City area is the $0.59 price per square foot C1 - 3x3 Model at The Quarters Iowa City in the in the Fair Meadows neighborhood starting from $695. The second greatest value Iowa City apartment is the 3 bed 1 bath Model at Newton Pointe Apartments starting at $1,425 with a $1.30 price per square foot in the Cottage Hill 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 Quarters Iowa CityC1 - 3x33BR,3BA$0.59
Newton Pointe Apartments3 bed 1 bath3BR,1BA$1.30
1460 Eastview Dr1460 Eastview Dr2BR,1BA$1.35
926 Harlocke St (IC)2 BR/1 BA2BR,1BA$1.25
Orchards & Woodlands2BR/1.0BA2BR,1BA$1.22
Claremont Apartments2BR/1.0BA2BR,1BA$1.16
Scotsdale2 BR Sublet Middle Floor2BR,1.5BA$1.17
Belmont Apartments2BR/1.0BA2BR,1BA$1.30
The Banks Student Living2x2 A2BR,2BA$1.04
Seville1 BR - Sublet1BR,1BA$1.34

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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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.

Best Local Schools in
Iowa City, IA

School data provided by Great Schools

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

Explore Iowa City, IA Rentals by Map

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See the most popular apartments and homes in Iowa City, IA

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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 $995.

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 $2,388.

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 551 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 $698 which is $1,690 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

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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.

decorative image for Maximizing Your Refund: Essential Tax Tips for Renters article

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.

decorative image for 18 Must-Ask Rental Tour Questions That Reveal the Truth about a Property article

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.