Cheap Apartments for Rent in Iowa City, IA from $600 (81 Rentals)

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

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.

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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Apartments at Iowa
1 Bedroom Apartments

Apartments at Iowa

507 E College StIowa City, IA 52240
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Apartments at Iowa
Studio to 6 Bedroom Apartments

Apartments at Iowa

355 S Gilbert StIowa City, IA 52240
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Michael Street
Studio Apartments

Michael Street

732 Michael StIowa City, IA 52246

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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Finkbine Lane
2 Bedroom Apartments

Finkbine Lane

302 Finkbine LnIowa City, IA 52246
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Woodlands
2 Bedroom Apartments

Woodlands

2010-2110 Broadway StIowa City, IA 52240
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Sycamore Coop
1 Bedroom Apartments

Sycamore Coop

2001 Kountry Ln SEIowa City, IA 52240
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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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Violet Square
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Violet Square

501-511 S Gilbert StIowa City, IA 52240
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Whiteway 2000
Studio Apartments

Whiteway 2000

210 S Clinton StIowa City, IA 52240
Student Housing
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Parish Apartments
Studio Apartments

Parish Apartments

108 McLean StIowa City, IA 52246
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Oakcrest
2 Bedroom Apartments

Oakcrest

801 Oakcrest StIowa City, IA 52246
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Navigating 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.

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21 Woolf Ave
2 Bedroom Apartments

21 Woolf Ave

21 Woolf AveIowa City, IA 52246
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NEX Apartments
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

NEX Apartments

671 Nex AveIowa City, IA 52245
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Keokuk Street
2 Bedroom Apartments

Keokuk Street

2001 Keokuk StIowa City, IA 52240
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SoDo Flats
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

SoDo Flats

322 E Prentiss StIowa City, IA 52240
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631 S Van Buren St
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

631 S Van Buren St

631 S Van Buren StIowa City, IA 52240
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530 N Dubuque St
2 Bedroom Apartments

530 N Dubuque St

530 N Dubuque StIowa City, IA 52245
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804 N Dubuque St
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

804 N Dubuque St

804 N Dubuque StIowa City, IA 52245
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Carriage Hill
2 Bedroom Apartments

Carriage Hill

700-710 Carriage HlIowa City, IA 52246
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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: 07/02/2025

Current apartment rentals in the Iowa City, IA area range in price from $620 to $3,350 with an overall median price of $1,580. The three Iowa City neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Oak Woods at $620, Court Hill at $620, and Lucas at $620. 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$1,100$62024
Court Hill$1,185$62024
Lucas$1,207$62047
Scott Boulevard East$1,215$62049
Towncrest$1,215$62046
South Iowa City$1,227$62050
Fair Meadows$1,280$62055
Hoover$1,315$62047
Weber$1,338$69926
Northside$1,450$8008

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. Aspire at West Campus in the Coralview Heights neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 2 Beds apartment currently listed from $699. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Iowa City apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Lakewood Hills ApartmentsStudio GoldStudio,1BA$695
Aspire at West Campus2x2 Herky - Unfurnished2BR,2BA$699
Knollridge Garden Apartments2BR/1.0BA2BR,1BA$875
Regency Heights (55+ Community)One Bedroom1BR,1BA$935
1165 S Riverside DrStudio - TwinStudio,1BA$990
Belmont Apartments2BR/1.0BA2BR,1BA$995
Riverfront CrossingsStudioStudio,1BA$995
The Quarters Iowa CityF2 - 1x11BR,1BA$1,050
Orchards & Woodlands2BR/1.0BA2BR,1BA$1,100

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Iowa City, IA

As of July 02, 2025 the best value apartment in the Iowa City area is the $1.42 price per square foot B Model at The Hawthorne in the in the The Pond's Edge neighborhood starting from $1,700. The second greatest value Iowa City apartment is the 26 Redtail Bend - 2 BR / 1 BA Model at Woodridge Estates starting at $1,415 with a $1.41 price per square foot in the Coralview Heights 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 HawthorneB2BR,2BA$1.42
Woodridge Estates26 Redtail Bend - 2 BR / 1 BA2BR,1BA$1.41
The Hampton at Coral Ridge2 Bedroom 1 Bath2BR,1BA$1.35
Orchards & Woodlands2BR/1.0BA2BR,1BA$1.21
1453-1458 Eastview Dr1453 Eastview2BR,1.5BA$1.21
Coral Ridge Senior (55+) ApartmentsTwo Bedroom B2BR,1BA$1.59
Belmont Apartments2BR/1.0BA2BR,1BA$1.18
The Nest Iowa CityB3 - 2x22BR,2BA$1.59
Knollridge Garden Apartments2 Bedroom2BR,1BA$1.09
Regency Heights (55+ Community)One Bedroom1BR,1BA$1.53

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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.

Iowa City, IA
Population: 76,290

Ranked #460

in US Census Population by City

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

Explore Iowa City, IA Rentals by Map

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Getting Around Iowa City, IA

Walk Score®

52 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Some errands can be accomplished on foot

Bike Score®

65 / 100

Bikeable

Some bike infrastructure

Transit Score®

32 / 100

Some Transit

A few nearby public transportation options

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 $1,100.

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

The cheapest apartment in Iowa City is Lakewood Hills Apartments which is listed at $800, while the average apartment in Iowa City costs $1,580.

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 219 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 $597 which is $983 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Iowa City.

Expert Rental Resources

Helpful Apartment Articles, How-To's and Tips

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.

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Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls

Written by: Cheryl Bowman

A fantastic way to save money and enjoy a built-in community is to share an apartment. However, a bad roommate situation can turn your dream rental into a nightmare.

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The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour

Written by: Marie Brown

You’ve scrolled through countless listings, walked through a blur of rentals, and finally found what feels like the one. The pictures? Fantastic. The neighborhood seems just right.

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Know Your Budget: Calculating What You Can Realistically Afford When Renting

Written by: Lauren Harrington

Renting an apartment or house isn’t just about looking through online ads, choosing a few apartments or homes you want to tour, filling out an application, and putting down a deposit. Those things are all necessary and important.

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The Freedom of Short-Term Leases: Exploring the Advantages for Renters

Written by: Bobbi Jackson

If you’re looking to relocate right now, a popular solution that may best fit your current rental needs is a short-term lease.