Cheap Apartments for Rent in Iowa City, IA from $695 (84 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
631 S Van Buren St
$1,050 - $1,350

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent$1,050 - $1,350

Total Monthly Price$1,050 - $1,350
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments Available Soon

631 S Van Buren St

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

Rent According to Income: A Look at Income-Restricted Rentals

Find income-restricted rentals and housing subsidies. Explore government programs designed to help low-income families secure stable, affordable housing.

property at 710 Kirkwood Ave
$1,200

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent$1,200

Total Monthly Price$1,200
4 Bedroom, 1 Bath Home for Rent
Available Now
Cost Per Sq.Ft.

710 Kirkwood Ave, Unit 710

710 Kirkwood Ave
Iowa CityIA52240
  • Smoke Free
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
Apartments at Iowa
1 Bedroom Apartments

Apartments at Iowa

507 E College 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

Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It

From theft to fire to water damage, the unexpected can happen to any renter. Discover why renters insurance is one of the smartest and most affordable investments you can make as a tenant.

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
308 N Linn St
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

308 N Linn St

308 N Linn StIowa City, IA 52245
  • 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
close
View Me
Violet Square
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Violet Square

501-511 S Gilbert StIowa City, IA 52240
  • 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.

close
View Me
Parish Apartments
Studio Apartments

Parish Apartments

108 McLean StIowa City, IA 52246
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
104 Westside Dr
2 Bedroom Apartments

104 Westside Dr

104 Westside DrIowa City, IA 52246
close
View Me
5 Woolf Ave
2 Bedroom Apartments

5 Woolf Ave

5 Woolf AveIowa City, IA 52246
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
1165 S Riverside Dr
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

1165 S Riverside Dr

1165 S Riverside DrIowa City, IA 52246
Student Housing
  • 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
530 N Dubuque St
2 Bedroom Apartments

530 N Dubuque St

530 N Dubuque StIowa City, IA 52245
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
Hawkeye Park
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Hawkeye Park

432 S Dubuque StIowa City, IA 52240
Student Housing
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
804 N Dubuque St
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

804 N Dubuque St

804 N Dubuque StIowa City, IA 52245
  • Utilities Included

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
929 Iowa Ave
2 Bedroom Apartments

929 Iowa Ave

929 Iowa AveIowa City, IA 52240
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
The Altamont
2 Bedroom Apartments

The Altamont

321 N Johnson StIowa City, IA 52245
close
View Me
1050 Newton Rd
2 Bedroom Apartments

1050 Newton Rd

1050 Newton RdIowa City, IA 52246
Student Housing
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
The Overlook
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

The Overlook

3155 Shire LnIowa City, IA 52240
  • Utilities Included
property at 731 Westwinds Dr
$1,095
2 Bedroom Rentals
Available Oct 1
Affordability

731 Westwinds Dr

Iowa CityIA52246

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.

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: 09/13/2026

Current apartment rentals in the Iowa City, IA area range in price from $695 to $3,300 with an overall median price of $1,339. The three Iowa City neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Cottage Hill at $1,229, Horn at $1,237, and Westgate at $1,250. 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
Cottage Hill$1,229$83018
Horn$1,237$8304
Westgate$1,250$8305
South Iowa City$1,295$72544
Ruppert Hills$1,297$83044
Roosevelt$1,299$83045
Pepperwood$1,315$72570
Twain$1,315$72569
Fair Meadows$1,318$72567
Saddlebrook$1,318$72568

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 $836. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Iowa City apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Lakewood Hills ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$695
Aspire at West Campus2x2 Herky - Unfurnished2BR,2BA$836
808 on 5thStudioStudio,1BA$995
Riverfront CrossingsStudioStudio,1BA$995
840 Maggard Street2BR/1.0BA2BR,1BA$995
Pheasant RidgeOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$1,106
Riverview WestStudioStudio,1BA$1,150
2412-24143BR/1.0BA3BR,1BA$1,175
Willow Ridge Apartments2 Beds, 1 bath2BR,1BA$1,200
712 E Market StMarket Street Apartments2BR,1BA$1,300

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Iowa City, IA

As of September 13, 2026 the best value apartment in the Iowa City area is the $0.97 price per square foot 514 S Johnson St Model at 514 S Johnson St, Unit 4 Bedroom in the in the Fair Meadows neighborhood starting from $1,450. The second greatest value Iowa City apartment is the 3 Bedroom Model at Riverview West starting at $2,170 with a $1.48 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.
514 S Johnson St, Unit 4 Bedroom514 S Johnson St4BR,2BA$0.97
Riverview West3 Bedroom3BR,2BA$1.48
Walden Ridge3BR/2.0BA3BR,2BA$1.22
3 Bd Townhome3BR/1.5BA3BR,1.5BA$1.25
The HawthorneG3BR,2BA$1.44
The Quarters Iowa CityD - 2x22BR,2BA$0.69
Newton Pointe Apartments3 bed 1 bath3BR,1BA$1.30
The Forum At Lincoln3 bed / 2 bath3BR,2BA$1.63
Coral North ApartmentsTwo Bedroom2BR,1BA$1.66
840 Maggard Street2BR/1.0BA2BR,1BA$1.52

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

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.

Read Article

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 $1,300.

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 $845, while the average apartment in Iowa City costs $1,339.

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 365 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 $640 which is $699 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 Rent According to Income: A Look at Income-Restricted Rentals   article

Rent According to Income: A Look at Income-Restricted Rentals

Written by: Robin Stewart

The idea of affordable housing can be subjective. Every individual is in a different place financially and vocationally. What one may easily afford could be a struggle for someone else.

decorative image for Exploring Rental Options: Apartments, Townhomes, and Lofts - Oh My! article

Exploring Rental Options: Apartments, Townhomes, and Lofts - Oh My!

Written by: Robin Stewart

Where do you see yourself? When you think of home, sweet home, are you in a 3/2 apartment? Dreaming of a tall townhome? Maybe an industrial loft heavy on cool vibes is on your visioning board.

decorative image for Practical Tips for Renters: How to Identify a Great Rental and Avoid Red Flags   article

Practical Tips for Renters: How to Identify a Great Rental and Avoid Red Flags

Written by: Robin Stewart

Renters want to find a great apartment, the right place for them, one that checks all the boxes of location, rental cost, amenities, safety, and more.

decorative image for First Apartment Regrets: Real Renters Share What They'd Do Differently article

First Apartment Regrets: Real Renters Share What They'd Do Differently

Written by: Robin Stewart

Hindsight is 20/20. Live and Learn. With age comes wisdom. We’re familiar with all those expressions, and all of them apply to lessons first-time renters learn.