
Cheap Apartments for Rent in Iowa City, IA from $695 (84 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Iowa City.


Total Monthly Price
Aspire at West Campus

Sycamore Apartments

Seville

Regency Heights (55+ Community)

Emerald Ct

Riverfront Crossings

330 Ridgeland Ave

Mane Gate Apartments

Total Monthly Price
631 S Van Buren St
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.

Westgate Villa

Orchards & Woodlands

Riverview West

710 Kirkwood Ave, Unit 710

Willow Ridge Apartments

Apartments at Iowa

Apartments at Iowa

Michael Street Apartments

1100 Oakcrest Apartments

Carriage Hill
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.

Finkbine Lane

518 N Van Buren St

Sycamore Coop

308 N Linn St

Del Ray Ridge Apartments

Oakcrest

Cross Park Avenue

906 E Burlington Street Iowa City IA

625 E Burlington St

Violet Square
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.

Parish Apartments

104 Westside Dr

5 Woolf Ave

Town Square Apartments

1165 S Riverside Dr

SoDo Flats

840 Maggard Street

530 N Dubuque St

Hawkeye Park

804 N Dubuque St
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.

Claremont Apartments

929 Iowa Ave

902 North Dodge Street Apartments

The Altamont

1050 Newton Rd

1006 Oakcrest Street Apartments

802 Benton Dr

Belmont Apartments

The Overlook

731 Westwinds Dr
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

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Iowa City?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheap Iowa City Studio Apartments | $1,464 | $695 | $1,990 |
| Cheap Iowa City 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,292 | $830 | $2,109 |
| Cheap Iowa City 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,351 | $810 | $2,600 |
| Cheap Iowa City 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,427 | $725 | $3,300 |
| Cheap Iowa City 4 Bedroom Apartments | $1,731 | $710 | $2,840 |
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Iowa City, IA Local Guide

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Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Iowa City, IA
Pricing Updated: 09/13/2026Current 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:
| Neighborhood | Median Price | Min Price | Available Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cottage Hill | $1,229 | $830 | 18 |
| Horn | $1,237 | $830 | 4 |
| Westgate | $1,250 | $830 | 5 |
| South Iowa City | $1,295 | $725 | 44 |
| Ruppert Hills | $1,297 | $830 | 44 |
| Roosevelt | $1,299 | $830 | 45 |
| Pepperwood | $1,315 | $725 | 70 |
| Twain | $1,315 | $725 | 69 |
| Fair Meadows | $1,318 | $725 | 67 |
| Saddlebrook | $1,318 | $725 | 68 |
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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lakewood Hills Apartments | Studio | Studio,1BA | $695 |
| Aspire at West Campus | 2x2 Herky - Unfurnished | 2BR,2BA | $836 |
| 808 on 5th | Studio | Studio,1BA | $995 |
| Riverfront Crossings | Studio | Studio,1BA | $995 |
| 840 Maggard Street | 2BR/1.0BA | 2BR,1BA | $995 |
| Pheasant Ridge | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $1,106 |
| Riverview West | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,150 |
| 2412-2414 | 3BR/1.0BA | 3BR,1BA | $1,175 |
| Willow Ridge Apartments | 2 Beds, 1 bath | 2BR,1BA | $1,200 |
| 712 E Market St | Market Street Apartments | 2BR,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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 514 S Johnson St, Unit 4 Bedroom | 514 S Johnson St | 4BR,2BA | $0.97 |
| Riverview West | 3 Bedroom | 3BR,2BA | $1.48 |
| Walden Ridge | 3BR/2.0BA | 3BR,2BA | $1.22 |
| 3 Bd Townhome | 3BR/1.5BA | 3BR,1.5BA | $1.25 |
| The Hawthorne | G | 3BR,2BA | $1.44 |
| The Quarters Iowa City | D - 2x2 | 2BR,2BA | $0.69 |
| Newton Pointe Apartments | 3 bed 1 bath | 3BR,1BA | $1.30 |
| The Forum At Lincoln | 3 bed / 2 bath | 3BR,2BA | $1.63 |
| Coral North Apartments | Two Bedroom | 2BR,1BA | $1.66 |
| 840 Maggard Street | 2BR/1.0BA | 2BR,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 ArticleNavigating 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 ArticleReal 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 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.
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
Lincoln Elementary School
West Senior High School
Southeast Junior High School
School data provided by Great Schools
Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:Location, Location, Location!
Explore Iowa City, IA Rentals by Map
See the most popular apartments and homes in Iowa City, IA
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

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.

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.

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.

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.