Cheap Apartments for Rent in Polk County, IA from $400 (496 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Polk County.

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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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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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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Smart Renter's Guide: Calculating Affordable Rent & Housing Costs

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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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Cheapest Available Polk County Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in Polk County, IA is a Studio unit found at Northtown Apartments in the Grandview College Area neighborhood priced from $595. Highland Park Apartments in the Grandview College Area neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $597. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Polk County apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Northtown ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$595
Highland Park ApartmentsStandard 1 Bed1BR,1BA$597
Highland Park Apartments (DSM)Standard 1 Bed1BR,1BA$597
Urban Heights0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$599
Village GreenStudioStudio,1BA$600
Clover Creek0/1 - ClassicStudio,1BA$611
The View On Hickman0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$625
The AcaciaStudio - ClassicStudio,1BA$647
Johnston Crossing Senior Apartments I2 Bedroom2BR,1BA$648
Valley Acres Apartments1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom1BR,1BA$650

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Polk County, IA

As of January 11, 2026 the best value apartment in the Polk County area is the $0.77 price per square foot Four bed Model at Prairie Trails in the in the Hayes Acres neighborhood starting from $2,300. The second greatest value Polk County apartment is the 2 BR/ 1 BA Model at 3612 Ingersoll Ave starting at $1,125 with a $0.70 price per square foot in the Southwest Des Moines neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Polk County apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Prairie TrailsFour bed4BR,3BA$0.77
3612 Ingersoll Ave2 BR/ 1 BA2BR,1BA$0.70
Normandy Terrace Apartments2 Bedroom 1.5 Bath2BR,1.5BA$0.60
Prairie Pointe Student Living3 Bdrm Townhome3BR,3BA$0.52
Colonial VillageRichmond2BR,1.5BA$0.78
Applewood PropertiesTwo Bedroom2BR,1BA$0.87
Magnolia Park2nd Floor 2/2.02BR,2BA$0.88
1215 23rd St, Unit 1215 23RD apt #31215 23rd St2BR,1BA$0.80
Hamilton ApartmentsOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$0.84
Johnston Crossing Senior Apartments I2 Bedroom2BR,1BA$0.73

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Polk County Apartments

What is a cheap apartment in Polk County?

A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Polk County is under $650.

What is the price of a cheap apartment in Polk County?

The cheapest apartment in Polk County is Highland Park Apartments which is listed at $597, while the average apartment in Polk County costs $1,421.

What types of apartments are the cheapest in Polk County?

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 356 regular apartments in Polk County 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 Polk County?

Cheap apartments in Polk County have an average cost of $196 which is $1,225 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Polk County.

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 A Renters Guide for Tips on Writing Your Notice for Not Renewing Your Apartment article

A Renters Guide for Tips on Writing Your Notice for Not Renewing Your Apartment

Written by: Bob Mallory

Packing up everything you own to move is so stressful for many that ending your apartment lease can feel like a small or unimportant task. Ending your lease involves more than simply turning over your keys on the last day.

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Renting with Roommates: Realistic Expectations for Shared Lease

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Given the high costs for housing, I have found that many people are looking for a roommate to share expenses. These arrangements can increase opportunities for more desirable and larger spaces.

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Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Back in the day when I rented one of my first apartments, the property didn’t even have laundry in the building. Now, rental properties are often competing against each other to provide the best amenities.

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How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Everything is a negotiation in real estate!