
Cheap Apartments for Rent in Polk County, IA from $400 (543 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Polk County.


Highland Park Apartments

Lenox Properties

Village Green

Total Monthly Price
The View On Hickman

The Acacia

Stockbridge Apartments

The View on Douglas

Valley Acres Apartments
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.

Melbourne

Ingersoll Park Studio Apartments 3607

Urban Heights

Arlington Hallett

The Grove at Hickman

Total Monthly Price
The Drake

Total Monthly Price
1136 1/2 68th St, Unit 1136 12

River Oaks Apartments

Riverview Oaks Apartments

231 S Grant Ave
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.

Plaza Manor

Total Monthly Price
Hampton House Apartments

Ankeny Park Apartments

The Oaks

Argonne Apartments

Civic Center Court Apartments

Park West Apartments

Total Monthly Price
The Vibe at 8035 Apartments

Watrous Apartments

Total Monthly Price
Park Forest
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.

Beaverdale Housing LLC

4837 NW 62nd Ave

The Elliott

Capitol Heights

East Village Square

Pleasant Court

The Pointe on Fleur Apartments

2303 E 9th St

Total Monthly Price
Sutton Hill

MLK Brickstone Apartments
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.

858 8th St SE

Total Monthly Price
Bristol Ridge

3225 5th Ave

The Jefferson

Ivy II

1217 24th St

240 S James St

Total Monthly Price
1604 16th St, Unit Apt 2

Total Monthly Price
106 NW College Ave, Unit 1

Total Monthly Price
418 East Grand
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.
Polk County, IA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Polk County?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polk County Studio Apartments | $948 | $500 | $3,121 |
| Polk County 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,157 | $597 | $5,108 |
| Polk County 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,267 | $651 | $3,528 |
| Polk County 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,624 | $685 | $10,000+ |
| Polk County 4 Bedroom Apartments | $3,006 | $655 | $10,000+ |
Browse Apartments in Polk County
See all Apartments in PolkExplore Polk County
Cheapest Available Polk County Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in Polk County, IA is a 1 Bed unit found at Highland Park Apartments in the Grandview College Area neighborhood priced from $597. Highland Park Apartments (DSM) 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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highland Park Apartments | Standard 1 Bed | 1BR,1BA | $597 |
| Highland Park Apartments (DSM) | Standard 1 Bed | 1BR,1BA | $597 |
| Village Green | Studio | Studio,1BA | $600 |
| The View On Hickman | New Build Apartment Available for Immediate Mov... | Studio,1BA | $625 |
| The Acacia | Studio - Classic | Studio,1BA | $647 |
| Johnston Crossing Senior Apartments I | 2 Bedroom | 2BR,1BA | $648 |
| Valley Acres Apartments | 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom | 1BR,1BA | $650 |
| Stockbridge Apartments | 1x1 670-700 | 1BR,1BA | $650 |
| Lenox Properties | Greenwood A | Studio,1BA | $650 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Polk County, IA
As of March 01, 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 Bedroom 1.5 Bath Model at Normandy Terrace Apartments starting at $900 with a $0.60 price per square foot in the Maplenol Heights neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Polk County apartments based on price per square foot:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prairie Trails | Four bed | 4BR,3BA | $0.77 |
| Normandy Terrace Apartments | 2 Bedroom 1.5 Bath | 2BR,1.5BA | $0.60 |
| Prairie Pointe Student Living | 3 Bdrm Townhome | 3BR,3BA | $0.52 |
| Ingersoll Towers | Riley | 2BR,2BA | $0.82 |
| Colonial Village | Richmond | 2BR,1.5BA | $0.78 |
| Applewood Properties | Two Bedroom | 2BR,1BA | $0.87 |
| Magnolia Park | 2/2.0 | 2BR,2BA | $0.85 |
| 1215 23rd St, Unit 1215 23RD apt #3 | 1215 23rd St | 2BR,1BA | $0.80 |
| Johnston Crossing Senior Apartments I | 2 Bedroom | 2BR,1BA | $0.73 |
| Northtown Apartments | 2 Bedroom 1 Bathroom | 2BR,1BA | $0.87 |
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 $1,452.
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 295 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 $251 which is $1,201 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

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.

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.

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.

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.
