Cheap Apartments for Rent in Polk County, IA from $400 (543 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 Polk County.

close
View Me
The View On Hickman
$625
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$575
Required Monthly Fees
$50

Total Monthly Price
$625
Studio Apartments Available Now

The View On Hickman

7625 Hickman RdUrbandale, IA 50322
Affordability
  • Verified
  • Utilities Included
  • 3D Tour

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.

close
View Me
The Drake
$695 - $960
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$630 - $895
Required Monthly Fees
$65

Total Monthly Price
$695 - $960
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

The Drake

1260 34th StDes Moines, IA 50311
Corporate Housing
  • Verified
  • Customer Reviewed
  • 3D Tour
close
View Me
1136 1/2 68th St, Unit 1136 12
$695
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$695

Total Monthly Price
$695
1 Bedroom Apartment Available Now

1136 1/2 68th St, Unit 1136 12

1136 1/2 68th StWindsor Heights, IA 50324
Furnished
  • Smoke Free

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.

close
View Me
Hampton House Apartments
Rent Specials
$699 - $1,599
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$599 - $1,499
Required Monthly Fees
$100

Total Monthly Price
$699 - $1,599
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Hampton House Apartments

4200 Grand AveDes Moines, IA 50312
Furnished
  • Verified
  • Customer Reviewed
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
The Vibe at 8035 Apartments
Rent Specials
$705 - $1,300
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$600 - $1,195
Required Monthly Fees
$105

Total Monthly Price
$705 - $1,300
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

The Vibe at 8035 Apartments

11428 Forest AveClive, IA 50325
  • Verified
  • Utilities Included
  • 3D Tour
close
View Me
Park Forest
$705 - $1,026
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$697 - $1,018
Required Monthly Fees
$8

Total Monthly Price
$705 - $1,026
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Park Forest

2101 E Virginia AveDes Moines, IA 50320
Affordability
  • Verified
  • 3D Tour
  • Smoke Free

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.

close
View Me
Sutton Hill
$730 - $1,258
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$642 - $1,170
Required Monthly Fees
$88

Total Monthly Price
$730 - $1,258
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Sutton Hill

2100 King AveDes Moines, IA 50320
Active Lifestyle
  • Verified
  • Customer Reviewed
  • 3D Tour

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.

close
View Me
Bristol Ridge
Rent Specials
$744 - $1,538
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$638 - $1,432
Required Monthly Fees
$106

Total Monthly Price
$744 - $1,538
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Bristol Ridge

4515 86th StUrbandale, IA 50322
Affordability
  • Verified
  • Customer Reviewed
  • 3D Tour
close
View Me
418 East Grand
Rent Specials
$750 - $1,310
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$745 - $1,305
Required Monthly Fees
$5

Total Monthly Price
$750 - $1,310
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

418 East Grand

418 E Grand AveDes Moines, IA 50309
Furnished
  • Verified
  • 3D Tour
  • Smoke Free

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.

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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Highland Park ApartmentsStandard 1 Bed1BR,1BA$597
Highland Park Apartments (DSM)Standard 1 Bed1BR,1BA$597
Village GreenStudioStudio,1BA$600
The View On HickmanNew Build Apartment Available for Immediate Mov...Studio,1BA$625
The AcaciaStudio - ClassicStudio,1BA$647
Johnston Crossing Senior Apartments I2 Bedroom2BR,1BA$648
Valley Acres Apartments1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom1BR,1BA$650
Stockbridge Apartments1x1 670-7001BR,1BA$650
Lenox PropertiesGreenwood AStudio,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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Prairie TrailsFour bed4BR,3BA$0.77
Normandy Terrace Apartments2 Bedroom 1.5 Bath2BR,1.5BA$0.60
Prairie Pointe Student Living3 Bdrm Townhome3BR,3BA$0.52
Ingersoll TowersRiley2BR,2BA$0.82
Colonial VillageRichmond2BR,1.5BA$0.78
Applewood PropertiesTwo Bedroom2BR,1BA$0.87
Magnolia Park2/2.02BR,2BA$0.85
1215 23rd St, Unit 1215 23RD apt #31215 23rd St2BR,1BA$0.80
Johnston Crossing Senior Apartments I2 Bedroom2BR,1BA$0.73
Northtown Apartments2 Bedroom 1 Bathroom2BR,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

decorative image for Maximizing Your Refund: Essential Tax Tips for Renters article

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.

decorative image for 18 Must-Ask Rental Tour Questions That Reveal the Truth about a Property article

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.

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.

decorative image for Renting with Roommates: Realistic Expectations for Shared Lease article

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.