Cheap Apartments for Rent in Polk County, IA from $500 (446 Rentals)

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

property at 3211 30th St

3211 30th St

Des MoinesIA50310

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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property at 3111 30th St

3111 30th St

Des MoinesIA50310
property at 3201 30th St

3201 30th St

Des MoinesIA50310
property at 3105 30th St

3105 30th St

Des MoinesIA50310

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

Wondering how to determine your rental budget? This comprehensive guide covers everything from the 30% rule to hidden fees and effective budgeting strategies.

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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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Showing Results 1-50, Page 1 of 9

Cheapest Available Polk County Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in Polk County, IA is a 2 Beds unit found at Campus View Student Housing in the Springwood neighborhood priced from $500. 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 $547. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Polk County apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Campus View Student Housing2 Bed / 2 Bath2BR,2BA$500
Highland Park Apartments (DSM)Standard 1 Bed1BR,1BA$547
Johnston Crossing Senior Apartments I1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$548
Sutton HillA11BR,1BA$549
Northtown ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$595
Urban Heights0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$599
Village GreenStudioStudio,1BA$600
Watrous ApartmentsA11BR,1BA$600
Ingersoll Park Studio Apartments 3607StudioStudio,1BA$625
Riverview Oaks ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$625

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Polk County, IA

As of July 14, 2025 the best value apartment in the Polk County area is the $0.93 price per square foot SS 2 bed units interior Model at State Street Lofts in the in the Georgetown neighborhood starting from $1,400. The second greatest value Polk County apartment is the B6 Model at Rosemont Place starting at $993 with a $0.93 price per square foot in the Southeast 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.
State Street LoftsSS 2 bed units interior2BR,2BA$0.93
Rosemont PlaceB62BR,2BA$0.93
Applewood PropertiesTwo Bedroom2BR,1BA$0.85
Magnolia Manor Apartments and Townhomes2 Bedroom2BR,1BA$0.89
Hamilton ApartmentsOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$0.84
The Meadows2 Bedroom2BR,1BA$0.85
The Pointe on FleurNO RENT UNTIL AUGUST 1st! Call today before th...2BR,1BA$0.87
Campus View Student Housing2 Bed / 2 Bath2BR,2BA$0.67
Johnston Crossing Senior Apartments I1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$0.80
Watrous ApartmentsA11BR,1BA$0.92

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 $625.

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

The cheapest apartment in Polk County is Highland Park Apartments (DSM) which is listed at $547, while the average apartment in Polk County costs $2,175.

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 239 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 $275 which is $1,900 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Polk County.

Expert Rental Resources

Helpful Apartment Articles, How-To's and Tips

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.

decorative image for Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls article

Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls

Written by: Cheryl Bowman

A fantastic way to save money and enjoy a built-in community is to share an apartment. However, a bad roommate situation can turn your dream rental into a nightmare.

decorative image for The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour article

The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour

Written by: Marie Brown

You’ve scrolled through countless listings, walked through a blur of rentals, and finally found what feels like the one. The pictures? Fantastic. The neighborhood seems just right.

decorative image for Know Your Budget: Calculating What You Can Realistically Afford When Renting article

Know Your Budget: Calculating What You Can Realistically Afford When Renting

Written by: Lauren Harrington

Renting an apartment or house isn’t just about looking through online ads, choosing a few apartments or homes you want to tour, filling out an application, and putting down a deposit. Those things are all necessary and important.

decorative image for The Freedom of Short-Term Leases: Exploring the Advantages for Renters article

The Freedom of Short-Term Leases: Exploring the Advantages for Renters

Written by: Bobbi Jackson

If you’re looking to relocate right now, a popular solution that may best fit your current rental needs is a short-term lease.