Cheap Apartments for Rent in Polk County, IA from $300 (448 Rentals)

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

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.

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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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property at 2303 E 9th St

$695 - $725

1 Bedroom Rentals

Available Now

2303 E 9th St

Des MoinesIA50316

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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The Flats Apartments
Rent Specials
$738 - $1,215
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$738 - $1,215
Total Monthly Price
Varies
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

The Flats Apartments

3000 University AveWest Des Moines, IA 50266
Corporate Housing
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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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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 1 Bed unit found at Mezzo on Walnut in the Southwest Des Moines neighborhood priced from $350. 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
Mezzo on WalnutAria 31BR,1BA$350
Highland Park ApartmentsStandard 1 Bed1BR,1BA$597
Highland Park ManorStandard 1 Bed1BR,1BA$597
Plymouth Place Retirement Community 62+Studio - Retirement CommunityStudio,1BA$600
Village GreenStudioStudio,1BA$600
The View On HickmanNew Build Apartment Available for Immediate Mov...Studio,1BA$625
Riverview Oaks ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$625
Lenox PropertiesGreenwood AStudio,1BA$635
Campus View Student Housing3 Bed / 3 Bath3BR,3BA$640
The AcaciaStudio - ClassicStudio,1BA$647

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Polk County, IA

As of April 17, 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 $1,200 with a $0.75 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$0.75
Normandy Terrace Apartments2 Bedroom 1.5 Bath2BR,1.5BA$0.60
Colonial VillageChesapeake3BR,2BA$0.77
Southern Meadows HomesPlan B - two story3BR,2BA$0.93
Applewood PropertiesTwo Bedroom2BR,1BA$0.87
Magnolia Park2/2.02BR,2BA$0.78
Johnston Crossing Senior Apartments I2 Bedroom2BR,1BA$0.73
The JeffersonJefferson 2 Bed 1 Bath Renovated2BR,1BA$0.92
Campus View Student Housing2 Bed / 2 Bath2BR,2BA$0.90

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 $647.

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

The cheapest apartment in Polk County is Mezzo on Walnut which is listed at $350, while the average apartment in Polk County costs $1,515.

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 241 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 $208 which is $1,307 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 What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much article

What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much

Written by: Lauren Harrington

This article draws from first-hand renter experiences and recurring financial challenges reported after moving in.

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.