
Cheap Homes for Rent in Watkins, IA from $700 (14 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in Watkins.


806 2nd Ave SW

460 Cameron Way

150 Elm Ridge Dr

192 3rd Ave

920 W Cherry St

1208 L St SW
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.

510 Pond View Dr

545 Pond View Dr

811 14th St NE

2237 Mt Vernon Rd SE

2300 W Lake Rd

460 N Kansas Ave

1838 J Ave NE
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.
Watkins, IA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent a home in Watkins?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Watkins 2 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $1,507 | $770 | $2,250 |
| Watkins 3 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $1,916 | $1,250 | $3,500 |
| Watkins 4 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $2,058 | $1,400 | $2,800 |
| Watkins 5 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $2,850 | $2,100 | $3,600 |
Browse Top Homes for Rent in Watkins
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Watkins, IA Local Guide
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Cheapest Available Watkins Apartments for Rent and Nearby
 The cheapest available apartment rental in Watkins, IA is a 1 Bed unit found at Shamrock Apartments in the Usher's Ferry Historic Village neighborhood priced from $560. Goldfinch Meadows in the Cedar Hills neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $580. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Watkins apartments for rent:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shamrock Apartments | Shamrock small 1 bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $560 |
| Goldfinch Meadows | 1 BR/ 1 BA | 1BR,1BA | $580 |
| Southview Apartments | Southview 1 bedroom Classic | 1BR,1BA | $650 |
| 2535 Ellis View Ct NW | 2x1 | 2BR,1BA | $995 |
| Union at Wiley | 2 Bed 2 Bath | 2BR,1BA | $995 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Watkins, IA and Nearby
As of May 25, 2026 the best value apartment in the Watkins area is the $1.28 price per square foot 2 Bedroom / 2 Bathroom Model at Cedar River Bluffs Apartments in the in the Usher's Ferry Historic Village neighborhood starting from $1,525. The second greatest value Watkins apartment is the 2x1 Model at 2535 Ellis View Ct NW starting at $995 with a $1.03 price per square foot in the Usher's Ferry Historic Village neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Watkins apartments based on price per square foot:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar River Bluffs Apartments | 2 Bedroom / 2 Bathroom | 2BR,2BA | $1.28 |
| 2535 Ellis View Ct NW | 2x1 | 2BR,1BA | $1.03 |
| Union at Wiley | 2 Bed 2 Bath | 2BR,1BA | $1.16 |
| Shamrock Apartments | Arrowridge small 2 bedroom | 2BR,1BA | $1.06 |
| Stone Ridge Apartments & Townhomes | 1br, 1ba | 1BR,1BA | $1.79 |
| Southview Apartments | Southview 1 bedroom Classic | 1BR,1BA | $1.02 |
| Goldfinch Meadows | 1 BR/ 1 BA | 1BR,1BA | $1.14 |
Don't Settle: How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money
Discover the insider tips from an attorney and real estate agent on how to negotiate your next apartment lease. Find out what's on the table and what's not, so you can save money and get the best terms possible.
Read ArticleReal Estate and Rental Term Glossary | ApartmentHomeLiving.com Renter University
From the letter A all the way to the letter Z, the Real Estate and Rental Term Glossary from the content team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provides our visitors and shoppers with a little clarity and helpful guidance in navigating the real estate world through definitions and explainers for the top subjects and terms that someone may come across during the leasing, buying, or selling process.
Read ArticleQuick Rent Budget Calculator
How much rent can you afford?
The common "Rule of Thumb" is that rent should be no more than 30% of your income. How much is that? Enter your monthly income and click "Calculate My Budget" to find out.
Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:Location, Location, Location!
Explore Watkins, IA Rentals by Map
See the most popular apartments and homes in Watkins, IA
Frequently Asked Questions about Watkins
What type of rentals are currently available in Watkins?
There are currently 46 Apartments for Rent in Watkins, IA with pricing that ranges from $425 to $2,727. There are also 31 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Watkins ranging from $700 to $3,600.
What is the current price range for Rental Homes in Watkins?
Today's rental pricing for Homes for Rent, Condos and Townhomes in Watkins ranges from $700 to $3,600 with an average monthly rent of $1,709.
How much are larger Three and Four Bedroom Rentals in Watkins?
For those who are looking for larger living arrangements, Three Bedroom Apartments in Watkins range from $425 to $1,765, while Three Bedroom Homes, Condos, and Townhomes for rent range from $1,250 to $3,500. Four Bedroom Single-Family rentals are also available starting from $1,400 and Four Bedroom Apartments start at $1,550.
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

A Seasoned Property Manager's Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Deposit Back
Written by: Lauren Harrington
I’m going to talk with you as a seasoned property manager and friend. So, let’s start with your security deposit. I want you to think about this guide as insider information. You deserve your deposit back.

Expert Solutions for Creating the Perfect Work-From-Home Apartment Layouts
Written by: Lauren Harrington
This article is based on first-hand experience managing apartment communities and helping renters adapt to their spaces after moving in.

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.

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.