Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown Des Moines Neighborhood of Des Moines, IA from $500 (61 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Downtown Des Moines area of Des Moines.

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Downtown Des Moines, Des Moines, IA Local Guide

Cheapest Available Downtown Des Moines Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in the Downtown Des Moines area of Des Moines, IA is a Studio unit found at Concord Apartments priced from $625. Argonne Apartments has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $695. Here are the most affordable Downtown Des Moines apartments for rent in Des Moines, IA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Concord ApartmentsStudio 5Studio,1BA$625
Argonne ApartmentsStudio CStudio,1BA$695
City Square LoftsS1Studio,1BA$702
East Village SquareStudio 390-392Studio,1BA$725
The ElliottStudioStudio,1BA$750
The Des Moines BuildingS1Studio,1BA$757
Riverpoint LoftsA11BR,1BA$775
Court Ave LoftsCA-A2 - Income Restricted1BR,1BA$788
Pleasant Court1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$799
Randolph ApartmentsThe WarrenStudio,1BA$800

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown Des Moines, IA

As of April 28, 2025 the best value apartment in the Downtown Des Moines area is the $1.15 price per square foot Vega Model at Rocket Transfer Lofts in the in the Southwest Des Moines neighborhood starting from $1,605. The second greatest value Downtown Des Moines apartment is the Model A Model at The Elmhurst starting at $1,300 with a $1.00 price per square foot in the Downtown Des Moines neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Downtown Des Moines apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Rocket Transfer LoftsVega2BR,2BA$1.15
The ElmhurstModel A2BR,2BA$1.00
AP Lofts2 Bedroom 2 Bathroom2BR,2BA$1.33
Wilkins BldgMarket Rate1BR,1BA$1.30
High Street BrickstoneTwo Bedroom2BR,2BA$1.02
Woodland Avenue Brickstone2x1 8502BR,1BA$1.30
Vine Street Lofts1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$1.27
Rumely Lofts1 Bedroom Income Restricted1BR,1BA$1.31
Pleasant Court2 Bedroom2BR,1BA$1.38
Court Ave LoftsCA-A2 - Income Restricted1BR,1BA$1.36

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Lifestyle Ratings

ApartmentHomeLiving.com works hard to bring you our detailed rental analysis called 'Lifestyle Ratings' - a comparison of rentals and neighborhoods across the USA, including Downtown Des Moines, Des Moines, and the greater Des Moines area. LifeStyle Ratings are the best way to sort through finding a place to live - beyond price and floorplan. This takes in many factors including searching for the best amenities, and proximity to parks, transit availability, pet-friendly communities, family-friendly amenities, and much more. These search options are in the site filters at the top of this page.

Getting Around the Downtown Des Moines Neighborhood in Des Moines, IA

Walk Score®

76 / 100

Very Walkable

Most errands can be accomplished on foot

Bike Score®

57 / 100

Bikeable

Some bike infrastructure

Transit Score®

59 / 100

Good Transit

Many nearby public transportation options

What Are Walk Score®, Transit Score®, and Bike Score® Ratings?

  • Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address.
  • Transit Score® measures access to public transit.
  • Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Downtown Des Moines Apartments

What is a cheap apartment in Downtown Des Moines?

A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Downtown Des Moines is under $800.

What is the price of a cheap apartment in Downtown Des Moines?

The cheapest apartment in Downtown Des Moines is Riverpoint Lofts which is listed at $775, while the average apartment in Downtown Des Moines costs $2,152.

What types of apartments are the cheapest in Downtown Des Moines?

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 59 regular apartments in Downtown Des Moines 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 Downtown Des Moines?

Cheap apartments in Downtown Des Moines have an average cost of $176 which is $1,976 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Downtown Des Moines.

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.

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Understanding Amenity Fees: Know Where You Might Be Able to Save Money

Written by: Amber Kanuckel

With the rising costs of housing, a lot of renters are asking this question: Is it possible to opt out of various amenities that your rental property offers so that you can avoid paying the fees.

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Rise of Digital Nomads: Remote Work Tips for Apartment Renters

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As a digital nomad, you no longer call a set address or office building your home for eight hours of the day or more.

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Know Your Rights - How Discrimination Laws Impact Landlords and Tenants

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Everyone needs a place to live and to call home. For decades, the federal government has established protections to ensure that individuals and families can find housing free from discriminatory barriers.

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Renting Smart: Lease Basics Every Renter Needs

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Often, in the excitement of finding a new place to live, there’s a rush to make it happen, and - too often - a new tenant signs a lease without reading it carefully.