Des Moines, IA Apartments For Rent
589 rentals
- SPECIAL OFFERPET FRIENDLY
- PET FRIENDLY$1,075 - $1,795/mo1-3 Beds1-3 BathsPrairie Village Commons Apartments and Townhomes | 10th St,
Waukee, IA 50263 - SPECIAL OFFERPET FRIENDLY
- SPECIAL OFFERPET FRIENDLY
- NEW - 1 DAY AGOSPECIAL OFFERPET FRIENDLY
- SPECIAL OFFERPET FRIENDLY
- $1,075 - $1,550/mo1-2 Beds1-2 BathsLuxury Apartments in Waukee's Kettlestone District | The Lofts at Kettlestone Central | SE Glacier Trl,
Waukee, IA 50263 - $1,800 - $1,900/mo2 Beds3 BathsLuxury Townhomes in Waukee's Kettlestone District | Attached 2-Car Garage | SE Superior Ln,
Waukee, IA 50263 - $850 - $1,200/mo1-2 Beds1-2 BathsFREE 2nd Month's Rent When You Apply Within 24 Hours of Your Tour at Weston Park Apartments! | Park Ave,
Des Moines, IA 50321 - Total price$880 - $1,160/moStudio-2 Beds1 BathOld Main and Drake Apartments | 24th St,
Des Moines, IA 50311 - $1,045 - $1,150/mo2 Beds2 Baths36 Plex - Village Green Apartments | 4532 4534 & 4,
Des Moines, IA 50310 - Total price$831 - $1,166/moStudio-3 Beds1 BathThe Scott at East Village | E 5th St,
Des Moines, IA 50309
What Locals Say about Des Moines
Review Highlights
Des Moines hums with easy living: walkable parks, quick commutes, and a lively downtown. People love friendly neighbors, parks and trails, quick drives, and year-round events. Transit is spotty; some noise, loose dogs, parking hassles, and occasional safety issues.
AI-generated summary of moderated reviews.
Types of apartment in Des Moines, IA
Des Moines, IA has many apartments in small brick walk-ups, newer mid-rise buildings, and split-up houses for rent. Downtown, the East Village, and Sherman Hill have older brick buildings, warehouse conversions, and some Victorian houses turned into apartments. You often see big porches, stone steps, tall windows, and shared entries. In Gray’s Lake and along Ingersoll, many apartments are in newer buildings with simple siding, balconies, and surface parking. Interiors can range from hardwood floors and radiator heat in older units to open kitchens and in-unit laundry in newer ones.On the south side and in Beaverdale, houses for rent are more common, with brick ranches, bungalows, and one-and-a-half-story homes. Near Drake and North of Grand, you can also find duplexes, fourplexes, and older apartments on quiet side streets. Exterior details change by area. Sherman Hill has ornate trim and steep roofs, while downtown buildings often have flat roofs and secured entrances. Tradeoffs are pretty clear. Older apartments can have more character and less storage. Newer apartments often have easier parking and more standard layouts.
Getting around Des Moines, IA
DART, the bus service, covers much of Des Moines and runs through Downtown, the East Village, Drake, and the south side. Driving is straightforward, and many apartments come with surface lots or garages, though older areas like Sherman Hill can have tighter parking. Walking works best in Downtown, the East Village, and near Ingersoll. Biking is practical near the Principal Riverwalk, Gray’s Lake, and the Meredith Trail system.Living in Des Moines, IA
Des Moines is known for the Downtown Farmers’ Market, the Iowa State Fair area, Gray’s Lake, and trails along the river. You can catch shows at the Civic Center, see art at the Des Moines Art Center, and spend time in the East Village shops and restaurants. Major work sectors include insurance, finance, health care, government, and logistics, so apartments for rent are spread across several parts of the city.Average Rent Trends in Des Moines, IA
Rent in Des Moines, IA varies by number of bedrooms and home type. Use these charts to quickly see how rent changes.
Average rent increased in Jul 2026 compared to the previous month. Rent previously peaked in Sep 2025.
| Month | Average rent |
|---|---|
| Aug 2025 | $1,039 |
| Sep 2025 | $1,162 |
| Oct 2025 | $1,095 |
| Nov 2025 | $1,080 |
| Dec 2025 | $1,147 |
| Jan 2026 | $1,117 |
| Feb 2026 | $1,100 |
| Mar 2026 | $1,100 |
| Apr 2026 | $1,100 |
| May 2026 | $1,100 |
| Jun 2026 | $1,075 |
| Jul 2026 | $1,095 |
Average Rent By Bedroom and Home Type
In July 2026, Apartments and Condos were the most affordable home type to rent compared with Townhomes and Houses.
| 1 bed | 2 beds | 3 beds | 4 beds | All | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All home types | $885 | $1,113 | $1,600 | $1,850 | $1,100 |
| Townhomes | $862 | $1,300 | $1,875 | $1,325 | $1,325 |
| Apartments and Condos | $875 | $1,050 | $1,295 | $1,950 | $975 |
| Houses | $950 | $1,200 | $1,750 | $1,850 | $1,500 |
Frequently Asked Questions about Rentals in Des Moines, IA
- What is the average rent of an apartment in Des Moines, IA?The average rent of an apartment in Des Moines, IA is $1,008 per month. This is about 48% lower than the national average.
- When is the average rent cheapest in Des Moines, IA?In the last year, the average rent in Des Moines, IA was lowest in Jul 2025 when it was $1,030 per month.
- When is the average rent most expensive in Des Moines, IA?In the last year, the average rent in Des Moines, IA was highest in Sep 2025 when it was $1,162 per month.
- How does the rent of a 1 bedroom apartment compare to a studio apartment in Des Moines, IA?The average rent of a 1 bedroom apartment in Des Moines, IA is $885 per month. That is about $125 more than the cost of a studio apartment.
- How many available rental listings are in Des Moines, IA?There are 520 available rental listings in Des Moines, IA.
- What colleges and universities are in Des Moines, IA?Colleges and universities in Des Moines, IA include: Drake University.
- What are some neighborhoods in Des Moines, IA?Some neighborhoods in Des Moines, IA include: Drake, Merle Hay, Bloomfield-Allen, Highland Park, Beaverdale.
- What are some zip codes in Des Moines, IA?
- What are some cities near Des Moines, IA?Some nearby cities include: Windsor Heights, Pleasant Hill, Berwick, West Des Moines, Altoona. These cities may have more rental options to explore.
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