Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Des Moines, IA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Des Moines are Chesterfield, Easter Lake Area, and Beaverdale. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Des Moines, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of March 16, 2025, the average rent in Des Moines is $986, which is 0.8% higher than last year. However, it's important to remember that rental prices can vary significantly based on factors such as location, amenities, and floor plans.
Chesterfield
Average Rent
$738/Month
TransitScore® Rating
18/100
Units Available
14 Rentals
Chesterfield is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Chesterfield is $738 while the city average is $986. Residents enjoy convenient access to Pioneer Park of Des Moines, James W. Cownie Soccer Park, and Grand View University. The neighborhood is considered car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 22.
Easter Lake Area
Average Rent
$765/Month
TransitScore® Rating
24/100
Units Available
17 Rentals
Easter Lake Area is a scenic neighborhood centered around Lake Easter, offering outdoor recreational activities such as hiking and boating. This area is perfect for nature lovers seeking a peaceful suburb surrounded by trees.
Beaverdale
Average Rent
$770/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.7%
TransitScore® Rating
31/100
Units Available
13 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Des Moines neighborhood on a budget, check out Beaverdale. The average rent is $770, compared to the city average of $986. Rent prices have increased by 3.7%. Beaverdale is convenient to Witmer Park, Des Moines Area C.C., Ankeny, and Beaverdale Park. The community is somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 58.
Indianola Hills
Average Rent
$773/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.9%
TransitScore® Rating
30/100
Units Available
24 Rentals
Indianola Hills is an affordable neighborhood in Des Moines with an average rent price of $773. Compare this to the city average of $986. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 0.9%. Indianola Hills provides easy access to Drake University, Des Moines Area C.C., Urban, and Columbus Park. It’s a somewhat walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 53.
South Park
Average Rent
$781/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.2%
TransitScore® Rating
31/100
Units Available
25 Rentals
Adjacent to the Easter Lake Area, South Park is a well-established neighborhood offering a mix of single-family homes and apartments with easy access to local amenities. Its proximity to Lake Easter offers renters access to outdoor recreation in a more active area.
Watrous South
Average Rent
$820/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.2%
TransitScore® Rating
25/100
Units Available
17 Rentals
Watrous South is a suburb in the southern part of Des Moines, right next to the Des Moines International Airport. With multiple schools in the area, access to nearby attractions like Blank Park Zoo, and an involved neighborhood association, Watrous South is a great place to live for those looking to put down roots.
Greater South Side
Average Rent
$827/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.2%
TransitScore® Rating
31/100
Units Available
28 Rentals
Greater South Side is a charming neighborhood bordered to the north by Grays Lake and the Raccoon River. Residents enjoy proximity to Blank Park Zoo, Downtown Des Moines, and the Des Moines International Airport.
Southwestern Hills
Average Rent
$889/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.8%
TransitScore® Rating
9/100
Units Available
54 Rentals
Southwestern Hills is a neighborhood off the beaten path with easy access to everything Des Moines has to offer. With the Raccoon River to the north and Brown's Woods to the west, Southwestern Hills is a nature lover's dream.
Martin-Hickman
Average Rent
$898/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
4.7%
TransitScore® Rating
34/100
Units Available
53 Rentals
Just north of Drake, Martin-Hickman is a small neighborhood known for its sidewalks lined with lush greenery. Locally-owned restaurants give the neighborhood a small-town feel while still being connected to the rest of the city.
Drake
Average Rent
$927/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.8%
TransitScore® Rating
38/100
Units Available
33 Rentals
Drake is a lively neighborhood centered around Drake University, offering an energetic atmosphere with cafes, shops, and cultural events. Renters will enjoy the walkability and the proximity to campus and Downtown Des Moines.
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Methodology
Transit Score measures access to public transit. Scores range from 0 (minimal transit) to 100 (rider’s paradise). Learn more about the Transit Score methodology. Rental data is sourced from CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As a leading authority in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar performs in-depth research to build and sustain an extensive database of commercial real estate insights.
We've combined this data with public records to provide the most current rental information available.