Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Des Moines, IA

Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Des Moines are Beaverdale, Easter Lake Area, and Indianola Hills. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Des Moines, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of March 29, 2025, the average rent in Des Moines is $989, which is 1% 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.

Beaverdale

Average Rent

$751/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

3.7%

TransitScore® Rating

31/100

Units Available

12 Rentals

Beaverdale is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Beaverdale is $751 while the city average is $989. This is a 3.7% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Sycamore Trail, Grand View University, and Drake University. The neighborhood is considered somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 58.

Easter Lake Area

Average Rent

$763/Month

TransitScore® Rating

24/100

Units Available

15 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.

Indianola Hills

Average Rent

$773/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.9%

TransitScore® Rating

30/100

Units Available

19 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Des Moines neighborhood on a budget, check out Indianola Hills. The average rent is $773, compared to the city average of $989. Rent prices have increased by 0.9%. Indianola Hills is convenient to Des Moines Area C.C., Urban, Pioneer Park of Des Moines, and Des Moines Area C.C., West. The community is somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 53.

South Park

Average Rent

$780/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

2.2%

TransitScore® Rating

31/100

Units Available

22 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

$836/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.4%

TransitScore® Rating

25/100

Units Available

20 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

$850/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.2%

TransitScore® Rating

31/100

Units Available

27 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.

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.

Southwestern Hills

Average Rent

$898/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.9%

TransitScore® Rating

9/100

Units Available

49 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.

Drake

Average Rent

$939/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

2.1%

TransitScore® Rating

38/100

Units Available

36 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.

Meredith

Average Rent

$981/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.3%

TransitScore® Rating

30/100

Units Available

13 Rentals

Meredith is an affordable neighborhood in Des Moines with an average rent price of $981. Compare this to the city average of $989. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 1.3%. Meredith provides easy access to Sycamore Trail, Ashby Park, and Des Moines Area C.C., Ankeny. It’s a somewhat walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 50.

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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.