Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Des Moines, IA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Des Moines are Highland Park, Oak Park, and Easter Lake Area. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Des Moines, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of February 25, 2025, the average rent in Des Moines is $981, which is 0.2% 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.
Highland Park
Average Rent
$679/Month
TransitScore® Rating
30/100
Units Available
13 Rentals
Highland Park is an affordable neighborhood in Des Moines with an average rent price of $679. Compare this to the city average of $981. Highland Park provides easy access to Grand View University, Union Park, and Sycamore Trail. It’s a somewhat walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 57.
Oak Park
Average Rent
$679/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.9%
TransitScore® Rating
33/100
Units Available
13 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Des Moines, Oak Park might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $679, while the city’s average stands at $981. In the last year, prices have increased by 3.9%. Oak Park is near Grand View University, Prospect Park of Des Moines, and Sycamore Trail.
Easter Lake Area
Average Rent
$764/Month
TransitScore® Rating
24/100
Units Available
24 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.
South Park
Average Rent
$774/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.1%
TransitScore® Rating
31/100
Units Available
31 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.
Greater South Side
Average Rent
$817/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.1%
TransitScore® Rating
31/100
Units Available
31 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.
Watrous South
Average Rent
$827/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.2%
TransitScore® Rating
25/100
Units Available
26 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.
Pioneer Park
Average Rent
$840/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.4%
TransitScore® Rating
25/100
Units Available
14 Rentals
Pioneer Park is an inviting neighborhood that residents love for its tree-lined streets and proximity to the city center. The park of the same name offers residents the perfect place for a weekend picnic.
Southwestern Hills
Average Rent
$875/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.6%
TransitScore® Rating
9/100
Units Available
59 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
$932/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.4%
TransitScore® Rating
38/100
Units Available
35 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.