Best Affordable Neighborhoods in Des Moines, IA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Des Moines are Highland Park, Oak Park, and Campus Park-Wright's Grove. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Des Moines, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of January 28, 2026, the average rent in Des Moines is $987, which is 0.5% lower 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
$624/Month
TransitScore® Rating
30/100
Units Available
30 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Des Moines neighborhood on a budget, check out Highland Park. The average rent is $624, compared to the city average of $987. Highland Park is convenient to Sycamore Trail, Union Park, and Park Fair Mall. The community is somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 57.
Oak Park
Average Rent
$632/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.9%
TransitScore® Rating
33/100
Units Available
17 Rentals
Oak Park is an affordable neighborhood in Des Moines with an average rent price of $632. Compare this to the city average of $987. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 3.9%. Oak Park provides easy access to Triangle Shopping Center, Birdland Park, and Grand View University. It’s a somewhat walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 57.
Campus Park-Wright's Grove
Average Rent
$662/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
4.6%
TransitScore® Rating
33/100
Units Available
18 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Des Moines, Campus Park-Wright's Grove might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $662, while the city’s average stands at $987. In the last year, prices have decreased by 4.6%. Campus Park-Wright's Grove is near Birdland Park, Park Fair Mall, and Union Park.
Fort Des Moines
Average Rent
$714/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1%
TransitScore® Rating
31/100
Units Available
12 Rentals
Fort Des Moines is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Fort Des Moines is $714 while the city average is $987. This is a -1% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Stefon Plaza, Des Moines International, and Grand View University. The neighborhood is considered somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 50.
Chesterfield
Average Rent
$786/Month
TransitScore® Rating
19/100
Units Available
14 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Des Moines neighborhood on a budget, check out Chesterfield. The average rent is $786, compared to the city average of $987. Chesterfield is convenient to The Shoppes on East Grand, Chesterfield Park, and James W. Cownie Soccer Park. The community is car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 23.
Pioneer Park
Average Rent
$797/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.4%
TransitScore® Rating
25/100
Units Available
13 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.
Easter Lake Area
Average Rent
$802/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.
Jordan Park
Average Rent
$813/Month
TransitScore® Rating
33/100
Units Available
17 Rentals
Jordan Park is an affordable neighborhood in Des Moines with an average rent price of $813. Compare this to the city average of $987. Jordan Park provides easy access to Southdale Shopping Center, Des Moines International, and Stoney Pointe Plaza. It’s a somewhat walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 60.
South Park
Average Rent
$828/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.1%
TransitScore® Rating
31/100
Units Available
35 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.
Merle Hay
Average Rent
$839/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
5.2%
TransitScore® Rating
31/100
Units Available
24 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Des Moines, Merle Hay might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $839, while the city’s average stands at $987. In the last year, prices have decreased by 5.2%. Merle Hay is near Des Moines Area C.C., Urban, Boston Commons, and Westchester Park.
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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.