Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Des Moines, IA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Des Moines are Highland Park, North Oak Park, and Oak Park. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Des Moines, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of June 13, 2025, the average rent in Des Moines is $992, 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
$600/Month
TransitScore® Rating
30/100
Units Available
21 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Des Moines, Highland Park might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $600, while the city’s average stands at $992. Highland Park is near Park Fair Mall, Trestle to Trestle Trail, and Shops at Eastgate.
North Oak Park
Average Rent
$614/Month
TransitScore® Rating
34/100
Units Available
22 Rentals
North Oak Park is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in North Oak Park is $614 while the city average is $992. Residents enjoy convenient access to Grand View University, Beaverdale Park, and Trestle to Trestle Trail. The neighborhood is considered somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 65.
Oak Park
Average Rent
$632/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.3%
TransitScore® Rating
33/100
Units Available
24 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Des Moines neighborhood on a budget, check out Oak Park. The average rent is $632, compared to the city average of $992. Rent prices have increased by 2.3%. Oak Park is convenient to Birdland Park, Harding Hills, and Drake University. The community is somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 57.
South Park
Average Rent
$761/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.6%
TransitScore® Rating
31/100
Units Available
19 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.
Easter Lake Area
Average Rent
$771/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.
Indianola Hills
Average Rent
$771/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.2%
TransitScore® Rating
30/100
Units Available
14 Rentals
Indianola Hills is an affordable neighborhood in Des Moines with an average rent price of $771. Compare this to the city average of $992. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 0.2%. Indianola Hills provides easy access to Mac Rae Park, Southgate Shopping Center, and Park Avenue Plaza. It’s a somewhat walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 53.
Doudna Heights-Glen Oaks
Average Rent
$815/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.8%
TransitScore® Rating
35/100
Units Available
13 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Des Moines, Doudna Heights-Glen Oaks might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $815, while the city’s average stands at $992. In the last year, prices have increased by 0.8%. Doudna Heights-Glen Oaks is near Drake University, Beaverdale Park, and Des Moines International.
Beaverdale
Average Rent
$818/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.6%
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 $818 while the city average is $992. This is a 3.6% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Trestle to Trestle Trail, Sycamore Trail, and Ashby Park. The neighborhood is considered somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 58.
Cottage Grove
Average Rent
$818/Month
TransitScore® Rating
42/100
Units Available
13 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Des Moines neighborhood on a budget, check out Cottage Grove. The average rent is $818, compared to the city average of $992. Cottage Grove is convenient to Witmer Park, Des Moines Area C.C., Ankeny, and Uptown Shopping Center. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 81.
Carpenter
Average Rent
$825/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.2%
TransitScore® Rating
41/100
Units Available
12 Rentals
Carpenter is an affordable neighborhood in Des Moines with an average rent price of $825. Compare this to the city average of $992. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 0.2%. Carpenter provides easy access to Des Moines Area C.C., Ankeny, Witmer Park, and Grand View University. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 84.
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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.