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 December 12, 2025, the average rent in Des Moines is $985, which is 0.3% 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
$621/Month
TransitScore® Rating
30/100
Units Available
27 Rentals
Highland Park is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Highland Park is $621 while the city average is $985. Residents enjoy convenient access to Trestle to Trestle Trail, Des Moines Area C.C., Ankeny, and Park Fair Mall. The neighborhood is considered somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 57.
Oak Park
Average Rent
$632/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.8%
TransitScore® Rating
33/100
Units Available
17 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 $985. Rent prices have decreased by 3.8%. Oak Park is convenient to Des Moines Area C.C., Urban, Prospect Park of Des Moines, and Beaverdale Park. The community is somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 57.
Campus Park-Wright's Grove
Average Rent
$672/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.8%
TransitScore® Rating
33/100
Units Available
15 Rentals
Campus Park-Wright's Grove is an affordable neighborhood in Des Moines with an average rent price of $672. Compare this to the city average of $985. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 3.8%. Campus Park-Wright's Grove provides easy access to Grand View University, Des Moines International, and Burke Park. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 70.
Martin-Hickman
Average Rent
$695/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
28.7%
TransitScore® Rating
34/100
Units Available
16 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.
Lyons Park
Average Rent
$695/Month
TransitScore® Rating
37/100
Units Available
11 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Des Moines, Lyons Park might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $695, while the city’s average stands at $985. Lyons Park is near Des Moines International, Grand View University, and Des Moines Area C.C., Urban.
Doudna Heights-Glen Oaks
Average Rent
$700/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.8%
TransitScore® Rating
35/100
Units Available
16 Rentals
Doudna Heights-Glen Oaks is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Doudna Heights-Glen Oaks is $700 while the city average is $985. This is a 0.8% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Ashby Park, Prospect Park of Des Moines, and Des Moines Area C.C., Urban. The neighborhood is considered somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 59.
Beaverdale
Average Rent
$703/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2%
TransitScore® Rating
31/100
Units Available
18 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Des Moines neighborhood on a budget, check out Beaverdale. The average rent is $703, compared to the city average of $985. Rent prices have increased by 2%. Beaverdale is convenient to Drake University, Sycamore Trail, and Des Moines International. The community is somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 58.
Fort Des Moines
Average Rent
$743/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.8%
TransitScore® Rating
31/100
Units Available
16 Rentals
Fort Des Moines is an affordable neighborhood in Des Moines with an average rent price of $743. Compare this to the city average of $985. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 0.8%. Fort Des Moines provides easy access to Des Moines Area C.C., Urban, Blank Park Zoo, and Des Moines Area C.C., West. It’s a somewhat walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 50.
Pioneer Park
Average Rent
$789/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.1%
TransitScore® Rating
25/100
Units Available
15 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.
Chesterfield
Average Rent
$792/Month
TransitScore® Rating
19/100
Units Available
11 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Des Moines, Chesterfield might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $792, while the city’s average stands at $985. Chesterfield is near Columbus Park, Science Center of Iowa, and Des Moines Area C.C., Ankeny.
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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.