Best Affordable Neighborhoods in Des Moines, IA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Des Moines are Highland Park, Doudna Heights-Glen Oaks, and Beaverdale. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Des Moines, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of April 28, 2026, the average rent in Des Moines is $1,010, 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
$597/Month
Units Available
12 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 $597, while the city’s average stands at $1,010. Highland Park is near Shops at Eastgate, Union Park, and Park Fair Mall.
Doudna Heights-Glen Oaks
Average Rent
$679/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.8%
Units Available
10 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 $679 while the city average is $1,010. This is a 0.8% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Des Moines Area C.C., Urban, Beaverdale Park, and Sycamore Trail.
Beaverdale
Average Rent
$689/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.2%
Units Available
12 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Des Moines neighborhood on a budget, check out Beaverdale. The average rent is $689, compared to the city average of $1,010. Rent prices have increased by 1.2%. Beaverdale is convenient to Grand View University, Witmer Park, and Beaverdale Park.
Chesterfield
Average Rent
$713/Month
Units Available
12 Rentals
Chesterfield is an affordable neighborhood in Des Moines with an average rent price of $713. Compare this to the city average of $1,010. Chesterfield provides easy access to Science Center of Iowa, Des Moines International, and Southgate Shopping Center.
Easter Lake Area
Average Rent
$782/Month
Units Available
11 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.
Fort Des Moines
Average Rent
$806/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.3%
Units Available
11 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Des Moines, Fort Des Moines might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $806, while the city’s average stands at $1,010. In the last year, prices have decreased by 1.3%. Fort Des Moines is near Grand View University, Columbus Park, and Drake University.
Pioneer Park
Average Rent
$850/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.7%
Units Available
12 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.
Indianola Hills
Average Rent
$863/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.4%
Units Available
25 Rentals
Indianola Hills is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Indianola Hills is $863 while the city average is $1,010. This is a 1.4% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Science Center of Iowa, Southgate Shopping Center, and Pioneer Park of Des Moines.
South Park
Average Rent
$883/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
5.9%
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
$886/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.8%
Units Available
20 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.
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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.