Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Des Moines, IA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Des Moines are Arnolds Place, Campus Park-Wright's Grove, and Highland Park. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Des Moines, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of September 12, 2025, the average rent in Des Moines is $989, 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.
Arnolds Place
Average Rent
$664/Month
TransitScore® Rating
34/100
Units Available
15 Rentals
Arnolds Place is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Arnolds Place is $664 while the city average is $989. Residents enjoy convenient access to Ashby Park, Witmer Park, and Trestle to Trestle Trail. The neighborhood is considered somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 52.
Campus Park-Wright's Grove
Average Rent
$666/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.6%
TransitScore® Rating
33/100
Units Available
10 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Des Moines neighborhood on a budget, check out Campus Park-Wright's Grove. The average rent is $666, compared to the city average of $989. Rent prices have decreased by 3.6%. Campus Park-Wright's Grove is convenient to Des Moines International, Des Moines Area C.C., Ankeny, and Prospect Park of Des Moines. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 70.
Highland Park
Average Rent
$680/Month
TransitScore® Rating
30/100
Units Available
32 Rentals
Highland Park is an affordable neighborhood in Des Moines with an average rent price of $680. Compare this to the city average of $989. Highland Park provides easy access to Des Moines Area C.C., Ankeny, Seneca Plaza, and Grand View University. It’s a somewhat walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 57.
Beaverdale
Average Rent
$681/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.5%
TransitScore® Rating
31/100
Units Available
18 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Des Moines, Beaverdale might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $681, while the city’s average stands at $989. In the last year, prices have increased by 3.5%. Beaverdale is near Des Moines Area C.C., Urban, Ashby Park, and Des Moines Area C.C., Ankeny.
Lyons Park
Average Rent
$688/Month
TransitScore® Rating
37/100
Units Available
11 Rentals
Lyons Park is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Lyons Park is $688 while the city average is $989. Residents enjoy convenient access to Greenwood / Ashworth Park, Ingersoll Square, and Drake University. The neighborhood is considered somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 64.
Doudna Heights-Glen Oaks
Average Rent
$697/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.7%
TransitScore® Rating
35/100
Units Available
18 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Des Moines neighborhood on a budget, check out Doudna Heights-Glen Oaks. The average rent is $697, compared to the city average of $989. Rent prices have increased by 0.7%. Doudna Heights-Glen Oaks is convenient to Grand View University, Lehman Plaza, and Sycamore Trail. The community is somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 59.
Oak Park
Average Rent
$705/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.2%
TransitScore® Rating
33/100
Units Available
26 Rentals
Oak Park is an affordable neighborhood in Des Moines with an average rent price of $705. Compare this to the city average of $989. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 2.2%. Oak Park provides easy access to Des Moines Area C.C., Urban, Trestle to Trestle Trail, and Des Moines Area C.C., Ankeny. It’s a somewhat walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 57.
North Oak Park
Average Rent
$705/Month
TransitScore® Rating
34/100
Units Available
26 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Des Moines, North Oak Park might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $705, while the city’s average stands at $989. North Oak Park is near Des Moines Area C.C., Ankeny, Grand View University, and Drake University.
Martin-Hickman
Average Rent
$731/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
32%
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.
Vista Grove
Average Rent
$731/Month
TransitScore® Rating
34/100
Units Available
16 Rentals
Vista Grove is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Vista Grove is $731 while the city average is $989. Residents enjoy convenient access to Drake University, Des Moines International, and Beaverdale Park. The neighborhood is considered car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 35.
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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.