Cheapest Neighborhoods in Des Moines, IA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Des Moines are Highland Park, Campus Park-Wright's Grove, 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 September 13, 2026, the average rent in Des Moines is $1,018, which is 1.4% 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
$615/Month
Units Available
28 Rentals
Highland Park is an affordable neighborhood in Des Moines with an average rent price of $615. Compare this to the city average of $1,018. Highland Park provides easy access to Prospect Park of Des Moines, Des Moines Area C.C., Urban, and Des Moines International.
Campus Park-Wright's Grove
Average Rent
$622/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.7%
Units Available
14 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 $622, while the city’s average stands at $1,018. In the last year, prices have increased by 0.7%. Campus Park-Wright's Grove is near Union Park, Burke Park, and Des Moines International.
Oak Park
Average Rent
$640/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.4%
Units Available
16 Rentals
Oak Park is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Oak Park is $640 while the city average is $1,018. This is a 1.4% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Drake University, Des Moines Area C.C., Ankeny, and Des Moines Area C.C., Urban.
Chesterfield
Average Rent
$733/Month
Units Available
11 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Des Moines neighborhood on a budget, check out Chesterfield. The average rent is $733, compared to the city average of $1,018. Chesterfield is convenient to Des Moines Area C.C., Ankeny, Pioneer Park of Des Moines, and 302 E 30th St.
Pioneer Park
Average Rent
$751/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.5%
Units Available
10 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
$786/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1%
Units Available
19 Rentals
Indianola Hills is an affordable neighborhood in Des Moines with an average rent price of $786. Compare this to the city average of $1,018. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 1%. Indianola Hills provides easy access to Science Center of Iowa, Gray's Lake Park, and Columbus Park.
Sheridan Gardens
Average Rent
$838/Month
Units Available
16 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Des Moines, Sheridan Gardens might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $838, while the city’s average stands at $1,018. Sheridan Gardens is near Four Mile Creek Greenbelt, Grandview Plaza, and Hilltop Center.
Fort Des Moines
Average Rent
$841/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.2%
Units Available
13 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 $841 while the city average is $1,018. This is a -1.2% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Grand View University, Des Moines Area C.C., Urban, and Ewing Park.
Watrous South
Average Rent
$850/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
4.6%
Units Available
11 Rentals
Watrous South is a suburb in the southern part of Des Moines, right next to the Des Moines International Airport. With multiple schools in the area, access to nearby attractions like Blank Park Zoo, and an involved neighborhood association, Watrous South is a great place to live for those looking to put down roots.
Greater South Side
Average Rent
$877/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.2%
Units Available
12 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.