Cheapest Neighborhoods in Des Moines, IA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Des Moines are Highland Park, Oak Park, and Chesterfield. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Des Moines, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of June 13, 2026, the average rent in Des Moines is $1,017, which is 0.8% 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
$647/Month
Units Available
15 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 $647, while the city’s average stands at $1,017. Highland Park is near Union Park, Shops at Eastgate, and Park Fair Mall.
Oak Park
Average Rent
$673/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.1%
Units Available
10 Rentals
Oak Park is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Oak Park is $673 while the city average is $1,017. This is a 0.1% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Drake University, Des Moines Area C.C., Urban, and Prospect Park of Des Moines.
Chesterfield
Average Rent
$735/Month
Units Available
16 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Des Moines neighborhood on a budget, check out Chesterfield. The average rent is $735, compared to the city average of $1,017. Chesterfield is convenient to The Shoppes on East Grand, Pioneer Park of Des Moines, and James W. Cownie Soccer Park.
Indianola Hills
Average Rent
$798/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.8%
Units Available
22 Rentals
Indianola Hills is an affordable neighborhood in Des Moines with an average rent price of $798. Compare this to the city average of $1,017. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 1.8%. Indianola Hills provides easy access to Park Avenue Plaza, Grand View University, and Des Moines Area C.C., West.
Sheridan Gardens
Average Rent
$835/Month
Units Available
14 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 $835, while the city’s average stands at $1,017. Sheridan Gardens is near Four Mile Creek Greenbelt, Des Moines Area C.C., Urban, and Grandview Park.
Fort Des Moines
Average Rent
$853/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.6%
Units Available
14 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 $853 while the city average is $1,017. This is a -0.6% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Des Moines Area C.C., West, Grand View University, and Stefon Plaza.
Watrous South
Average Rent
$862/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.6%
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.
Carpenter
Average Rent
$890/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.8%
Units Available
15 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Des Moines neighborhood on a budget, check out Carpenter. The average rent is $890, compared to the city average of $1,017. Rent prices have increased by 2.8%. Carpenter is convenient to Ingersoll Square, Des Moines International, and Grand View University.
Easter Lake Area
Average Rent
$899/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.
McKinley School-Columbus Park
Average Rent
$903/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
6.6%
Units Available
31 Rentals
McKinley School-Columbus Park is an affordable neighborhood in Des Moines with an average rent price of $903. Compare this to the city average of $1,017. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 6.6%. McKinley School-Columbus Park provides easy access to Park Avenue Plaza, Western Gateway Park, and Southgate Shopping Center.
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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.