Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Des Moines, IA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Des Moines are Highland Park, Oak Park, and North Oak Park. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Des Moines, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of October 28, 2025, the average rent in Des Moines is $981, which is 0% 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
$628/Month
TransitScore® Rating
30/100
Units Available
31 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Des Moines neighborhood on a budget, check out Highland Park. The average rent is $628, compared to the city average of $981. Highland Park is convenient to Birdland Park, Shops at Eastgate, and Park Fair Mall. The community is somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 57.
Oak Park
Average Rent
$638/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.5%
TransitScore® Rating
33/100
Units Available
23 Rentals
Oak Park is an affordable neighborhood in Des Moines with an average rent price of $638. Compare this to the city average of $981. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 1.5%. Oak Park provides easy access to Birdland Park, Des Moines International, and Grand View University. It’s a somewhat walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 57.
North Oak Park
Average Rent
$638/Month
TransitScore® Rating
34/100
Units Available
23 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 $638, while the city’s average stands at $981. North Oak Park is near Beaverdale Park, Birdland Park, and Des Moines International.
Campus Park-Wright's Grove
Average Rent
$662/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.8%
TransitScore® Rating
33/100
Units Available
11 Rentals
Campus Park-Wright's Grove is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Campus Park-Wright's Grove is $662 while the city average is $981. This is a -3.8% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Prospect Park of Des Moines, Grand View University, and Seneca Plaza. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 70.
Doudna Heights-Glen Oaks
Average Rent
$665/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.4%
TransitScore® Rating
35/100
Units Available
14 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Des Moines neighborhood on a budget, check out Doudna Heights-Glen Oaks. The average rent is $665, compared to the city average of $981. Rent prices have increased by 0.4%. Doudna Heights-Glen Oaks is convenient to Triangle Shopping Center, Lehman Plaza, and Harding Hills. The community is somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 59.
Arnolds Place
Average Rent
$665/Month
TransitScore® Rating
34/100
Units Available
14 Rentals
Arnolds Place is an affordable neighborhood in Des Moines with an average rent price of $665. Compare this to the city average of $981. Arnolds Place provides easy access to Des Moines Area C.C., Urban, Triangle Shopping Center, and Trestle to Trestle Trail. It’s a somewhat walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 52.
Beaverdale
Average Rent
$687/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.4%
TransitScore® Rating
31/100
Units Available
17 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 $687, while the city’s average stands at $981. In the last year, prices have increased by 3.4%. Beaverdale is near Des Moines International, Des Moines Area C.C., Urban, and Franklin Plaza.
Martin-Hickman
Average Rent
$715/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
25.3%
TransitScore® Rating
34/100
Units Available
15 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
$715/Month
TransitScore® Rating
34/100
Units Available
15 Rentals
Vista Grove is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Vista Grove is $715 while the city average is $981. Residents enjoy convenient access to Triangle Shopping Center, Harding Hills, and Des Moines International. The neighborhood is considered car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 35.
Fort Des Moines
Average Rent
$742/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.4%
TransitScore® Rating
31/100
Units Available
16 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Des Moines neighborhood on a budget, check out Fort Des Moines. The average rent is $742, compared to the city average of $981. Rent prices have increased by 1.4%. Fort Des Moines is convenient to Columbus Park, Des Moines Area C.C., West, and Army Post Square. The community is somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 50.
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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.