Cheapest Neighborhoods in Des Moines, IA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Des Moines are Highland Park, Chesterfield, and Pioneer Park. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Des Moines, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of July 28, 2026, the average rent in Des Moines is $1,014, which is 1.6% 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
$630/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 $630, while the city’s average stands at $1,014. Highland Park is near Birdland Park, Grand View University, and Des Moines International.
Chesterfield
Average Rent
$739/Month
Units Available
11 Rentals
Chesterfield is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Chesterfield is $739 while the city average is $1,014. Residents enjoy convenient access to Des Moines Area C.C., Urban, Science Center of Iowa, and Grand View University.
Pioneer Park
Average Rent
$791/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.6%
Units Available
15 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.
Cottage Grove
Average Rent
$808/Month
Units Available
14 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Des Moines neighborhood on a budget, check out Cottage Grove. The average rent is $808, compared to the city average of $1,014.
Indianola Hills
Average Rent
$814/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.8%
Units Available
19 Rentals
Indianola Hills is an affordable neighborhood in Des Moines with an average rent price of $814. Compare this to the city average of $1,014. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 0.8%. Indianola Hills provides easy access to Science Center of Iowa, Park Avenue Plaza, and Des Moines Area C.C., West.
Sheridan Gardens
Average Rent
$836/Month
Units Available
10 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 $836, while the city’s average stands at $1,014. Sheridan Gardens is near Des Moines International, Grandview Park, and Hilltop Center.
Carpenter
Average Rent
$841/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.1%
Units Available
13 Rentals
Carpenter is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Carpenter is $841 while the city average is $1,014. This is a 2.1% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Drake University, Western Gateway Park, and 2500 Martin Luther King Jr Pky.
Fort Des Moines
Average Rent
$853/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.4%
Units Available
11 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Des Moines neighborhood on a budget, check out Fort Des Moines. The average rent is $853, compared to the city average of $1,014. Rent prices have decreased by 1.4%. Fort Des Moines is convenient to Drake University, Des Moines Area C.C., Urban, and Grand View University.
Drake Park
Average Rent
$862/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.7%
Units Available
10 Rentals
Drake Park is an affordable neighborhood in Des Moines with an average rent price of $862. Compare this to the city average of $1,014. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 0.7%. Drake Park provides easy access to Des Moines Area C.C., Ankeny, Ingersoll Square, and Drake University.
Watrous South
Average Rent
$889/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
4.7%
Units Available
12 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.
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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.