Rentometer, Inc. | Data as of 10/23/2025
Des Moines offers a balanced rental landscape that includes both apartment communities and single‑family homes, providing options for a wide range of preferences and budgets. Studio apartments typically rent in the $900‑$950 range, while one‑bedroom units commonly fall within the $1,100‑$1,200 bracket. Larger floor plans such as two‑ and three‑bedroom apartments usually sit in the $1,300‑$1,600 range, with premium four‑plus‑bedroom units reaching the $2,000‑$3,100 range. Houses follow a similar spectrum, with studios around the $850‑$1,300 mark and three‑bedroom homes generally priced in the $1,500‑$1,600 zone.
The city’s neighborhoods each bring distinct character to the rental experience. Downtown Des Moines, anchored by the historic Des Moines Public Library and vibrant Court Avenue, attracts renters who enjoy walkable dining, nightlife, and cultural venues like the Des Moines Art Center. The East Village offers loft‑style apartments and easy access to the Riverfront Park, while the College Fair district blends student‑friendly housing with proximity to Drake University and Des Moines University. Families often gravitate toward the residential streets near Gray’s Lake, where parks, bike trails, and quality schools create a welcoming environment.
Convenient public transit, a growing tech corridor, and a strong job market make Des Moines an appealing place to call home. Whether you’re seeking a modern apartment steps from the river or a spacious house in a quiet suburb, the city’s rental market provides flexible choices that accommodate a variety of lifestyles while keeping overall costs in the moderate-to‑mid‑range dollars.
| Property Type | Bedrooms | Average | Median | Min - Max | 25th - 75th |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apartment | Studio | $983 | $989 | $600 - $1,480 | $846 - $1,115 |
| Apartment | 1 Bedroom | $1,171 | $1,105 | $597 - $3,700 | $850 - $1,300 |
| Apartment | 2 Bedroom | $1,379 | $1,225 | $750 - $3,236 | $975 - $1,775 |
| Apartment | 3 Bedroom | $1,668 | $1,391 | $863 - $5,199 | $1,185 - $1,858 |
| House | 1 Bedroom | $966 | $950 | $595 - $1,625 | $775 - $1,095 |
| House | 2 Bedroom | $1,204 | $1,197 | $650 - $2,100 | $1,095 - $1,385 |
| House | 3 Bedroom | $1,588 | $1,525 | $700 - $3,295 | $1,375 - $1,795 |
| House | 4+ Bedroom | $1,996 | $1,800 | $950 - $3,250 | $1,650 - $2,250 |
In the current period, the average rent in Des Moines was $984 for Studio, $1,158 for 1 Bedroom, $1,307 for 2 Bedroom, $1,608 for 3 Bedroom, and $1,768 for 4+ Bedroom.
Data provided by Rentometer, Inc.