Is a 1-bedroom or studio apartment a better value in Des Moines?

In Des Moines, 1-bedrooms average $961/mo versus $938/mo for a studio. For solo renters on a tight budget, compare both filters on Rentler before applying. If you work from home or spend significant time in your apartment, the extra separation of a larger unit may be worth the difference.

Are 1-bedroom apartments in Des Moines pet-friendly?

Pet policies on 1-bedroom apartments vary by landlord and building — there's no blanket rule. Use Rentler's pet-friendly filter to narrow your search, then confirm breed, weight, and deposit requirements directly with the landlord before applying.

Can I find furnished 1-bedrooms in Des Moines, IA?

Furnished 1-bedrooms are available in Des Moines but represent a smaller share of total inventory compared to unfurnished units. Use Rentler's furnished filter to surface move-in-ready options. Furnished units are most common in newer construction buildings and in complexes that cater to corporate or short-term renters.

How much should I earn to rent a 1-bedroom in Des Moines?

Most landlords in Des Moines require gross monthly income of 2.5–3x the monthly rent. For a 1-bedroom at Des Moines's current average of $961/mo, that means demonstrating roughly 2.5–3x that amount in gross income. If you're below that threshold, a co-signer, larger security deposit, or prepaid rent may be accepted by some landlords — always worth asking.

1-Bedroom Rentals in Des Moines, IA

268 Results

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$750

1 bed1 bath952 sqftApartment

3120 Cottage Grove Ave 2, Des Moines, IA, 50311

$800

1 bed1 bathSingle Room

1303 College Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50314

$1,040

1 bed1 bath800 sqftCondo

2701 Ingersoll Ave Unit 304, Des Moines, IA, 50312

$725

1 bed1 bathCondo

1206 39th St 2, Des Moines, IA, 50311

$950

1 bed1 bath750 sqftCondo

840 16th St Unit Unit 1, Des Moines, IA, 50314

$745

1 bed1 bath400 sqftHouse

3607 Ingersoll Ave Unit 111, Des Moines, IA, 50312

$745

1 bed1 bath400 sqftHouse

3607 Ingersoll Ave Unit 101, Des Moines, IA, 50312

$780

1 bed1 bath525 sqftHouse

1123 24th St Unit 4, Des Moines, IA, 50311

$1,040

1 bed1 bath800 sqftCondo

2701 Ingersoll Ave Unit 305, Des Moines, IA, 50312

$745

1 bed1 bath400 sqftHouse

3607 Ingersoll Ave Unit 107, Des Moines, IA, 50312

$675

1 bed1 bath525 sqftHouse

1210 West Street, Des Moines, IA, 50315

$695

1 bed1 bath400 sqftHouse

3607 Ingersoll Ave Unit #305, Des Moines, IA, 50312

$550

1 bed1 bath485 sqftHouse

732 19th St Unit 7, Des Moines, IA, 50314

$745

1 bed1 bath400 sqftHouse

3607 Ingersoll Ave Unit #211, Des Moines, IA, 50312

$695

1 bed1 bath400 sqftCondo

3607 Ingersoll Ave Unit 307, Des Moines, IA, 50312

$695

1 bed1 bath400 sqftCondo

3607 Ingersoll Ave Unit 308, Des Moines, IA, 50312

$695

1 bed1 bath400 sqftCondo

3607 Ingersoll Ave Unit 309, Des Moines, IA, 50312

$695

1 bed1 bath400 sqftCondo

3607 Ingersoll Ave Unit 310, Des Moines, IA, 50312

$550

1 bed1 bath380 sqftHouse

732 19th St #2, Des Moines, IA, 50314

$655

1 bed1 bath370 sqftCondo

2220 E Walnut St Apt 3, Des Moines, IA, 503172221

$700

1 bed1 bath750 sqftHouse

1108 25th Street Unit 2, Des Moines, IA, 50311

$1,147

1 bed1 bath680 sqftApartment

660 E 5th St, Des Moines, IA, 50309

$1,025

1 bed1 bath720 sqftHouse

215 Leland Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50315

$795

1 bed1 bath516 sqftApartment

2525-2535 Clarkson Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50310

Showing 24 of 268 results

What to Know Before Renting a 1-Bedroom Apartment in Des Moines, IA

A 1-bedroom apartment in Des Moines hits the sweet spot for most solo renters and couples — enough space to have a real living room and a separated sleep area, without the cost of a 2-bedroom you don't fully use. For remote workers, a 1-bedroom is often the minimum viable setup: you can close a door between your workspace and your living space, which matters more than most people expect before they try working from a studio. When evaluating 1-bedrooms in Des Moines, pay attention to bedroom size (some 1-bedrooms are technically 1-bedrooms with a bedroom that fits a queen bed and nothing else), closet space, and whether the kitchen opens to the living room or is walled off. In-unit laundry, a parking spot, and a dedicated storage unit are the three amenities most renters wish they'd prioritized when they didn't have them. 1-bedrooms in Des Moines also tend to have the most competitive rental market of any unit type — more supply than studios, but more demand than 2-bedrooms, which means good 1-bedrooms in desirable Des Moines neighborhoods at fair prices move quickly.