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

In Des Moines, studios average $932/mo versus $959/mo for a 1-bedroom. 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 studio apartments in Des Moines pet-friendly?

Pet policies on studio 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 studios in Des Moines, IA?

Furnished studios 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 studio in Des Moines?

Most landlords in Des Moines require gross monthly income of 2.5–3x the monthly rent. For a studio at Des Moines's current average of $932/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.

Studio Apartments for Rent in Des Moines, IA

121 Results

$700

Studio1 bath350 sqftCondo

3807 University Ave 9, Des Moines, IA, 50311

$800

Studio1 bath500 sqftCondo

2500 Grand Ave Unit 7, Des Moines, IA, 50312

$525

Studio1 bath400 sqftCondo

2243 SW 9th St 4, Des Moines, IA, 50315

$875

Studio1 bath600 sqftHouse

2500 Grand Ave Unit 2, Des Moines, IA, 50312

$695

Studio1 bath400 sqftCondo

1123 24th St Unit 2, Des Moines, IA, 50311

$845

Studio1 bath374 sqftApartment

418 East Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50309

$575

Studio1 bath400 sqftApartment

1216 E Seneca Avenue 6, Des Moines, IA, 50316

$647

Studio1 bathApartment

3323 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50312

$820

Studio1 bath394 sqftApartment

405 6th Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50309

$575

Studio1 bath400 sqftApartment

1216 E Seneca Avenue 6, Des Moines, IA, 50316

$845

Studio1 bath476 sqftApartment

405 6th Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50309

$650

Studio1 bathApartment

810 Payton Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50315

$725

Studio1 bath300 sqftApartment

5626 Douglas Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50310

$695

Studio1 bath330 sqftApartment

2530 University Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50311

$820

Studio1 bath398 sqftApartment

405 6th Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50309

$725

Studio1 bath420 sqftApartment

333 East Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50309

$850

Studio1 bath424 sqftApartment

200 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50309

$850

Studio1 bath424 sqftApartment

200 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50309

$815

Studio1 bath387 sqftApartment

1217 24th Street, Des Moines, IA, 50311

$695

Studio1 bath330 sqftApartment

2530 University Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50311

$1,100

Studio1 bath513 sqftApartment

317 E 6th Street, Des Moines, IA, 50309

$745

Studio1 bath475 sqftApartment

218 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50309

$745

Studio1 bath475 sqftApartment

218 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50309

$995

Studio1 bath476 sqftApartment

601 E Vine St, Des Moines, IA, 50309

Showing 24 of 121 results

What to Know Before Renting a Studio in Des Moines, IA

Studio apartments are a smart move for solo renters, minimalists, and anyone looking to maximize their budget in Des Moines by cutting square footage they don't actually use. In most markets, a studio runs 20–35% cheaper than a comparable 1-bedroom in the same building — a meaningful difference when you're budgeting monthly. The tradeoff is that everything happens in one room, so layout matters more than it does in a larger unit. Before signing, check the kitchen size (a narrow galley kitchen in a small studio gets old fast), closet and storage space, and whether there's a dedicated sleeping area or alcove to create separation. In-unit laundry and a second-floor unit are both worth prioritizing if available in Des Moines — shared laundry in a studio building means frequent trips, and ground-floor studios in urban areas can feel less secure. Studios in Des Moines work best for people who spend more time out than in and treat their apartment as a home base rather than a living space.