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

In Des Moines, studios average $938/mo versus $961/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 $938/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 – Page 3

118 Results

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$695

Studio1 bath330 sqftApartment

2530 University Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50311

$695

Studio1 bath330 sqftApartment

2530 University Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50311

$1,170

Studio1 bath513 sqftApartment

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

$1,045

Studio1 bath422 sqftApartment

418 East Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50309

$647

Studio1 bathApartment

3323 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50312

$870

Studio1 bath374 sqftApartment

418 East Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50309

$860

Studio1 bath374 sqftApartment

418 East Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50309

$1,050

Studio1 bath515 sqftApartment

601 E Vine St, Des Moines, IA, 50309

$840

Studio1 bath450 sqftApartment

405 6th Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50309

$975

Studio1 bath483 sqftApartment

601 E Vine St, Des Moines, IA, 50309

$1,055

Studio1 bath470 sqftApartment

601 E Vine St, Des Moines, IA, 50309

$995

Studio1 bath477 sqftApartment

601 E Vine St, Des Moines, IA, 50309

$745

Studio1 bath475 sqftApartment

218 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50309

$855

Studio1 bath334 sqftApartment

601 E Vine St, Des Moines, IA, 50309

$647

Studio1 bathApartment

3323 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50312

$845

Studio1 bath525 sqftApartment

218 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50309

$1,095

Studio1 bath335 sqftApartment

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

$925

Studio1 bath430 sqftApartment

405 6th Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50309

$860

Studio1 bath374 sqftApartment

418 East Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50309

$647

Studio1 bathApartment

3323 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50312

$1,400

Studio1 bath626 sqftApartment

603 E. 6th Street, Des Moines, IA, 50309

$1,400

Studio1 bath626 sqftApartment

603 E. 6th Street, Des Moines, IA, 50309

$1,400

Studio1 bath626 sqftApartment

603 E. 6th Street, Des Moines, IA, 50309

$1,400

Studio1 bath626 sqftApartment

603 E. 6th Street, Des Moines, IA, 50309

Showing 24 of 118 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.