Cheapest and most expensive places to rent in Iowa
As of October 17, 2026, the cheapest city to rent in Iowa is Waterloo, where the median 1-bedroom asks $650/month, 19% below the statewide median of about $800. The most expensive is Iowa City at $975/month.
Across the 12 Iowa cities we rank, the median 1-bedroom runs from $650 in Waterloo to $975 in Iowa City, 1.5 times as much. 4 of 12 sit below the statewide 1-bedroom median of about $800. The largest rental market, Des Moines (1,292 listings), has a median of $885, 11% above the state.
Updated . Ranked by median 1-bedroom asking rent; only cities with at least 100 listings are included. Statewide median is estimated from city medians weighted by listing count. How we calculate
Cheapest cities to rent in Iowa
Most expensive cities to rent in Iowa
| # | City | 1 bed | 2 beds | Listings | vs state (1BR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Iowa City | $975 | $1,300 | 718 | +22% |
| 2 | Sioux City | $922 | $1,125 | 230 | +15% |
| 3 | Des Moines | $885 | $1,095 | 1,292 | +11% |
| 4 | Ames | $842 | $1,110 | 694 | +5% |
| 5 | Cedar Falls | $840 | $1,150 | 379 | +5% |
| 6 | Council Bluffs | $838 | $1,025 | 220 | +5% |
Common questions
- What is the cheapest city to rent in Iowa?
- As of October 17, 2026, Waterloo has the lowest median 1-bedroom asking rent among the Iowa cities we rank, at $650/month. Next are Marion ($755) and Davenport ($785).
- What is the most expensive city to rent in Iowa?
- As of October 17, 2026, Iowa City has the highest median 1-bedroom asking rent among the Iowa cities we rank, at $975/month, 22% above the statewide median.
- What is the median rent for a 1-bedroom in Iowa?
- As of October 17, 2026, the statewide median asking rent for a 1-bedroom is about $800/month. It is estimated from city medians weighted by listing count, using active listings on Redfin, Zillow and ApartmentHomeLiving. How we calculate