Cheap Apartments for Rent in Ames, IA from $400 (98 Rentals)

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Your Guide to Co-Signers: The Risks, Rewards, and Everything in Between

Thinking about getting a co-signer for your rental application? We break down what a co-signer is, the potential benefits, and the serious risks for both parties. Find out if it's the right choice for you.

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Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls

When searching for a roommate, follow this list of essential steps and set clear expectations to create a solid foundation for a harmonious living situation.

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The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour

Touring a rental? This guide helps you know exactly what to look for, from safety features to hidden flaws, so you can confidently sign your lease or keep searching.

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Smart Renter's Guide: Calculating Affordable Rent & Housing Costs

Wondering how to determine your rental budget? This comprehensive guide covers everything from the 30% rule to hidden fees and effective budgeting strategies.

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Twin Oaks Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Twin Oaks Apartments

4210 Lincoln Swing StAmes, IA 50014
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520 5th St
1 Bedroom Apartments

520 5th St

520 5th StAmes, IA 50010
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3404 Coy St
2 Bedroom Apartments

3404 Coy St

3404 Coy StAmes, IA 50014
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307 Lynn Ave
1 to 4 Bedroom Apartments

307 Lynn Ave

307 Lynn AveAmes, IA 50014
  • Utilities Included

Navigating the Rental Market: Tips for First-Time Renters

Entering the rental market? Learn these simple tips and strategies to avoid common pitfalls and make confident choices. Rent with peace of mind.

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Ames, IA Local Guide

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Written By:
Justin Habersaat
Editing Staff

Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Ames, IA

Pricing Updated: 02/05/2026

Current apartment rentals in the Ames, IA area range in price from $414 to $3,330 with an overall median price of $2,264. The three Ames neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Dauntless at $414, Fountainview at $414, and Downtown Ames at $445. Here is today’s list of the top 10 neighborhoods with the lowest median pricing for Ames Apartments for rent:

NeighborhoodMedian PriceMin PriceAvailable Units
Dauntless$949$41446
Fountainview$950$41460
Downtown Ames$1,080$44562
Grand Junction$1,210$6259
Eagle Ridge$1,387$640107
Somerset$1,425$635106
Bel-Air$1,500$64019
Old Town$2,162$7006
Campustown$3,330$54525
East Ames$3,330$44543

Cheapest Available Ames Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in Ames, IA is a 1 Bed unit found at 1005 28th St in the Eagle Ridge neighborhood priced from $640. Copper Beech in the South Ames neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 3 Beds apartment currently listed from $660. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Ames apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
1005 28th St1 BR1BR,1BA$640
Copper Beech3BR/3BA3BR,3BA$660
Grandview Square Apartments1 bedroom 1 bath1BR,1BA$675
Hickory Ridge Apartments0 bed, 1 bathStudio,1BA$725
College Creek Apartments1 Bedroom Apartment1BR,1BA$755
Wyndsor TerraceStudioStudio,1BA$765
Hyland Apartments1 Bedroom Apartment1BR,1BA$820

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Ames, IA

As of February 06, 2026 the best value apartment in the Ames area is the $0.96 price per square foot 4 Bedroom/2 Bathroom Model at Tripp Street Apartments in the in the Fountainview neighborhood starting from $1,200. The second greatest value Ames apartment is the 1311 Delaware Ave Model at 1311 Delaware Ave, Unit 1 starting at $800 with a $0.67 price per square foot in the Eagle Ridge neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Ames apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Tripp Street Apartments4 Bedroom/2 Bathroom4BR,2BA$0.96
1311 Delaware Ave, Unit 11311 Delaware Ave2BR,1BA$0.67
The Madison3x3 Unfurnished3BR,3BA$0.48
Grandview Square Apartments2bed 1bth2BR,1BA$0.77
The Grove2BR/2BA2BR,2BA$0.77
Western Hills Apartments2 Bed/2 Bath Apartment2BR,2BA$1.05
Crystal Street Apartments2br/2ba2BR,2BA$1.05
The Social West Ames®Davie - Station2BR,1BA$0.71
Windsor PointeHickory 60%2BR,1BA$1.04
1005 28th St1 BR1BR,1BA$1.03

Don't Settle: How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

Discover the insider tips from an attorney and real estate agent on how to negotiate your next apartment lease. Find out what's on the table and what's not, so you can save money and get the best terms possible.

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The Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro

Moving is tough, especially long-distance. Learn how to minimize stress & expenses with proven strategies from a real estate pro, covering everything from logistics to finances.

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Cash or credit? Understanding the Importance of Credit Score in Real Estate and Renting

Discover how your credit score impacts your ability to lease or buy a home. Learn how credit scores are determined, how to check yours, and strategies to improve it for real estate success.

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Quick Rent Budget Calculator

How much rent can you afford?

The common "Rule of Thumb" is that rent should be no more than 30% of your income. How much is that? Enter your monthly income and click "Calculate My Budget" to find out.

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Ames Overview

Recently listed by CNNMoney as one of their 'best places to live', Ames is an inviting slice of American heritage that's ideal for both working class families and ambitious Twenty-somethings alike. Home to a number of places of higher learning as well as an assortment of other industry, this Iowa hotspot is a must-consider for anyone in the market for a great new spot to call home.

Why live in Ames, IA?

From the area university...which has produced Pulitzer Prize winners, astronauts and more...to the wide array of historic structures and stately homes lining the downtown area, Ames apartments make a fantastic place to live, work and play. Offering easy access to the nightlife and job market of nearby Des Moines, Ames maintains an intrinsic charm all its own.

Best Local Schools in
Ames, IA

School data provided by Great Schools

Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:
Location, Location, Location!

Explore Ames, IA Rentals by Map

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See the most popular apartments and homes in Ames, IA

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Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Ames Apartments

What is the price of a cheap apartment in Ames?

The cheapest apartment in Ames is 1005 28th St which is listed at $640, while the average apartment in Ames costs $2,264.

What types of apartments are the cheapest in Ames?

Student, low-income, and by-the-bed apartments are typically the cheapest rentals in most cities, though they require qualifying criteria to rent. There are 346 regular apartments in Ames that we think qualify as ‘cheap apartments’ that do not have special requirements to apply to rent.

How do the prices of cheap apartments compare to the average apartment in Ames?

Cheap apartments in Ames have an average cost of $588 which is $1,676 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Ames.

Expert Rental Resources

The rental experts at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provide you with top advice, tools, and tips for understanding the leasing process and finding the perfect rental. Here are a few helpful rental and leasing articles from our experts to guide you on your search.

Articles, How-To's, and Tips

decorative image for Maximizing Your Refund: Essential Tax Tips for Renters article

Maximizing Your Refund: Essential Tax Tips for Renters

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Other than tax professionals, I can’t think of anyone who looks forward to tax season. For everybody else, April is a stressful month to collect information and meet deadlines.

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18 Must-Ask Rental Tour Questions That Reveal the Truth about a Property

Written by: Lauren Harrington

Renting your next home can feel thrilling and overwhelming at the same time.

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A Renters Guide for Tips on Writing Your Notice for Not Renewing Your Apartment

Written by: Bob Mallory

Packing up everything you own to move is so stressful for many that ending your apartment lease can feel like a small or unimportant task. Ending your lease involves more than simply turning over your keys on the last day.

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Renting with Roommates: Realistic Expectations for Shared Lease

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Given the high costs for housing, I have found that many people are looking for a roommate to share expenses. These arrangements can increase opportunities for more desirable and larger spaces.