Cheap Apartments for Rent in Ames, IA from $400 (101 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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property at 418 Ash Ave

418 Ash Ave

AmesIA50014

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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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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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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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
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640 S. 4th St.
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

640 S. 4th St.

620-640 S 4th StAmes, IA 50010
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Furman Regency Court
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Furman Regency Court

3020 Regency CtAmes, IA 50010
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1005 28th St
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

1005 28th St

1005 28th StAmes, IA 50010
  • Utilities Included

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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Ames, IA Local Guide

Photo of Justin Habersaat - Editing Staff
Written By:
Justin Habersaat
Editing Staff

Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Ames, IA

Pricing Updated: 12/08/2025

Current apartment rentals in the Ames, IA area range in price from $404 to $3,330 with an overall median price of $2,350. The three Ames neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Dauntless at $404, Fountainview at $404, and Downtown Ames at $475. 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$967$40453
Fountainview$985$40472
Downtown Ames$1,080$475118
Bel-Air$1,170$69020
Grand Junction$1,795$62531
Old Town$1,795$6252
Eagle Ridge$2,075$670124
Somerset$2,075$635127
Campustown$3,330$62533
East Ames$3,330$47572

Cheapest Available Ames Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in Ames, IA is a 3 Beds unit found at Copper Beech in the South Ames neighborhood priced from $600. College Creek Apartments in the Eagle Ridge neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $670. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Ames apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Copper Beech3BR/3BA3BR,3BA$600
College Creek ApartmentsStudio ApartmentStudio,1BA$670
Grandview Square Apartments1 bedroom 1 bath1BR,1BA$690
Hickory Ridge Apartments0 bed, 1 bathStudio,1BA$725
Western Hills Apartments1 Bed/1 Bath Apartment1BR,1BA$745
The Ridge Apartments1 Bedroom/1 Bathroom1BR,1BA$775
Oakwood1 bedroom1BR,1BA$799
Somerset ApartmentsStudio ApartmentStudio,1BA$800
Hyland Apartments1 Bedroom Apartment1BR,1BA$820

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Ames, IA

As of December 08, 2025 the best value apartment in the Ames area is the $0.35 price per square foot 121 7th St Model at 121 7th St, Unit 121 in the in the Eagle Ridge neighborhood starting from $875. The second greatest value Ames apartment is the 4 Bedroom/2 Bathroom Model at Tripp Street Apartments starting at $300 with a $0.24 price per square foot in the Fountainview 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.
121 7th St, Unit 121121 7th St1BR,1BA$0.35
Tripp Street Apartments4 Bedroom/2 Bathroom4BR,2BA$0.24
1311 Delaware Ave, Unit 11311 Delaware Ave2BR,1BA$0.67
The Quarters AmesB - 2x22BR,2BA$0.63
The Madison3x3 Unfurnished3BR,3BA$0.47
The Grove2BR/2BA2BR,2BA$0.75
Western Hills Apartments2 Bed/2 Bath Apartment2BR,2BA$1.05
Grandview Square Apartments1 bedroom 1 bath1BR,1BA$0.77
Melrose Park Apartments2 Beds, 1 bath2BR,1BA$0.98
Crystal Street Apartments2br/2ba2BR,2BA$1.05

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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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.

Ames, IA
Population: 67,154

Ranked #547

in US Census Population by City

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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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Ames, IA Apartments Map
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Ames, IA Rental Homes Map

Getting Around Ames, IA

Walk Score®

52 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Some errands can be accomplished on foot

Bike Score®

71 / 100

Very Bikeable

Biking is convenient for most trips

What Are Walk Score®, Transit Score®, and Bike Score® Ratings?

  • Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address.
  • Transit Score® measures access to public transit.
  • Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Ames Apartments

What is a cheap apartment in Ames?

A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Ames is under $820.

What is the price of a cheap apartment in Ames?

The cheapest apartment in Ames is Grandview Square Apartments which is listed at $690, while the average apartment in Ames costs $2,350.

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 486 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 $696 which is $1,654 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Ames.

Expert Rental Resources

Helpful Apartment Articles, How-To's and Tips

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.

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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.

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Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Back in the day when I rented one of my first apartments, the property didn’t even have laundry in the building. Now, rental properties are often competing against each other to provide the best amenities.

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How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Everything is a negotiation in real estate! 

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The Rental Move-In Inspection Checklist: A Guide for Renters

Written by: Trey Huguley

The move-in inspection checklist is a crucial tool for both tenants and landlords. This checklist, provided by the team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com, helps document the condition of an apartment at the time of move-in.