Cheap Apartments for Rent in Ames, IA from $300 (59 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Ames.

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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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
  • Utilities Included

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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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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1005 28th St
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

1005 28th St

1005 28th StAmes, IA 50010
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4606 Ontario St
2 Bedroom Apartments

4606 Ontario St

4606 Ontario StAmes, IA 50014
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2713 Luther Dr
2 Bedroom Apartments

2713 Luther Dr

2713 Luther DrAmes, IA 50010
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230 Campus Ave
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

230 Campus Ave

230 Campus AveAmes, IA 50014
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514-520 Carroll Ave
1 Bedroom Apartments

514-520 Carroll Ave

514-520 Carroll AveAmes, IA 50010
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2707 Luther Dr
2 Bedroom Apartments

2707 Luther Dr

2707 Luther DrAmes, IA 50010
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1217 Delaware Ave
2 Bedroom Apartments

1217 Delaware Ave

1217 Delaware AveAmes, IA 50014
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2721 Luther Dr
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

2721 Luther Dr

2721 Luther DrAmes, IA 50010

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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141 Campus Ave
2 Bedroom Apartments

141 Campus Ave

141 Campus AveAmes, IA 50014
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West Field Apartments
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

West Field Apartments

5910 Lincoln WayAmes, IA 50014
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Oakwood
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Oakwood

2101 Oakwood RdAmes, IA 50014
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Oak Brooke
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Oak Brooke

422 Stonehaven DrAmes, IA 50010
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244 Hyland Ave
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

244 Hyland Ave

244 Hyland AveAmes, IA 50014
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South Oak
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

South Oak

221 S Oak AveAmes, IA 50010
  • Utilities Included

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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2644 Hunt St
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

2644 Hunt St

2644 Hunt StAmes, IA 50014
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Delaware Woods
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Delaware Woods

1121 Delaware AveAmes, IA 50014
Showing Results 1-50, Page 1 of 2

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: 09/08/2025

Current apartment rentals in the Ames, IA area range in price from $375 to $2,850 with an overall median price of $1,181. The three Ames neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Grand Junction at $630, Dauntless at $409, and Fountainview at $375. Here is today’s list of the top 10 neighborhoods with the lowest median pricing for Ames Apartments for rent:

NeighborhoodMedian PriceMin PriceAvailable Units
Grand Junction$940$63016
Dauntless$1,025$409116
Fountainview$1,037$375135
South Ames$1,057$375195
Downtown Ames$1,065$37587
East Ames$1,065$44553
North Ames$1,065$375171
West Ames$1,075$375256
Eagle Ridge$1,150$375113
West Campus Village$1,150$375201

Cheapest Available Ames Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in Ames, IA is a 2 Beds unit found at Townhomes at Creekside in the Fountainview neighborhood priced from $675. Grandview Square Apartments in the Eagle Ridge neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $690. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Ames apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Townhomes at Creekside2 Bedroom2BR,1BA$675
Grandview Square Apartments1 bedroom 1 bath1BR,1BA$690
Hickory Ridge Apartments0 bed, 1 bathStudio,1BA$725
3319 Story St2 BR/ 1 BA2BR,1BA$725
1006 Lincoln Way2 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom2BR,1BA$745
The Ridge Apartments1 Bedroom/1 Bathroom1BR,1BA$775
Oakwood1 bedroom1BR,1BA$799
3500 Grand Ave1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$825
West Village Apartments1BR/1BA1BR,1BA$850
Crystal Street Apartments2br/2ba2BR,2BA$875

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Ames, IA

As of September 08, 2025 the best value apartment in the Ames area is the $0.45 price per square foot 4x4 Model at The Foundry in the in the Eagle Ridge neighborhood starting from $625. The second greatest value Ames apartment is the 4 Bedroom/2 Bathroom Model at Tripp Street Apartments starting at $275 with a $0.22 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.
The Foundry4x44BR,4BA$0.45
Tripp Street Apartments4 Bedroom/2 Bathroom4BR,2BA$0.22
Copper Beech at Ames2BR/2.5BA2BR,2.5BA$0.65
The Quarters AmesB - 2x22BR,2BA$0.63
The Landing AmesC3 - 3x33BR,3BA$0.47
The Madison3x3 Furnished3BR,3BA$0.53
Grandview Square Apartments2bed 1bth2BR,1BA$0.80
The Grove at Ames2BR/2BA2BR,2BA$0.73
Townhomes at Creekside2 Bedroom2BR,1BA$0.78
The Social West Ames®Davie Plus - Station2BR,1BA$0.71

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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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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 $875.

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 $1,181.

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 753 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 $399 which is $782 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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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.

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

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

For many people, obstacles can arise during the rental application process for a variety of issues.

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

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Hard truth. Moving is never easy. I’ve done it all – from local moves to cross-country relocations From packing to unpacking the last box, I have found moving to be an exhausting, expensive and stressful experience every time.

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

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Throughout the day, think about all the times that you have to pay for something. So many of us reach automatically for a credit card or even our phone for a quick payment.