
Cheap Apartments for Rent in Ames, IA from $300 (37 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Ames.


Western Hills Apartments

Grandview Square Apartments

Hickory Ridge Apartments
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.

Gateway

420 S 4th St

West Field Apartments

Oakwood

Somerset Apartments

Tall Timber Apartments
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.
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.
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.
Ames, IA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Ames?
Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
---|---|---|---|
Cheap Ames Studio Apartments | $834 | $670 | $1,300 |
Cheap Ames 1 Bedroom Apartments | $919 | $675 | $1,470 |
Cheap Ames 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,025 | $599 | $1,699 |
Cheap Ames 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,034 | $430 | $2,600 |
Cheap Ames 4 Bedroom Apartments | $816 | $375 | $2,280 |
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Ames, IA Local Guide

- Ames Neighborhoods
- Nearby Cities
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Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Ames, IA
Pricing Updated: 07/25/2025Current apartment rentals in the Ames, IA area range in price from $375 to $2,600 with an overall median price of $1,088. The three Ames neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are East Ames at $445, Grand Junction at $630, and Dauntless at $404. Here is today’s list of the top 10 neighborhoods with the lowest median pricing for Ames Apartments for rent:
Neighborhood | Median Price | Min Price | Available Units |
---|---|---|---|
East Ames | $940 | $445 | 17 |
Grand Junction | $940 | $630 | 4 |
Dauntless | $949 | $404 | 29 |
Downtown Ames | $949 | $375 | 32 |
Fountainview | $949 | $375 | 35 |
North Ames | $949 | $375 | 34 |
South Ames | $949 | $375 | 56 |
West Ames | $999 | $375 | 104 |
West Campus Village | $1,057 | $375 | 71 |
Eagle Ridge | $1,150 | $375 | 58 |
Cheapest Available Ames Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in Ames, IA is a Studio unit found at College Creek Apartments in the Eagle Ridge neighborhood priced from $670. Townhomes at Creekside in the Fountainview neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 2 Beds apartment currently listed from $675. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Ames apartments for rent:
Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
---|---|---|---|
College Creek Apartments | Studio, 1 bath | Studio,1BA | $670 |
Townhomes at Creekside | 2 Bedroom | 2BR,2BA | $675 |
Grandview Square Apartments | 1 bedroom 1 bath | 1BR,1BA | $685 |
Melrose Park Apartments | 1 Bed, 1 bath | 1BR,1BA | $705 |
Western Hills Apartments | 1 Bed, 1 bath | 1BR,1BA | $745 |
3500 Grand Ave | 1BR/1.0BA | 1BR,1BA | $750 |
Oakwood | 1 bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $799 |
Hyland Apartments | 1 Bedroom Apartment | 1BR,1BA | $820 |
Laverne Apartments | Two Bedroom, Two Bath | 2BR,2BA | $875 |
Crystal Street Apartments | 2br/2ba | 2BR,2BA | $875 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Ames, IA
As of July 25, 2025 the best value apartment in the Ames area is the $0.65 price per square foot 2BR/2.5BA Model at Copper Beech at Ames in the in the South Ames neighborhood starting from $800. The second greatest value Ames apartment is the Three Bedroom, Two Bath Model at Laverne Apartments starting at $1,265 with a $1.05 price per square foot in the South Ames neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Ames apartments based on price per square foot:
Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
---|---|---|---|
Copper Beech at Ames | 2BR/2.5BA | 2BR,2.5BA | $0.65 |
Laverne Apartments | Three Bedroom, Two Bath | 3BR,2BA | $1.05 |
The Madison | 3x3 Furnished | 3BR,3BA | $0.53 |
Alpine Manor Apartments | 3 bedroom 2 Bath | 3BR,2BA | $0.97 |
Grandview Square Apartments | 2bed 1bth | 2BR,1BA | $0.78 |
The Grove at Ames | 2BR/2BA | 2BR,2BA | $0.73 |
Western Hills Apartments | 2 Beds, 2 baths | 2BR,2BA | $1.05 |
Crystal Street Apartments | 2br/2ba | 2BR,2BA | $0.99 |
Townhomes at Creekside | 2 Bedroom | 2BR,2BA | $0.78 |
Oakwood | 1 bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $1.07 |
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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, IAPopulation: 67,154
Ranked #547
in US Census Population by City
Best Local Schools in Ames, IA
School data provided by Great Schools
Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:Location, Location, Location!
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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 the price of a cheap apartment in Ames?
The cheapest apartment in Ames is Melrose Park Apartments which is listed at $705, while the average apartment in Ames costs $1,088.
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 200 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 $370 which is $718 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.

Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls
Written by: Cheryl Bowman
A fantastic way to save money and enjoy a built-in community is to share an apartment. However, a bad roommate situation can turn your dream rental into a nightmare.

The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour
Written by: Marie Brown
You’ve scrolled through countless listings, walked through a blur of rentals, and finally found what feels like the one. The pictures? Fantastic. The neighborhood seems just right.

Know Your Budget: Calculating What You Can Realistically Afford When Renting
Written by: Lauren Harrington
Renting an apartment or house isn’t just about looking through online ads, choosing a few apartments or homes you want to tour, filling out an application, and putting down a deposit. Those things are all necessary and important.

The Freedom of Short-Term Leases: Exploring the Advantages for Renters
Written by: Bobbi Jackson
If you’re looking to relocate right now, a popular solution that may best fit your current rental needs is a short-term lease.