Cheap Apartments for Rent in Ames, IA from $300 (69 Rentals)

How Many Bedrooms?Done
Select your price rangeDone
Lifestyle Matching SearchDone
By AmenitiesDone
By Community TypeDone
Features and AvailabilityDone
Done

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.

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.

close
View Me
Twin Oaks Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Twin Oaks Apartments

4210 Lincoln Swing StAmes, IA 50014
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
520 5th St
1 Bedroom Apartments

520 5th St

520 5th StAmes, IA 50010
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
3404 Coy St
2 Bedroom Apartments

3404 Coy St

3404 Coy StAmes, IA 50014
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
307 Lynn Ave
1 to 4 Bedroom Apartments

307 Lynn Ave

307 Lynn AveAmes, IA 50014
  • Utilities Included

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.

close
View Me
640 S. 4th St.
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

640 S. 4th St.

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

Furman Regency Court

3020 Regency CtAmes, IA 50010
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
1005 28th St
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

1005 28th St

1005 28th StAmes, IA 50010
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
Spruce Pointe
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Spruce Pointe

126 Beedle DrAmes, IA 50014
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
2713 Luther Dr
2 Bedroom Apartments

2713 Luther Dr

2713 Luther DrAmes, IA 50010
close
View Me
4112 Lincoln Swing
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

4112 Lincoln Swing

4112 Lincoln Swing StAmes, IA 50014
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
230 Campus Ave
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

230 Campus Ave

230 Campus AveAmes, IA 50014
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
2707 Luther Dr
2 Bedroom Apartments

2707 Luther Dr

2707 Luther DrAmes, IA 50010
close
View Me
514-520 Carroll Ave
1 Bedroom Apartments

514-520 Carroll Ave

514-520 Carroll AveAmes, IA 50010
  • Smoke Free
close
View Me
4606 Ontario St
2 Bedroom Apartments

4606 Ontario St

4606 Ontario StAmes, IA 50014

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.

close
View Me
3319 Story St
2 to 4 Bedroom Apartments

3319 Story St

3319 Story StAmes, IA 50014
close
View Me
2721 Luther Dr
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

2721 Luther Dr

2721 Luther DrAmes, IA 50010
close
View Me
1217 Delaware Ave
2 Bedroom Apartments

1217 Delaware Ave

1217 Delaware AveAmes, IA 50014
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
South Oak
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

South Oak

221 S Oak AveAmes, IA 50010
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
West Field Apartments
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

West Field Apartments

5910 Lincoln WayAmes, IA 50014
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
Oakwood
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Oakwood

2101 Oakwood RdAmes, IA 50014
  • 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.

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: 10/24/2025

Current apartment rentals in the Ames, IA area range in price from $384 to $2,775 with an overall median price of $1,409. The three Ames neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Grand Junction at $605, Fountainview at $384, and North Ames at $459. 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$980$6058
Fountainview$1,025$38460
North Ames$1,025$45996
Downtown Ames$1,067$46563
South Ames$1,075$384112
West Ames$1,117$384176
Old Town$1,310$6254
Bel-Air$1,367$67512
West Campus Village$1,400$459139
Campustown$1,449$62531

Cheapest Available Ames Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in Ames, IA is a 1 Bed unit found at Grandview Square Apartments in the Eagle Ridge neighborhood priced from $675. 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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Grandview Square Apartments1 bedroom 1 bath1BR,1BA$675
Townhomes at Creekside2 Bedroom2BR,1BA$675
4112 Lincoln Swing2 Bed/ 1 Bath2BR,1BA$720
Hickory Ridge Apartments0 bed, 1 bathStudio,1BA$725
4606 Ontario St2 Bedroom2BR,1BA$740
3319 Story St2 BR/ 1 BA2BR,1BA$750
Wyndsor TerraceStudioStudio,1BA$750
1225 Delaware Ave2 BR/ 1 BA2BR,1BA$770
1217 Delaware Ave1217 Delaware Ave - 2 Bed/ 1 Bath Ground Level2BR,1BA$770
The Ridge Apartments1 Bedroom/1 Bathroom1BR,1BA$775

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Ames, IA

As of October 24, 2025 the best value apartment in the Ames area is the $0.24 price per square foot 4 Bedroom/2 Bathroom Model at Tripp Street Apartments in the in the Fountainview neighborhood starting from $300. The second greatest value Ames apartment is the Montrose Renovated - Station Model at The Social West Ames® starting at $549 with a $0.45 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.
Tripp Street Apartments4 Bedroom/2 Bathroom4BR,2BA$0.24
The Social West Ames®Montrose Renovated - Station3BR,2BA$0.45
The Quarters AmesB - 2x22BR,2BA$0.63
The Madison3x3 Unfurnished3BR,3BA$0.47
Grandview Square Apartments2bed 1bth2BR,1BA$0.80
1225 Delaware Ave2 BR/ 1 BA - Balcony2BR,2BA$0.80
1217 Delaware Ave1217 Delaware Ave - 2 Bed/ 1 Bath Upper Level2BR,1BA$0.80
Ferndale Furman Apartments2nd & 3rd Floor Units2BR,1.5BA$0.91
Townhomes at Creekside2 Bedroom2BR,1BA$0.78
4606 Ontario St2 Bedroom2BR,1BA$0.87

Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know

From the lounge to the laundry room, understand your rights and responsibilities in shared apartment spaces. Get tips on pet rules, noise, and security.

Read Article
Decorative image

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.

Read Article
Decorative image

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.

Read Article
Decorative image

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.

decorative image of people with a giant lease agreement

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

decorative image of people examining a giant globe and floating graphs

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

Explore Ames, IA Rentals by Map

View Map
Ames, IA Apartments Map
View Map
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

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 $775.

What is the price of a cheap apartment in Ames?

The cheapest apartment in Ames is Grandview Square Apartments which is listed at $675, while the average apartment in Ames costs $1,409.

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 191 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 $596 which is $813 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.

decorative image for Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know article

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.

decorative image for How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money article

How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Everything is a negotiation in real estate! 

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

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.

decorative image for Your Guide to Co-Signers: The Risks, Rewards, and Everything in Between article

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.