Cheap Apartments for Rent in Ames, IA from $300 (43 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.

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.

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
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
4 Bedroom Apartments

307 Lynn Ave

307 Lynn AveAmes, 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.

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 Bedroom Apartments

1005 28th St

1005 28th StAmes, IA 50010
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
4606 Ontario St
2 Bedroom Apartments

4606 Ontario St

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

2713 Luther Dr

2713 Luther DrAmes, IA 50010
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
1217 Delaware Ave
2 Bedroom Apartments

1217 Delaware Ave

1217 Delaware AveAmes, IA 50014
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
2721 Luther Dr
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

2721 Luther Dr

2721 Luther DrAmes, IA 50010
close
View Me
141 Campus Ave
2 Bedroom Apartments

141 Campus Ave

141 Campus AveAmes, IA 50014

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.

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

640 S. 4th St.

620-640 S 4th StAmes, IA 50010
close
View Me
West View Apartments
1 Bedroom Apartments

West View Apartments

4532 Steinbeck StAmes, IA 50014
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
Oak Brooke
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Oak Brooke

422 Stonehaven DrAmes, IA 50010
  • Utilities Included

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: 06/28/2025

Current apartment rentals in the Ames, IA area range in price from $375 to $2,600 with an overall median price of $1,102. The three Ames neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Grand Junction at $630, Dauntless at $404, 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$6303
Dauntless$949$40432
Fountainview$949$37536
South Ames$950$37554
West Ames$1,000$37562
North Ames$1,012$37534
East Ames$1,030$44515
Downtown Ames$1,045$37528
West Campus Village$1,057$37527
Eagle Ridge$1,120$37514

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. Melrose Park Apartments in the Eagle Ridge neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $705. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Ames apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
College Creek ApartmentsStudio, 1 bathStudio,1BA$670
Melrose Park Apartments1 Bed, 1 bath1BR,1BA$705
Western Hills Apartments1 Bed, 1 bath1BR,1BA$745
205 Washington Ave2 Beds, 1 bath2BR,1BA$775
Oakwood1 bedroom1BR,1BA$799
Townhomes at Creekside3 Bedroom3BR,2BA$815
Hyland Apartments1 Bedroom Apartment1BR,1BA$820
Laverne ApartmentsTwo Bedroom, Two Bath2BR,2BA$875
Somerset Apartments1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$880
301 Main1 Bed 1 Bath1BR,1BA$915

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Ames, IA

As of June 28, 2025 the best value apartment in the Ames area is the $0.61 price per square foot 4 Bedroom Model at Townhomes at Creekside in the in the Fountainview neighborhood starting from $895. The second greatest value Ames apartment is the 2BR/2.5BA Model at Copper Beech at Ames starting at $800 with a $0.65 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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Townhomes at Creekside4 Bedroom4BR,2BA$0.61
Copper Beech at Ames2BR/2.5BA2BR,2.5BA$0.65
Laverne ApartmentsThree Bedroom, Two Bath3BR,2BA$1.05
The Quarters AmesA - 3x33BR,3BA$0.55
1001 North Dakota Ave, Unit 1001 North Dakota Ave.1001 North Dakota Ave3BR,1BA$0.98
The Madison3x3 Furnished3BR,3BA$0.53
Alpine Manor Apartments3 bedroom 2 Bath3BR,2BA$0.97
The Grove at Ames2BR/2BA2BR,2BA$0.73
Western Hills Apartments2 Beds, 2 baths2BR,2BA$1.05
205 Washington Ave2 Beds, 1 bath2BR,1BA$0.91

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 MapAmes, IA Apartments MapView MapAmes, 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 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 $1,102.

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 181 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 $351 which is $751 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 Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls article

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.

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

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.

decorative image for Know Your Budget: Calculating What You Can Realistically Afford When Renting article

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.

decorative image for The Freedom of Short-Term Leases: Exploring the Advantages for Renters article

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.