
Cheap Apartments for Rent in Ames, IA from $400 with Washer/Dryer (51 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Ames.


Somerset Apartments

Hyland Apartments

Aspen Village

The Ridge Apartments

West Towne

Total Monthly Price
924 Kellogg Ave, Unit #1, Unit #1

2706 Kent Ave

Wessex Apartments

Northern Lights Apartments
What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much
Learn the official definition (spending 30% or more of your gross income on housing) and how to calculate your exact rent-to-income ratio. This guide offers expert tips on factoring in total housing costs (including utilities and fees) and budgeting accurately to avoid unnecessary financial strain.

Crystal Street Apartments

Fountainview

West Village Apartments

813 Delaware Ave

930 6th St

Laverne Apartments

Fountain View Apartments

Brick Towne Ames

1209 Mayfield Dr

207 Wellons Dr, Unit 207, Unit 207
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.

205 Wellons Dr, Unit 205, Unit 205

Alpine Manor Apartments

CORE Apartments

2329 Bristol Dr, Unit 2005, Unit 2005

1227 Jefferson St

Prairie West

Total Monthly Price
2321 Bristol Dr

West Ridge Apartments

2425 Aspen Rd, Unit 003, Unit 003

802 Dickinson Ave
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 Catalyst

1525 Idaho Ave

Arbor Hills

Cardinal South Apartments

Beach View

Total Monthly Price
216 S Franklin Ave

Tripp Street Apartments

640 S. 4th St.

Stone Court Apartments

Windsor Pointe
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.

Oakview Apartments

Coconino Place Condominiums

Pointe West II

Cardinal Terrace

Campus West

Furman Weststar Apartments

Pointe West I

4549 Steinbeck St

4536 Twain Circle

Aurora Heights
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

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Ames?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ames Studio Apartments | $880 | $610 | $1,500 |
| Ames 1 Bedroom Apartments | $954 | $650 | $1,600 |
| Ames 2 Bedroom Apartments | $998 | $509 | $2,078 |
| Ames 3 Bedroom Apartments | $899 | $465 | $1,700 |
| Ames 4 Bedroom Apartments | $892 | $429 | $2,300 |
Explore Ames
Ames, IA Local Guide
- Ames Neighborhoods
- Nearby Cities
- ZIP codes
- Local Counties
- School Districts
A Seasoned Property Manager's Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Deposit Back
Learn the property manager's true secrets to a zero-deduction move-out. Use this step-by-step guide on documentation, cleaning, and lease-reading to reclaim your security deposit.
Read Article10 Hidden Costs of Renting You Should Budget for Before Signing a Lease
Avoid financial stress when renting. Learn about the 10 most common hidden costs—from pet fees to utilities—you must budget for before you sign a lease.
Read ArticleDon'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 ArticleThe 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 ArticleCash 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.
Read ArticleQuick 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.
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
See the most popular apartments and homes in Ames, IA
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 $800.
What is the price of a cheap apartment in Ames?
The cheapest apartment in Ames is Melrose Park Apartments which is listed at $785, while the average apartment in Ames costs $1,143.
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 872 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 $594 which is $549 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Ames.
Expert Rental Resources
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.
Articles, How-To's, and Tips

A Seasoned Property Manager's Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Deposit Back
Written by: Lauren Harrington
I’m going to talk with you as a seasoned property manager and friend. So, let’s start with your security deposit. I want you to think about this guide as insider information. You deserve your deposit back.

Expert Solutions for Creating the Perfect Work-From-Home Apartment Layouts
Written by: Lauren Harrington
This article is based on first-hand experience managing apartment communities and helping renters adapt to their spaces after moving in.

What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much
Written by: Lauren Harrington
This article draws from first-hand renter experiences and recurring financial challenges reported after moving in.

Maximizing Your Refund: Essential Tax Tips for Renters
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Other than tax professionals, I can’t think of anyone who looks forward to tax season. For everybody else, April is a stressful month to collect information and meet deadlines.