
Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown Ames Neighborhood of Ames, IA from $400 (11 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Downtown Ames area of Ames.


Furman 24th Street Apartments

203 Campus

Townhomes at Creekside

Grandview Square 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.

Melrose Park Apartments

Gateway

Somerset Apartments

520 5th St

514-520 Carroll Ave
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 Washington Ave
Downtown Ames, Ames, IA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Downtown Ames?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Ames Studio Apartments | $957 | $610 | $1,500 |
| Downtown Ames 1 Bedroom Apartments | $932 | $680 | $1,600 |
| Downtown Ames 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,065 | $615 | $1,735 |
| Downtown Ames 3 Bedroom Apartments | $959 | $465 | $2,300 |
| Downtown Ames 4 Bedroom Apartments | $785 | $445 | $1,900 |
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 11 rentals with your search options within a 2 mile radius of the Downtown Ames Neighborhood of Ames, IA.
See all Apartments in AmesExplore Ames
Cheapest Available Downtown Ames Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in the Downtown Ames area of Ames, IA is a 3 Beds unit found at Campustown priced from $489. The Grove has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 3 Beds apartment currently listed from $599. Here are the most affordable Downtown Ames apartments for rent in Ames, IA:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Campustown | 200 Stanton Ave - 3 Bed - 1 Bath - C - UF | 3BR,1BA | $489 |
| The Grove | 3BR/3BA Upgraded | 3BR,3BA | $599 |
| Copper Beech | 3BR/3BA | 3BR,3BA | $660 |
| Melrose Park Apartments | 1 Bed/1 Bath Apartment | 1BR,1BA | $785 |
| Somerset Apartments | Studio Apartment | Studio,1BA | $800 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown Ames, IA
As of June 14, 2026 the best value apartment in the Downtown Ames area is the $0.45 price per square foot 200 Stanton Ave - 3 Bed - 1 Bath - A - UF Model at Campustown in the in the Somerset neighborhood starting from $584. The second greatest value Downtown Ames apartment is the 3BR/3BA Upgraded Model at The Grove starting at $599 with a $0.48 price per square foot in the Grand Junction neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Downtown Ames apartments based on price per square foot:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Campustown | 200 Stanton Ave - 3 Bed - 1 Bath - A - UF | 3BR,1BA | $0.45 |
| The Grove | 3BR/3BA Upgraded | 3BR,3BA | $0.48 |
| Campus Flats | 3 Bed - Rent by Room | 3BR,3BA | $0.62 |
| 1108 S. 4th Street | 3 Bed/ 1.5 Bath | 3BR,1.5BA | $0.98 |
| The Landing Ames | B1 - 2x2 | 2BR,2BA | $0.68 |
| Aspen Village | 2724 Stange (2 bdrm) | 2BR,2BA | $1.22 |
| Laverne Apartments | Two Bedroom, Two Bath | 2BR,2BA | $1.11 |
| Timbercreek Apartments | 2 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms | 2BR,2BA | $1.16 |
| Oakwood | 1 bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $1.17 |
| The Lofts | Two Bedroom | 2BR,1BA | $0.78 |
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Downtown Ames Apartments
What is the price of a cheap apartment in Downtown Ames?
The cheapest apartment in Downtown Ames is Melrose Park Apartments which is listed at $785, while the average apartment in Downtown Ames costs $979.
What types of apartments are the cheapest in Downtown 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 25 regular apartments in Downtown 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 Downtown Ames?
Cheap apartments in Downtown Ames have an average cost of $514 which is $465 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Downtown 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

How I Find the Perfect Rental for My Clients: A Real Estate Pro's Guide
Written by: Robin Stewart
Evaluating rental properties for clients draws many parallels to house-hunting. Whether an apartment, loft, townhouse, or other rental, finding the right place means finding “home” for your client.

Pet-Friendly Renting: Everything You Need to Know Before You Move
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
For so many of us, pets are the best companions and a big part of our lives. For this reason, a pet-friendly house or apartment is often a very important - and nonnegotiable - part of a move.

Creative Ways Developers Reimagine Retail Spaces as Residential Units
Written by: Robin Stewart
Adaptive reuse is when a commercial property is converted and repurposed. The real estate industry has embraced a growing number of these projects.

Neighborhood and Market Insights: How to Choose the Right Area to Rent
Written by: Robin Stewart
Apartment-hunting can be a gargantuan task. Renters have a wish list of items—some luxuries, some necessities—but finding what you seek in the right place is perhaps the most important part of the journey.