
Cheap Homes for Rent in Ames, IA from $600 (19 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in Ames.


320 S Franklin Ave

238 Village Dr

4008 Ontario St

915 Garfield Ave

813 Delaware Ave
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.

2109 Barr Dr

930 6th St

307 S Maple Ave

925 Garfield Ave

4307 Toronto St

912 Grand 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.

4511 Twain Cir

435 Hawthorne Ave

520 Carr Dr

207 Wellons Dr, Unit 207, Unit 207

4510 Twain Cir

205 Wellons Dr, Unit 205, Unit 205
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.

508 Hayward Ave
Ames, IA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent a home in Ames?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ames 2 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $1,065 | $675 | $2,100 |
| Ames 3 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $2,027 | $935 | $2,900 |
| Ames 4 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $1,962 | $1,695 | $2,500 |
| Ames 5 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $2,466 | $1,800 | $3,000 |
Browse Top Homes for Rent in Ames
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Ames, IA Local Guide
- Ames Neighborhoods
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Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Ames, IA
Pricing Updated: 04/26/2026Current apartment rentals in the Ames, IA area range in price from $399 to $2,370 with an overall median price of $1,183. The three Ames neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Dauntless at $399, Fountainview at $399, and Downtown Ames at $445. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dauntless | $972 | $399 | 130 |
| Fountainview | $972 | $399 | 147 |
| Downtown Ames | $980 | $445 | 75 |
| Grand Junction | $980 | $625 | 8 |
| South Ames | $980 | $399 | 186 |
| East Ames | $995 | $445 | 36 |
| North Ames | $995 | $399 | 168 |
| West Ames | $1,025 | $399 | 265 |
| West Campus Village | $1,039 | $399 | 193 |
| Campustown | $1,175 | $650 | 34 |
Cheapest Available Ames Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in Ames, IA is a Studio unit found at 304 Welch Ave in the Somerset neighborhood priced from $635. Campus Flats in the Eagle Ridge neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 4 Beds apartment currently listed from $655. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Ames apartments for rent:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| 304 Welch Ave | Studio | Studio,1BA | $635 |
| Campus Flats | 4 Bed - Rent by Room | 4BR,4BA | $655 |
| Copper Beech | 3BR/3BA | 3BR,3BA | $660 |
| Grandview Square Apartments | 1 bedroom 1 bath | 1BR,1BA | $660 |
| Western Hills Apartments | 1 Bed/1 Bath Apartment | 1BR,1BA | $745 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Ames, IA
As of April 26, 2026 the best value apartment in the Ames area is the $1.02 price per square foot 3515 Lincoln Way ( 4 bdrm ) Model at Walnut Ridge in the in the Eagle Ridge neighborhood starting from $2,300. The second greatest value Ames apartment is the 3 Bed - Rent by Room Model at Campus Flats starting at $750 with a $0.66 price per square foot in the Eagle Ridge 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. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walnut Ridge | 3515 Lincoln Way ( 4 bdrm ) | 4BR,3BA | $1.02 |
| Campus Flats | 3 Bed - Rent by Room | 3BR,3BA | $0.66 |
| The Madison | 3x3 Furnished | 3BR,3BA | $0.55 |
| The Social Reserve | Jasper Renovated - Reserve | 2BR,2BA | $0.63 |
| Grandview Square Apartments | 2bed 1bth | 2BR,1BA | $0.77 |
| 1108 S. 4th Street | 3 Bed/ 1.5 Bath | 3BR,1.5BA | $0.98 |
| The Grove | 2BR/2BA | 2BR,2BA | $0.77 |
| Furman Western Hills | 2BR 2BA | 2BR,2BA | $1.02 |
| The Landing Ames | B1 - 2x2 | 2BR,2BA | $0.68 |
| Crystal Street Apartments | 2br/2ba | 2BR,2BA | $1.05 |
10 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!
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Frequently Asked Questions about Ames
What type of rentals are currently available in Ames?
There are currently 257 Apartments for Rent in Ames, IA with pricing that ranges from $399 to $2,370. There are also 52 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Ames ranging from $675 to $3,000.
What is the current price range for Rental Homes in Ames?
Today's rental pricing for Homes for Rent, Condos and Townhomes in Ames ranges from $675 to $3,000 with an average monthly rent of $1,687.
How much are larger Three and Four Bedroom Rentals in Ames?
For those who are looking for larger living arrangements, Three Bedroom Apartments in Ames range from $465 to $2,370, while Three Bedroom Homes, Condos, and Townhomes for rent range from $935 to $2,900. Four Bedroom Single-Family rentals are also available starting from $1,695 and Four Bedroom Apartments start at $399.
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

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.

18 Must-Ask Rental Tour Questions That Reveal the Truth about a Property
Written by: Lauren Harrington
Renting your next home can feel thrilling and overwhelming at the same time.