Cheap Homes for Rent in Ames, IA from $700 (35 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in Ames.

property at 813 Delaware Ave

$935

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$935

Total Monthly Price
$935

3 Bedroom, 1 Bath Townhome for Rent

Available Aug 1

813 Delaware Ave

AmesIA50014

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 1521 N Dakota Ave

$935

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$935

Total Monthly Price
$935

2 Bedroom, 1 Bath Townhome for Rent

Available Now

property at 1014 Marston Ave

$975

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$975

Total Monthly Price
$975

1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Home for Rent

Available Aug 1

1014 Marston Ave

AmesIA50010

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.

property at 206 Rockwell Ave

$1,010

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,010

Total Monthly Price
$1,010

3 Bedroom, 1 Bath Home for Rent

Available Now

206 Rockwell Ave

AmesIA50014
property at 4511 Twain Cir

$980 - $1,030

1 Bedroom Rentals

Available Aug 1

4511 Twain Cir

AmesIA50014

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.

property at 603 E 16th St

$1,150

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,150

Total Monthly Price
$1,150

2 Bedroom, 1.5 Bath Home for Rent

Available Aug 1

603 E 16th St

AmesIA50010
property at 4010 Arkansas Dr

$1,200

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,200

Total Monthly Price
$1,200

3 Bedroom, 1 Bath Townhome for Rent

Available Aug 1

4010 Arkansas Dr

AmesIA50014

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.

property at 3420 Harcourt Dr

$1,250

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,250

Total Monthly Price
$1,250

3 Bedroom, 1.5 Bath Townhome for Rent

Available Aug 1

3420 Harcourt Dr

AmesIA50010
property at 635 Meadow Pl

$1,300

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,300

Total Monthly Price
$1,300

3 Bedroom, 2 Bath Townhome for Rent

Available Aug 1

635 Meadow Pl

AmesIA50010

Ames, IA Local Guide

Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Ames, IA

Pricing Updated: 03/11/2026

Current apartment rentals in the Ames, IA area range in price from $795 to $3,000 with an overall median price of $2,766. The three Ames neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Bel-Air at $795, Eagle Ridge at $795, and East Ames at $795. Here is today’s list of the top 10 neighborhoods with the lowest median pricing for Ames Apartments for rent:

NeighborhoodMedian PriceMin PriceAvailable Units
Bel-Air$2,300$7951
Eagle Ridge$2,700$7954
East Ames$2,725$7957
Old Town$2,725$7953
Somerset$2,725$7955
Campustown$2,750$9905
Gateway Hills$2,750$9905
Grand Junction$2,750$7952
North Ames$2,750$7957
West Ames$2,750$84510

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. 640 S. 4th St. in the Grand Junction neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $640. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Ames apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
304 Welch AveStudioStudio,1BA$635
640 S. 4th St.640 S. 4th St. - Unit...Studio,1BA$640
Copper Beech3BR/3BA3BR,3BA$660
Melrose Park Apartments1 Bed/1 Bath Apartment1BR,1BA$705
Windsor PointeAspen 60%1BR,1BA$725
Western Hills Apartments1 Bed/1 Bath Apartment1BR,1BA$745
College Creek Apartments1 Bedroom Apartment1BR,1BA$755
Wyndsor TerraceStudioStudio,1BA$765
Grandview Square Apartments2bed 1bth2BR,1BA$765
Hickory Ridge Apartments0 bed, 1 bathStudio,1BA$799

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Ames, IA

As of March 11, 2026 the best value apartment in the Ames area is the $0.47 price per square foot 3x3 Unfurnished Model at The Madison in the in the Fountainview neighborhood starting from $504. The second greatest value Ames apartment is the 2405 Knapp St Model at 2405 Knapp St, Unit 2405 Knapp St starting at $1,150 with a $1.07 price per square foot in the West Campus Village 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.
The Madison3x3 Unfurnished3BR,3BA$0.47
2405 Knapp St, Unit 2405 Knapp St2405 Knapp St3BR,1BA$1.07
The Social ReserveMontgomery Renovated - Reserve3BR,2BA$0.51
Grandview Square Apartments2bed 1bth2BR,1BA$0.77
The Grove2BR/2BA2BR,2BA$0.77
Western Hills Apartments2 Bed/2 Bath Apartment2BR,2BA$1.05
The Landing AmesB1 - 2x22BR,2BA$0.68
Crystal Street Apartments2br/2ba2BR,2BA$1.05
Point at AmesFrisco B2BR,2BA$1.06
Campus Flats2 Bedroom2BR,2BA$0.88

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.

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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.

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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.

Read Article
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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.

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

Explore Ames, IA Rentals by Map

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Frequently Asked Questions about Ames

What type of rentals are currently available in Ames?

There are currently 258 Apartments for Rent in Ames, IA with pricing that ranges from $419 to $2,880. There are also 69 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Ames ranging from $720 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 $720 to $3,000 with an average monthly rent of $1,481.

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 $2,200. Four Bedroom Single-Family rentals are also available starting from $1,695 and Four Bedroom Apartments start at $419.

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

decorative image for Maximizing Your Refund: Essential Tax Tips for Renters article

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.

decorative image for 18 Must-Ask Rental Tour Questions That Reveal the Truth about a Property article

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.

decorative image for A Renters Guide for Tips on Writing Your Notice for Not Renewing Your Apartment article

A Renters Guide for Tips on Writing Your Notice for Not Renewing Your Apartment

Written by: Bob Mallory

Packing up everything you own to move is so stressful for many that ending your apartment lease can feel like a small or unimportant task. Ending your lease involves more than simply turning over your keys on the last day.

decorative image for Renting with Roommates: Realistic Expectations for Shared Lease article

Renting with Roommates: Realistic Expectations for Shared Lease

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Given the high costs for housing, I have found that many people are looking for a roommate to share expenses. These arrangements can increase opportunities for more desirable and larger spaces.