
Cheap Homes for Rent in Ames, IA from $500 (11 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in Ames.


5504 Kansas Dr

238 Village Dr

4008 Ontario St

4511 Twain Cir
Rent According to Income: A Look at Income-Restricted Rentals
Find income-restricted rentals and housing subsidies. Explore government programs designed to help low-income families secure stable, affordable housing.

721 Burnett Ave

2317 Clark Ave

3321 West St

102 S Maple Ave

203 Wellons Dr, Unit 203 Wellons Dr
Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It
From theft to fire to water damage, the unexpected can happen to any renter. Discover why renters insurance is one of the smartest and most affordable investments you can make as a tenant.

4549 Steinbeck St
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 | $1,097 | $850 | $1,300 |
| Ames 3 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $2,047 | $1,200 | $2,600 |
| Ames 4 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $1,990 | $1,750 | $2,200 |
| Ames 5 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $1,342 | $585 | $2,100 |
| Ames 6 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $2,400 | $2,400 | $2,400 |
Browse Top Homes for Rent in Ames
Explore Ames
Ames, IA Local Guide
- Ames Neighborhoods
- Nearby Cities
- ZIP codes
- Local Counties
- School Districts
Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Ames, IA
Pricing Updated: 07/25/2026Current apartment rentals in the Ames, IA area range in price from $439 to $2,676 with an overall median price of $1,098. The three Ames neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are East Ames at $489, Dauntless at $439, and Fountainview at $439. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Ames | $925 | $489 | 35 |
| Dauntless | $929 | $439 | 14 |
| Fountainview | $929 | $439 | 19 |
| South Ames | $935 | $439 | 57 |
| Grand Junction | $950 | $549 | 11 |
| North Ames | $950 | $489 | 56 |
| West Ames | $999 | $439 | 75 |
| Downtown Ames | $1,012 | $489 | 55 |
| West Campus Village | $1,065 | $489 | 38 |
| Gateway Hills | $1,132 | $489 | 19 |
Cheapest Available Ames Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in Ames, IA is a 3 Beds unit found at Campustown in the Somerset neighborhood priced from $489. Copper Beech in the South Ames neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 4 Beds apartment currently listed from $595. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Ames apartments for rent:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Campustown | 200 Stanton Ave - 3 Bed - 1 Bath - C - UF | 3BR,1BA | $489 |
| Copper Beech | 4BR/4.5BA | 4BR,4BA | $595 |
| The Grove | 3BR/3BA Upgraded | 3BR,3BA | $599 |
| 304 Welch Ave | Studio | Studio,1BA | $635 |
| 203 Campus | 1 Bed | 1BR,1BA | $650 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Ames, IA
As of July 25, 2026 the best value apartment in the Ames area is the $1.03 price per square foot 3515 Lincoln Way ( 4 bdrm ) Model at Walnut Ridge in the in the Eagle Ridge neighborhood starting from $2,000. The second greatest value Ames apartment is the 3 Bedroom Model at Oakwood starting at $1,350 with a $1.04 price per square foot in the Gateway Hills 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 | $1.03 |
| Oakwood | 3 Bedroom | 3BR,2BA | $1.04 |
| 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 | $0.53 |
| The Madison Apartments | 3x3 Furnished | 3BR,3BA | $0.55 |
| 1108 S. 4th Street | 3 Bed/ 1.5 Bath | 3BR,1.5BA | $0.98 |
| Crystal Street Apartments | 2br/2ba | 2BR,2BA | $1.05 |
| Wyndsor Terrace | 2 bed 1 bath | 2BR,1BA | $1.01 |
| The Lofts | Two Bedroom | 2BR,1BA | $0.78 |
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.
Read ArticleReal Estate and Rental Term Glossary | ApartmentHomeLiving.com Renter University
From the letter A all the way to the letter Z, the Real Estate and Rental Term Glossary from the content team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provides our visitors and shoppers with a little clarity and helpful guidance in navigating the real estate world through definitions and explainers for the top subjects and terms that someone may come across during the leasing, buying, or selling process.
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 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 $439 to $2,676. There are also 40 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Ames ranging from $585 to $2,600.
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 $585 to $2,600 with an average monthly rent of $1,636.
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 $489 to $2,370, while Three Bedroom Homes, Condos, and Townhomes for rent range from $1,200 to $2,600. Four Bedroom Single-Family rentals are also available starting from $1,750 and Four Bedroom Apartments start at $439.
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

Rent According to Income: A Look at Income-Restricted Rentals
Written by: Robin Stewart
The idea of affordable housing can be subjective. Every individual is in a different place financially and vocationally. What one may easily afford could be a struggle for someone else.

Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It
Written by: Robin Stewart
Insurance seems to be a part of life. In some states, having insurance is the law, as is the case for automobile insurance. Renters are no exception.

Apartment Occupancy Rates: Renter Attraction vs Renter Retention
Written by: Robin Stewart
There’s a tenet in marketing about client or customer attraction and retention. Studies and data have consistently shown it costs less to keep a current customer than to attract a new one.

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.