
Cheap Homes for Rent in Ames, IA from $700 (35 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in Ames.


129 Kingsbury Ave

209 E 6th St

1120 Stafford Ave

238 Village Dr

4406 Castlewood Pl

4008 Ontario St

813 Delaware 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.

1521 N Dakota Ave

930 6th St

925 Garfield Ave

2109 Barr Dr

1320 24th St

1014 Marston Ave

307 S Maple Ave

924 Duff 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.

1610 24th St

4307 Toronto St

3132 Story St

912 Grand Ave

206 Rockwell Ave

4511 Twain Cir

435 Hawthorne Ave

1003 Mesa Verde Pl
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.

1005 Mesa Verde Pl

720 Crystal St

4510 Twain Cir

2318 Clark Ave

603 E 16th St

4300 Maricopa Dr

508 Hayward Ave

4010 Arkansas Dr
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.

4549 Steinbeck St

3420 Harcourt Dr

635 Meadow Pl
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 | $1,001 | $795 | $1,185 |
| Ames 3 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $1,440 | $935 | $2,200 |
| Ames 4 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $2,115 | $1,695 | $2,900 |
| Ames 5 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $2,620 | $1,800 | $3,000 |
| Ames 6 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $720 | $720 | $720 |
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: 03/11/2026Current 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:
| Neighborhood | Median Price | Min Price | Available Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bel-Air | $2,300 | $795 | 1 |
| Eagle Ridge | $2,700 | $795 | 4 |
| East Ames | $2,725 | $795 | 7 |
| Old Town | $2,725 | $795 | 3 |
| Somerset | $2,725 | $795 | 5 |
| Campustown | $2,750 | $990 | 5 |
| Gateway Hills | $2,750 | $990 | 5 |
| Grand Junction | $2,750 | $795 | 2 |
| North Ames | $2,750 | $795 | 7 |
| West Ames | $2,750 | $845 | 10 |
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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| 304 Welch Ave | Studio | Studio,1BA | $635 |
| 640 S. 4th St. | 640 S. 4th St. - Unit... | Studio,1BA | $640 |
| Copper Beech | 3BR/3BA | 3BR,3BA | $660 |
| Melrose Park Apartments | 1 Bed/1 Bath Apartment | 1BR,1BA | $705 |
| Windsor Pointe | Aspen 60% | 1BR,1BA | $725 |
| Western Hills Apartments | 1 Bed/1 Bath Apartment | 1BR,1BA | $745 |
| College Creek Apartments | 1 Bedroom Apartment | 1BR,1BA | $755 |
| Wyndsor Terrace | Studio | Studio,1BA | $765 |
| Grandview Square Apartments | 2bed 1bth | 2BR,1BA | $765 |
| Hickory Ridge Apartments | 0 bed, 1 bath | Studio,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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Madison | 3x3 Unfurnished | 3BR,3BA | $0.47 |
| 2405 Knapp St, Unit 2405 Knapp St | 2405 Knapp St | 3BR,1BA | $1.07 |
| The Social Reserve | Montgomery Renovated - Reserve | 3BR,2BA | $0.51 |
| Grandview Square Apartments | 2bed 1bth | 2BR,1BA | $0.77 |
| The Grove | 2BR/2BA | 2BR,2BA | $0.77 |
| Western Hills Apartments | 2 Bed/2 Bath Apartment | 2BR,2BA | $1.05 |
| The Landing Ames | B1 - 2x2 | 2BR,2BA | $0.68 |
| Crystal Street Apartments | 2br/2ba | 2BR,2BA | $1.05 |
| Point at Ames | Frisco B | 2BR,2BA | $1.06 |
| Campus Flats | 2 Bedroom | 2BR,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.
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 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

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.

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.

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.