Cheap Apartments for Rent in the South Ames Neighborhood of Ames, IA from $300 (48 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the South Ames area of Ames.

property at 418 Ash Ave

418 Ash 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.

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Gateway
Rent Specials
$799 - $1,299Studio to 4 Bedroom Apartments Available Aug 4, 2026

Gateway

1300 Gateway Hills Park DrAmes, IA 50014
Student Housing
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  • Matterport 3D Tour

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.

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Twin Oaks Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Twin Oaks Apartments

4210 Lincoln Swing StAmes, IA 50014
  • Utilities Included
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520 5th St
1 Bedroom Apartments

520 5th St

520 5th StAmes, IA 50010
  • Utilities Included
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3404 Coy St
2 Bedroom Apartments

3404 Coy St

3404 Coy StAmes, IA 50014
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307 Lynn Ave
1 to 4 Bedroom Apartments

307 Lynn Ave

307 Lynn AveAmes, IA 50014
  • Utilities Included
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640 S. 4th St.
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

640 S. 4th St.

620-640 S 4th StAmes, IA 50010
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Spruce Pointe
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Spruce Pointe

126 Beedle DrAmes, IA 50014
  • Utilities Included
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4112 Lincoln Swing
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

4112 Lincoln Swing

4112 Lincoln Swing StAmes, IA 50014
  • Utilities Included
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230 Campus Ave
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

230 Campus Ave

230 Campus AveAmes, IA 50014
  • Utilities Included

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.

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514-520 Carroll Ave
1 Bedroom Apartments

514-520 Carroll Ave

514-520 Carroll AveAmes, IA 50010
  • Smoke Free
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3319 Story St.
2 to 4 Bedroom Apartments

3319 Story St.

3319 Story StAmes, IA 50014
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South Oak
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

South Oak

221 S Oak AveAmes, IA 50010
  • Utilities Included
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West Field Apartments
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

West Field Apartments

5910 Lincoln WayAmes, IA 50014
Pet Friendly
  • Utilities Included
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Oakwood
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Oakwood

2101 Oakwood RdAmes, IA 50014
  • Utilities Included

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.

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Oak Brooke
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Oak Brooke

422 Stonehaven DrAmes, IA 50010
  • Utilities Included
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141 Campus
2 Bedroom Apartments

141 Campus

141 Campus AveAmes, IA 50014
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2644 Hunt St
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

2644 Hunt St

2644 Hunt StAmes, IA 50014
  • Utilities Included
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244 Hyland
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

244 Hyland

244 Hyland AveAmes, IA 50014
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Meadow Wood of Ames
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Meadow Wood of Ames

4348 Maricopa DrAmes, IA 50014
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Stonehaven Apartments
1 Bedroom Apartments

Stonehaven Apartments

421 Stonehaven DrAmes, IA 50010
Senior Living
  • Utilities Included
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Oakview Apartments
1 to 4 Bedroom Apartments

Oakview Apartments

1429 Walton DrAmes, IA 50014
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121 Howard
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

121 Howard

121 HowardAmes, IA 50014

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.

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301 Main
1 Bedroom Apartments

301 Main

301 Main StAmes, IA 50010
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203 Campus
1 to 5 Bedroom Apartments

203 Campus

203 Campus AveAmes, IA 50014
  • Utilities Included

South Ames, Ames, IA Local Guide

Cheapest Available South Ames Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in the South Ames area of Ames, IA is a 2 Beds unit found at 4112 Lincoln Swing priced from $720. Hickory Ridge Apartments has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $725. Here are the most affordable South Ames apartments for rent in Ames, IA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
4112 Lincoln Swing2 Bed/ 1 Bath2BR,1BA$720
Hickory Ridge Apartments0 bed, 1 bathStudio,1BA$725
Wyndsor TerraceStudioStudio,1BA$750
The Ridge Apartments1 Bedroom/1 Bathroom1BR,1BA$775
West Field Apartments1 Bed/1 Bath1BR,1BA$790
Oakwood1 bedroom1BR,1BA$799
Townhomes at Creekside3 Bedroom3BR,2BA$815
304 Welch AveStudioStudio,1BA$830
College Creek Apartments2 Beds, 1 bath2BR,1BA$845
Campustown | Student Apartments1x11BR,1BA$849

Best Value Apartments for Rent in South Ames, IA

As of November 02, 2025 the best value apartment in the South Ames area is the $0.56 price per square foot 3 Bedroom Model at Townhomes at Creekside in the in the Fountainview neighborhood starting from $815. The second greatest value South Ames apartment is the 3 Beds / 2 Baths Model at 802 Dickinson Ave starting at $1,200 with a $0.92 price per square foot in the Fountainview neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for South Ames apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Townhomes at Creekside3 Bedroom3BR,2BA$0.56
802 Dickinson Ave3 Beds / 2 Baths3BR,2BA$0.92
Tripp Street Apartments4 Bedroom/2 Bathroom4BR,2BA$0.24
The Social West Ames®Montrose Renovated - Station3BR,2BA$0.55
The Quarters AmesB - 2x22BR,2BA$0.63
The Madison3x3 Unfurnished3BR,3BA$0.48
The Grove2BR/2BA2BR,2BA$0.72
Furman Western Hills2BR 2BA2BR,2BA$0.99
College Creek Apartments2 Beds, 1 bath2BR,1BA$1.04
4112 Lincoln Swing2 Bed/ 1 Bath2BR,1BA$0.95

Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know

From the lounge to the laundry room, understand your rights and responsibilities in shared apartment spaces. Get tips on pet rules, noise, and security.

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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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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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Pet Friendly Lifestyle
South Ames, Ames, IA

Ranked #2

Among cities in Iowa for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

4.0
Pet Friendly

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Lifestyle Ratings

ApartmentHomeLiving.com is proud to bring you Lifestyle Ratings of rentals and neighborhoods across the USA, including Ames. Lifestyle Ratings show you the best fit for your needs and interests. This takes in many factors including searching for the best amenities, and convenient access to the outdoors, kid and pet-friendly communities, availability of transit options, and how walkable or bikeable each community and area is. These search options are in the site filters at the top of this page.

Getting Around the South Ames Neighborhood in Ames, IA

Walk Score®

20 / 100

Car-Dependent

Almost all errands require a car

Bike Score®

60 / 100

Bikeable

Some bike infrastructure

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap South Ames Apartments

What is a cheap apartment in South Ames?

A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in South Ames is under $849.

What is the price of a cheap apartment in South Ames?

The cheapest apartment in South Ames is The Ridge Apartments which is listed at $775, while the average apartment in South Ames costs $1,170.

What types of apartments are the cheapest in South 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 88 regular apartments in South 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 South Ames?

Cheap apartments in South Ames have an average cost of $815 which is $355 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in South Ames.

Expert Rental Resources

Helpful Apartment Articles, How-To's and Tips

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.

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Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Back in the day when I rented one of my first apartments, the property didn’t even have laundry in the building. Now, rental properties are often competing against each other to provide the best amenities.

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How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Everything is a negotiation in real estate! 

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The Rental Move-In Inspection Checklist: A Guide for Renters

Written by: Trey Huguley

The move-in inspection checklist is a crucial tool for both tenants and landlords. This checklist, provided by the team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com, helps document the condition of an apartment at the time of move-in.

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Your Guide to Co-Signers: The Risks, Rewards, and Everything in Between

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

For many people, obstacles can arise during the rental application process for a variety of issues.