Cheap Apartments for Rent in the South Ames Neighborhood of Ames, IA from $300 (88 Rentals)

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

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.

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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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property at 915 Garfield Ave

$900

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$900
Total Monthly Price
$900

2 Bedroom, 1 Bath Townhome for Rent

Available Jul 1

915 Garfield Ave

AmesIA50014
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

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

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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312 Hayward Ave
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

312 Hayward Ave

312 Hayward AveAmes, IA 50014
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3404 Coy St
2 Bedroom Apartments

3404 Coy St

3404 Coy StAmes, IA 50014
  • Utilities Included
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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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230 Campus Ave
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

230 Campus Ave

230 Campus AveAmes, IA 50014
  • Utilities Included
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514-520 Carroll Ave
1 Bedroom Apartments

514-520 Carroll Ave

514-520 Carroll AveAmes, IA 50010
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4112 Lincoln Swing
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

4112 Lincoln Swing

4112 Lincoln Swing StAmes, IA 50014
  • Utilities Included

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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Showing Results 1-50, Page 1 of 2

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 Studio unit found at 304 Welch Ave priced from $635. Campus Flats has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 4 Beds apartment currently listed from $655. Here are the most affordable South Ames apartments for rent in Ames, IA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
304 Welch AveStudioStudio,1BA$635
Campus Flats4 Bed - Rent by Room4BR,4BA$655
Copper Beech3BR/3BA3BR,3BA$660
Western Hills Apartments1 Bed/1 Bath Apartment1BR,1BA$745
Hickory Ridge Apartments0 bed, 1 bathStudio,1BA$799
The Social West Ames®Avondale - Station1BR,1BA$799
Hyland Apartments1 Bedroom Apartment1BR,1BA$820
301 Main1 Bed 1 Bath1BR,1BA$880
West Field Apartments2 Bed/1 Bath2BR,1BA$895
Crystal Street Apartments2br/2ba2BR,2BA$925

Best Value Apartments for Rent in South Ames, IA

As of April 23, 2026 the best value apartment in the South 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 South 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 South Ames apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Walnut Ridge3515 Lincoln Way ( 4 bdrm )4BR,3BA$1.02
Campus Flats3 Bed - Rent by Room3BR,3BA$0.66
The Madison3x3 Furnished3BR,3BA$0.55
The Social ReserveJasper Renovated - Reserve2BR,2BA$0.63
The Grove2BR/2BA2BR,2BA$0.77
Furman Western Hills2BR 2BA2BR,2BA$1.02
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

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.

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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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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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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.

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 $925.

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

The cheapest apartment in South Ames is Western Hills Apartments which is listed at $745, while the average apartment in South Ames costs $980.

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 141 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 $637 which is $343 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in South Ames.

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 Expert Solutions for Creating the Perfect Work-From-Home Apartment Layouts article

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.

decorative image for What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much article

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.

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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.

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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.