Cheap Apartments for Rent in Ames, IA from $400 (44 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Ames.

916 Kellogg Ave, Unit Efficiency

College Creek Apartments

Western Hills Apartments

Grandview Square Apartments

Furman Western Hills

921 Duff Ave

Melrose Park Apartments

Ferndale Furman Apartments

West Field Apartments

420 S 4th St

Hickory Ridge Apartments

317 8th St

South Meadow

Tall Timber Apartments
Ames, IA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Ames?
Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
---|---|---|---|
Cheap Ames Studio Apartments | $883 | $620 | $1,300 |
Cheap Ames 1 Bedroom Apartments | $942 | $600 | $1,460 |
Cheap Ames 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,129 | $569 | $1,830 |
Cheap Ames 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,113 | $465 | $2,600 |
Cheap Ames 4 Bedroom Apartments | $878 | $404 | $2,280 |
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Ames, IA Local Guide

- Ames Neighborhoods
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Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Ames, IA
Pricing Updated: 03/23/2025Current apartment rentals in the Ames, IA area range in price from $399 to $2,600 with an overall median price of $1,157. The three Ames neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are East Ames at $445, South Ames at $399, and North Ames at $399. 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 | $1,000 | $445 | 520 |
South Ames | $1,007 | $399 | 3852 |
North Ames | $1,030 | $399 | 3271 |
Campustown | $1,099 | $399 | 2675 |
Dauntless | $1,099 | $399 | 4675 |
Fountainview | $1,099 | $399 | 4593 |
West Ames | $1,099 | $399 | 5825 |
West Campus Village | $1,130 | $399 | 4341 |
Eagle Ridge | $1,199 | $600 | 2957 |
Grand Junction | $1,200 | $445 | 293 |
Cheapest Available Ames Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in Ames, IA is a 4 Beds unit found at The Social West Ames® in the Fountainview neighborhood priced from $519. Grandview Square Apartments in the Eagle Ridge neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $675. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Ames apartments for rent:
Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
---|---|---|---|
The Social West Ames® | Watson - Station | 4BR,3BA | $519 |
Grandview Square Apartments | 1 bedroom 1 bath | 1BR,1BA | $675 |
College Creek Apartments | 1 Bed, 1 bath | 1BR,1BA | $725 |
Wyndsor Terrace | Studio | Studio,1BA | $740 |
Hickory Ridge Apartments | 0 bed, 1 bath | Studio,1BA | $799 |
Somerset Apartments | Studio | Studio,1BA | $800 |
Hyland Apartments | 1 Bedroom Apartment | 1BR,1BA | $820 |
Laverne Apartments | Two Bedroom, Two Bath | 2BR,2BA | $875 |
Spacious Apartments minutes from everything | 2br/2ba | 2BR,2BA | $875 |
301 Main | 1 Bed 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $885 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Ames, IA
As of March 23, 2025 the best value apartment in the Ames area is the $0.65 price per square foot 2BR/2.5BA Model at Copper Beech at Ames in the in the Grand Junction neighborhood starting from $800. The second greatest value Ames apartment is the Three Bedroom, Two Bath Model at Laverne Apartments starting at $1,265 with a $1.05 price per square foot in the South Ames 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. |
---|---|---|---|
Copper Beech at Ames | 2BR/2.5BA | 2BR,2.5BA | $0.65 |
Laverne Apartments | Three Bedroom, Two Bath | 3BR,2BA | $1.05 |
The Quarters Ames | A - 3x3 | 3BR,3BA | $0.55 |
The Madison | 3x3 Furnished | 3BR,3BA | $0.53 |
Northern Lights Apartments | 3304 Polaris ( 3 bedroom ) | 3BR,2BA | $1.01 |
The Grove at Ames | 2BR/2BA | 2BR,2BA | $0.73 |
Grandview Square Apartments | 1 bedroom 1 bath | 1BR,1BA | $0.75 |
Spacious Apartments minutes from everything | 2br/2ba | 2BR,2BA | $0.99 |
3500 Grand Ave | 2BR/1.0BA | 2BR,1BA | $1.06 |
Point at Ames | Frisco A | 2BR,2BA | $1.05 |
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Ames Overview
Recently listed by CNNMoney as one of their 'best places to live', Ames is an inviting slice of American heritage that's ideal for both working class families and ambitious Twenty-somethings alike. Home to a number of places of higher learning as well as an assortment of other industry, this Iowa hotspot is a must-consider for anyone in the market for a great new spot to call home.
Why live in Ames, IA?
From the area university...which has produced Pulitzer Prize winners, astronauts and more...to the wide array of historic structures and stately homes lining the downtown area, Ames apartments make a fantastic place to live, work and play. Offering easy access to the nightlife and job market of nearby Des Moines, Ames maintains an intrinsic charm all its own.
Best Local Schools in Ames, IA
School data provided by Great Schools
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Getting Around Ames, IA
Walk Score®
52 / 100
Somewhat Walkable
Some errands can be accomplished on foot
Bike Score®
71 / 100
Very Bikeable
Biking is convenient for most trips
What Are Walk Score®, Transit Score®, and Bike Score® Ratings?
- Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address.
- Transit Score® measures access to public transit.
- Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Ames Apartments
What is a cheap apartment in Ames?
A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Ames is under $885.
What is the price of a cheap apartment in Ames?
The cheapest apartment in Ames is Grandview Square Apartments which is listed at $675, while the average apartment in Ames costs $1,157.
What types of apartments are the cheapest in 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 16,557 regular apartments in 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 Ames?
Cheap apartments in Ames have an average cost of $353 which is $804 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in 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.

Understanding Amenity Fees: Know Where You Might Be Able to Save Money
Written by: Amber Kanuckel
With the rising costs of housing, a lot of renters are asking this question: Is it possible to opt out of various amenities that your rental property offers so that you can avoid paying the fees.

What to Know About Fees and Fines When Renting
Written by: Trey Huguley
When it comes to renting a new apartment or home there can be a number of fees that you will want to keep in mind going into the process.

Battling the Butts: Your Guide to the Reality of Smoke-Free Renting
Written by: Andrea Lee Negroni, JD
While many apartment buildings are “no smoking” properties, it’s hard to know exactly how many. In 2017, the National Apartment Association reported more than half of rental properties had smoke free policies.

How Your Move-In Inspection Can Protect Your Security Deposit
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
If you’re anything like most people, housing costs represent a huge chunk of your monthly budget. On top of that, moving can be both a stressful and expensive affair.