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Apartments for Rent in Ames, IA

81 Rentals Available
Apartments for Rent in Ames, IA. 81 Rentals Available
  • the living room and kitchen of an apartment with white walls and carpet
    Today

    2505 Jensen Ave, Ames, IA 50010
    1 BED $680
    2 BEDS $780
  • a kitchen with a sink and a counter top
    Today

    200 West Crystal Street, Ames, IA 50010
    3 BEDS $2,500+
  • a living room with couches and chairs and a kitchen
    Today

    200 West Crystal Street, Ames, IA 50010
    1 BED $1,025+
    2 BEDS $1,275+
    3 BEDS $2,000
  • a living room with a couch and a television
    Today

    4611 Mortensen Rd. #106, Ames, IA 50014
    3 BEDS $1,100
    4 BEDS $1,400
  • a living room with a ceiling fan and a carpet
    Today

    450 E 7Th St, Ames, IA 50010
    Income Restricted
    1 BED $810
    2 BEDS $905
    3 BEDS $1,269
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  • More Rentals Near Ames, IA

  • a sign for southeastern apartments in front of a grass field
    Today

    1309 S. Linn St, BOONE, IA 50036
    2 BEDS $825
    3 BEDS $925
  • a living room with couches and chairs and a fireplace
    Today

    1735 NW Fieldstream Lane, Ankeny, IA 50023
    1 BED $1,022+
    2 BEDS $1,332+
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Ames, IA rent trends

Rental prices in Ames, IA have increased by 3.43% over the past year. The average rent moved from $1,325 to $1,370.

Check out the average rent prices in Ames by neighborhood.

Compared to the national average rent of $1,741, the average rent in Ames, IA is $1,370.

Average rent in Ames, IA

$1,370/mo Ames, IA average rental price, January 2026
Image Average Rent

The average monthly rent of apartments in Ames, IA is $1,370.

    What's the typical rent budget in Ames, IA?

    About 19% of apartment rents in Ames, IA range between $1,501-$2,000. Meanwhile, apartments around $2,001-$2,500 represent 3% of apartments. Around 36% of Ames’s apartments are in the $1,001-$1,500 price range. 34% of apartments are priced ≤ $1000. A share of 5% of apartment rentals in Ames are in the $2,501-$3,000 range. There are 2% of apartment rentals in Ames in the > $3,000 range.

    The largest share of rentals in Ames, IA (36%) fall between $1,001-$1,500 per month. This suggests that most people succesfully find suitable apartments within this price.

    Getting around in Ames, IA

    15 /100
    Car-Dependent
    38 /100
    Somewhat Bikeable
    Walk Score®: 15, Bike Score®: 38

    Frequently asked questions

    When were prices and availability in Ames, IA last updated?

    Prices and availability in Ames, IA were last updated on 21 Feb 2026.

    What are the best apartments in Ames, IA?

    The best apartments in Ames, IA are: Grandview Square Apartments, Brick Towne Ames Townhomes, Brick Towne Ames, West Ridge Apartments and Eastwood of Ames.

    What is the average rent in Ames, IA?

    The average rent in Ames, IA is $1,262.

    What is the price range for a 1-bedroom apartment in Ames, IA?

    The price range for a 1-bedroom apartment in Ames, IA is between $680 and $1,100.

    What is the price range for a 2-bedroom apartment in Ames, IA?

    The price range for a 2-bedroom apartment in Ames, IA is between $780 and $1,350.

    What is the price range for a 3-bedroom apartment in Ames, IA?

    The price range for a 3-bedroom apartment in Ames, IA is between $1,025 and $2,900.

    What type of rental buildings are in Ames, IA?

    In Ames, 57% of the residents are renting compared to 43% owning a home, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Large-scale apartment buildings with more than 50 units represent 12% of Ames's rentals, 76% are small-scale complexes with under 50 units, and 12% are single-family rentals.

    What do typical apartment communities look like in Ames, IA?

    The age and size of multifamily buildings are among the most visible characteristics of the rental market in a city. In this case, the apartment buildings in Ames are about 21 years old, on average. Of these, 75% have been built since 2000, representing the newer options on the market and typically offering more amenities. Rental buildings in the city have an average height of 4 stories. About 92% of the rental communities here are low-rise, garden-style communities, 9% are mid-rises, and 1% are high-rise buildings. These are true especially for large-scale multifamily buildings with over 50 apartments.

    What apartment floorplans are common in Ames, IA?

    Rental apartments in Ames come in a range of sizes and floorplans. Studio apartments represent 4% of units for rent, ideal for singles, renters on a budget and people who value central locations more than space. Rentals with 1-bedroom floorplans make up 29% of the total apartments in the city, while 2-bedroom floorplans represent around 35% of all rentals in Ames. The rest are larger floorplans with 3 bedrooms or more, typically preferred by families, larger households or roommates sharing space.

    Living in Ames, IA

    Located halfway between Minneapolis, MN, and Kansas City, KC, Ames is a college town in Story County, Iowa. It’s home to Iowa State University (ISU), boasting a lively lifestyle, growing job market, low cost of living and top-notch schools. Ames has a humid continental climate, with average temperatures ranging between 20 °F and 74 °F year-round, though there are occasional tornado warnings. The city experiences all four seasons, so renters enjoy the local summer and winter sports opportunities. Ames is a great place for sports enthusiasts, home to many sports courts and stadiums, plenty of parks and hiking trails.

    Renting in Ames, IA

    Most people living in Ames are renters. There are plenty of rental options, mostly high-rise apartment buildings and multifamily communities located around the Iowa State University campus. For those who want to rent an apartment in the heart and soul of Ames and within walking distance to lifestyle amenities and major attractions, the downtown historic district is a great spot to live. You can find more affordable rentals near the intersection of U.S. Highway 30 and S. Duff Avenue. These quiet, family-friendly neighborhoods have older single-homes as well as more recent apartment communities. The city’s Rent Smart Ames program provides landlords and renters with helpful resources for the renting process. Security deposits and renter’s insurance aren’t mandatory by law, but landlords may include them in the lease agreement.

    Things for renting

    Shopping in Ames, IA

    Ames doesn’t have a shopping district per se, but renters have access to several malls throughout the city. North Grand Mall is the most popular, with brands like JCPenney, Kohl’s, Sephora, American Eagle, T.J. Maxx, Buckle, Claire’s and more. For upscale shopping, people who rent in Ames go to neighboring Des Moines, located 37 miles directly south. There is a small business area downtown, where renters can shop for apparel, art pieces and various products from local stores. Walmart, ALDI, Target, Fareway, Dollar Tree, Hy-Vee and Sam’s Club are some of the grocery store chains you will find in Ames. There are also local brand stores and small supermarkets where renters shop for their everyday necessities.

    Transportation in Ames, IA

    Thanks to reliable public transportation, developed bike trails and good walkability, getting around in Ames is quite easy. Highways 30 and 69 and Interstate 35 pass through the city, so most renters rely on their cars as the primary transportation method. Still, many opt to walk or bike thanks to a highly developed walking and biking infrastructure. CyRide, a partnership between Iowa State University, the ISU Student Government and Ames, provides several free, public bus routes throughout the city. The Moonlight Express is another public bus transit option that runs Friday and Saturday nights. Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft are also available in the area. The nearby Ames Municipal Airport offers limited regional routes. For international travel, the closest major airport to Ames is the Des Moines International Airport, located some 43 miles south.

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    Whether you're looking for a studio, an apartment with one or more bedrooms, or maybe you're upgrading to a luxury apartment or need to acommodate a pet, RentCafe allows you to easily search for a rental near you based on your criteria, anywhere in the U.S. So, let's find your new home today!

    RentCafe is your one-stop shop for finding a great new apartment in Ames, IA. Easily search through a wide selection of apartments for rent in Ames, IA, and view detailed information about available rentals including floor plans, pricing, photos, amenities, interactive maps, and thorough property descriptions. Property owners and managers are one click away, so feel free to contact them and find out all you need to know about the apartment you're interested in. Browse Ames, IA apartments with rents starting from $680 and submit your rental application today!

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