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Studio Apartments for Rent in Ames, IA

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    Starting at $715 Per Month

    • Studio - 5 Beds

    2700 Lincoln Way, Ames, IA 50014

    2700 Lincoln is a luxury, student apartment community located in Ames, IA just steps from Iowa State University and various shops and restaurants. Our prime location offers modern conveniences and upscale living. With space ranging across a wide array of 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5-bedroom floor plans, we're sure to have the perfect place to call home. Residents enjoy a variety of amenities like the

    2700 Lincoln

    2700 Lincoln Way, Ames, IA 50014
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    Starting at $699 Per Month

    • Studio - 3 Beds

    4301 Lincoln Swing St, Ames, IA 50014

    Welcome to Hickory Ridge Apartments – Affordable, Comfortable Living in Ames!Discover the perfect balance of affordability, comfort, and convenience at Hickory Ridge Apartments, located at 4301 Lincoln Swing, Ames, IA 50014. Just a short drive from Iowa State University along Lincoln Way, Hickory Ridge offers an easy commute to campus while providing a quiet, relaxing community you'll

    Hickory Ridge Apartments

    4301 Lincoln Swing St, Ames, IA 50014
  • /55

    Starting at $799 Per Month

    • Studio - 4 Beds

    4720 Mortensen Rd, Ames, IA 50014

    West Towne is a pet-friendly, modern apartment community located in West Ames, IA. An easy drive or bike ride from Iowa State University, you will enjoy having everything you desire close to home. With space ranging from 416 - 1,304 sq. ft. across a wide array of studio, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5-bedroom floor plans, we're sure to have a place you can call home. Residents get to enjoy various amenities

    West Towne

    4720 Mortensen Rd, Ames, IA 50014
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    Starting at $785 Per Month

    • Studio - 2 Beds

    4320 Westbrook Dr, Ames, IA 50014

    Wonderful Community in West Ames on Lincoln Way. It is conveniently located close to Iowa State but still far enough away that it is quiet. We offer studio 1 and bed units. Upgraded and non-upgraded options available. We want to make your living experience enjoyable so we have an on-site fitness center, outdoor patio, and business centers, newer coin operated laundry rooms, parcel boxes and so

    Wyndsor Terrace

    4320 Westbrook Dr, Ames, IA 50014
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    Starting at $1,099 Per Month

    • Studio - 2 Beds

    4415 Lincoln Way, Ames, IA 50014

    CORE is a pet-friendly, luxury apartment community located in an unbeatable location off of Lincoln Way in Ames. Surrounded by many restaurants and shops, you'll love easy access to Iowa State University and many other attractions. With upgraded studio, 1 and 2-bedroom floor plans, we're sure to have a place you can call home. Residents get to enjoy various amenities including a fitness center,

    CORE Apartments

    4415 Lincoln Way, Ames, IA 50014
  • /9

    Starting at $935 Per Month

    • Studio - 1 Bed

    304 Welch Ave, Ames, IA 50014

    Historic building located in the heart of Campustown. Parking is included on-site. The only utility that tenants pay for is their gas, all other utilities are included! Coin operated laundry room for tenants provided.

    304 Welch Ave, Ames, IA 50014
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    Starting at $800 Per Month

    • Studio - 2 Beds

    2430 Aspen Rd, Ames, IA 50010

    Our Somerset apartments are a great option for everyone! They are located just around the corner from several local Ames favorites, including The Cafe, El Azteca, and Wallaby's. They are also 8 minutes from campus and close to Cyride stops. Management provides gas (heat), trash, and high-speed internet. Tenants pay for electricity and water/sewer only. Buildings have secured entrances, and units

    Somerset Apartments

    2430 Aspen Rd, Ames, IA 50010

Why Live in Ames

Home to Iowa State University, Ames combines academic excellence with recreational amenities throughout its 37 parks and 55 miles of shared-use paths. The 17-acre Reiman Gardens showcases botanical displays and an indoor butterfly wing, while the Brunnier Art Museum stands as Iowa's only accredited decorative arts museum. The Main Street Cultural District buzzes with local shops and art galleries, complemented by established restaurants like Hickory Park Restaurant Co., known for house-smoked barbecue, and Aunt Maude's sophisticated seasonal menus.

Single-family homes constitute the primary housing stock across several neighborhoods. Somerset Village has a median single-family home price of $380,000, while Northridge Heights commands higher prices with a median of $539,900. The South Campus Area maintains a median of $391,000, and Stone Brooke sits at $330,000. Condominiums present more affordable options, with median prices of $119,700 for one-bedroom units and $207,500 for two-bedroom units.

The cost of living in Ames falls 5.2% below the national average. A family with school-age children needs approximately $100,000 annually to live comfortably, while renters require about $50,000. Property taxes in Story County stand at 1.47%, comparing favorably to nearby Des Moines and Ankeny at 1.76%. The public school system includes Gilbert Elementary, Middle, and High Schools, all rated A by Niche. CyRide provides comprehensive bus service throughout the city and university campus. The city experiences four distinct seasons, with July highs averaging 84°F and January lows reaching 14°F.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to rent a home in Ames, IA?
The median rent for a home in Ames, IA is $1,250 per month, though prices vary by neighborhood, size, and property type. As of August 2026, condos tend to be the most affordable option while townhouses and single-family homes are currently more expensive.
How much do you need to make to afford rent in Ames, IA?
To comfortably afford the median rent in Ames, IA, a household needs to earn roughly $50,000 per year. This is based on the common guideline that households should spend no more than 30% of gross income on housing. Most landlords require monthly household income of at least 3x the monthly rent, and with a median rent of $1,250 per month in Ames, IA, renters typically need to show $3,750 per month in gross income to qualify. Actual affordability will vary depending on household debts, other living expenses, and overall budget.
Is it more affordable to rent or buy in Ames, IA?
In Ames, IA, the price-to-rent ratio is 21.4, which generally favors renting. This ratio divides the median home price by the annual median rent: below 15 typically favors buying, 15 to 20 is balanced, and above 20 typically favors renting. Your finances, how long you plan to stay, and costs like mortgage rates, taxes, and maintenance all factor into the decision.

Rental Home Trends

Number of Homes for Rent
7
Median Rent
$1,250
Median Single Family Home Rent
$1,595
Median Townhouse Rent
$1,248
Median Condo Rent
$1,135
How to Rent a Home