Ames, IA Rent Report

Apartments & Houses by Size

Rentometer, Inc. | Data as of 06/01/2026

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Ames, IA, offers a dynamic rental market that caters to students, professionals, and families alike. Thanks to its vibrant downtown district, proximity to Iowa State University, and extensive park system, renters enjoy a blend of urban convenience and Midwestern charm. Whether you’re seeking a modern studio near the popular Milan Square or a spacious family home in the historic East Campus neighborhood, the metro area provides a diverse array of housing options to suit every lifestyle.

Apartment seekers will find a range of choices, from efficient studios typically priced in the $900 range to larger three‑bedroom units where the average runs just above $1,100. One‑ and two‑bedroom apartments are comfortably positioned in the $900‑$1,100 spectrum, making them ideal for students and young professionals. For those preferring a house, the market includes well‑maintained single‑family homes, with one‑bedroom units starting around $800 and three‑bedroom homes often exceeding $1,700, reflecting the area’s family‑friendly appeal and access to quality schools and community amenities.

Beyond pricing, Ames boasts cultural attractions such as the Ames Historical Museum, the lively Reiman Gardens, and a bustling local food scene that enriches the rental experience. The city’s walkable neighborhoods, reliable public transportation, and strong sense of community make it an attractive destination for renters seeking both affordability and a high quality of life in central Iowa.

Ames, IA Rent by Property Type & Bedroom Count

Averages, medians, and ranges across recent rental listings

Property Type Bedrooms Average Median Min – Max 25th – 75th
Apartment Studio $888 $840 $675 – $1,199 $705 – $1,199
Apartment 1 Bedroom $924 $940 $479 – $1,590 $799 – $1,000
Apartment 2 Bedroom $1,064 $992 $619 – $1,695 $925 – $1,199
Apartment 3 Bedroom $1,166 $1,150 $391 – $2,370 $975 – $1,295
Apartment 4+ Bedroom $1,346 $1,300 $589 – $2,160 $895 – $1,720
House Studio $698 $695 $650 – $750 $650 – $750
House 1 Bedroom $1,188 $802 $600 – $8,400 $800 – $895
House 2 Bedroom $1,019 $962 $700 – $1,600 $900 – $1,150
House 3 Bedroom $1,794 $1,690 $800 – $4,800 $1,350 – $2,050
House 4+ Bedroom $2,187 $2,199 $720 – $3,800 $1,800 – $2,600

Current rent in Ames, IA (all property types): Studio $807, 1 Bedroom $1,011, 2 Bedroom $1,042, 3 Bedroom $1,480, 4+ Bedroom $1,959.

Map of Ames, IA

Outlined area shows the metro area boundary. Shaded regions show where rentals cluster.

Map of Ames, IA
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About this data

Rent statistics, listings analysis, and visualizations on this page are produced by Rentometer, Inc.

If you cite, share, or republish data from this report, please credit Rentometer.

About this data