Average Rent in Ames, IA (2026)
The average 1-bedroom rent in Ames, IA is $1,096/month as of 2026, based on HUD data across 5 ZIP codes. Rents have changed +4.5% year over year. Rents range from $1,020 to $1,160.
Average Rent · 1-Bedroom
$1,096/mo
Source: HUD Fair Market Rent · 5 zip codes
Year-over-Year
↑ +4.5%
Source: Zillow ZORI, HUD Fair Market Rent
Data through
The average 1-bedroom rent in Ames, IA is $1,096/month according to HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent data, covering 5 ZIP codes. Rents have increased 4.5% year-over-year. The average 1-bedroom rent in Ames is 8% below the national average of $1,196/month.
Average rent in Ames, IA ranges from $1,020 to $1,160 across 5 ZIP codes.
Based on local market data, a fair rent increase in Ames, IA is approximately 4.5% for 2026. An increase above 4.5% exceeds the local market trend and may be worth negotiating.
Key Facts
Sources: Zillow ZORI, HUD Fair Market Rent, HUD SAFMR, Rentcast. Updated February 2026.
How much is rent in Ames, IA?
The average 1-bedroom rent in Ames, IA is $1,096/month as of 2026, based on HUD data across 5 ZIP codes. Rents range from $1,020 to $1,160 depending on neighborhood — a $140/month spread. To afford this at the 30% rule, a household would need approximately $43,840/year.
Is rent going up in Ames?
Rents in Ames have increased 4.5% year over year based on local market data. This suggests a relatively stable rental market.
What is a fair rent increase in Ames?
Based on local market data, a rent increase around 4.5% is in line with the Ames market for 2026. An increase above that level exceeds the local trend and may be worth pushing back on. Check your specific increase with RenewalReply's free rent analysis tool.
Rent Trends in Ames
+4.5%
Rents in Ames are rising at +4.5% year-over-year.
− Estimated trend
Market sources range from +3.5% to +7.5%
Sources: Zillow ZORI, HUD Fair Market Rent
What Should Rent Cost in Ames?
Typical rent ranges based on HUD benchmarks and market data. In areas with limited listing data, ranges reflect federal benchmarks and may be wider than actual market conditions.
A studio in Ames typically rents for $1,040 – $1,196.
Rents above $1,375 are in the top 25% for this area.
A 1-bedroom in Ames typically rents for $1,096 – $1,260.
Rents above $1,449 are in the top 25% for this area.
A 2-bedroom in Ames typically rents for $1,236 – $1,421.
Rents above $1,634 are in the top 25% for this area.
A 3-bedroom in Ames typically rents for $1,718 – $1,976.
Rents above $2,272 are in the top 25% for this area.
A 4-bedroom in Ames typically rents for $2,070 – $2,381.
Rents above $2,738 are in the top 25% for this area.
Federal Rent Benchmarks for Ames
HUD Fair Market Rents are federal rent benchmarks published annually by HUD. They provide a consistent baseline for comparing rents across areas.
Studio
$1,040
HUD Fair Market Rent
1-Bedroom
$1,096
HUD Fair Market Rent
2-Bedroom
$1,236
HUD Fair Market Rent
3-Bedroom
$1,718
HUD Fair Market Rent
4-Bedroom
$2,070
HUD Fair Market Rent
Source: HUD SAFMR FY2026 · Updated
Zip Codes in Ames
Click any zip code for detailed rent data including zip-specific SAFMR rates, nearby comparables, and a free rent increase check.
SAFMR rates are zip-specific. YoY from Apartment List or Zillow ZORI where available.
How Does Ames Compare?
Questions about rent in Ames
What is the average 1-bedroom rent in Ames, IA?
The average 1-bedroom fair market rent in Ames, IA is $1,096/month as of 2026, based on HUD rent data across 5 ZIP codes in the city. This is 8% below the national average of $1,196/month. Rents range from $1,020 to $1,160 depending on ZIP code.
What is a fair rent increase in Ames?
A rent increase up to about 4.5% is broadly in line with the recent market trend in Ames. Increases above that level are above trend and should be tested against neighborhood-level pricing and comparable rentals. The current average 1-BR rent is $1,096/month.
Are rents going up or down in Ames?
Rents in Ames have increased 4.5% year over year based on local market data. This reflects local market conditions across 5 ZIP codes in the Ames, IA HUD Metro FMR Area area.
How much do rents vary across Ames?
1-bedroom rents across Ames range from $1,020 to $1,160 on this page, a $140/month spread. This shows that rent can vary materially across ZIP codes within the same city, reflecting neighborhood-level differences in housing stock and demand.
Can my landlord raise my rent in Ames?
We could not identify a city-specific rent cap for Ames. Landlords must still follow applicable state and local notice rules before raising rent at lease renewal. Requirements vary — check your state's landlord-tenant statute for specifics on notice periods and timing.
How much should I spend on rent in Ames?
The general guideline is to spend no more than 30% of your gross income on rent. With average 1-bedroom rent in Ames at $1,096/month, a household would need approximately $43,840/year in gross income to afford this comfortably. Many renters in high-cost areas spend above this threshold — our free tool can help you assess whether your specific rent is fair for your ZIP code.
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Renter Tools
Browse Ames ZIP Codes
See rent data by ZIP code in this city.
Renter Guides
- How to Negotiate a Rent Increase →
A data-driven guide with free email templates for pushing back on your landlord.
- Rent Increase Laws in Iowa →
See notice rules, caps, and tenant protections in Iowa.
- What Should I Pay for Rent? →
How to compare rent prices and know if you're getting a fair deal.
Market data updated monthly from public and third-party sources. Actual rents vary by unit, building, and lease terms. For informational purposes only — not legal or financial advice. See methodology →