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Ames is a small town in Story Country, Iowa, US. It is one of the best places to live in Iowa and offers students a suburban mix of living. The place has many coffee shops, bars, parks and a good night scene.
Is Ames safe and affordable for students?
Ames has a small population and a safe town for students to live and study. The cost of living in Ames is $807 – $1091 excluding tuition fees. Ames is affordable to stay and study; its living costs are 19.7% less than the nation’s average.
Ames is home to Iowa State University, and many students come to study courses in various fields. Please bear in mind the cost of living will completely depend on your lifestyle.
Before we list the details of the cost of living in Ames, let’s summarize its cost.
| Expenses | Cost (Average) |
| Average Tuition Fees | $20,000 – $26,000 / Year |
| Accommodation | $366 – $650 / Month |
| Transportation | $55 / Month |
Costs of Tuition Fees
The cost of tuition fees for undergraduates and postgraduates will differ. The tuition fee will depend upon the course you choose and the university you enroll in! We have only given an average fee cost below, but check in with your university before applying.
| Undergraduate Tuition Fee | Post-Graduate Tuition Fee |
| $23,000 – $26,000 / Year | $20,000 – $26,000 / Year |
Student Accommodation Costs
The cost of student accommodation in Ames is affordable. Three types of accommodation are listed below to give you an idea of what is available for students to choose from!
1. Student Housing
Student housing is one of the most popular types of accommodation students demand. That’s because it provides a comfortable stay with the option to choose the desired room at an affordable price. Along with all this, students enjoy the modern facilities.
Most of the accommodations are at a distance of under 3 miles. While the ones outside of the city center are upto 20 miles.
| Student Housing | Price |
| Ensuite/ Studio | $366 – $650 / Month |
2. Private Apartment
Private apartments are now even rented out as student accommodation. They offer lower rents, shared basis (optional), and built-in amenities. The landlord owns the property and allows students to enjoy student life. It is located not far from the university’s campus.
| Apartment | Price |
| Private | $550 – $650 / Month |
3. University Halls
University Halls are owned and managed privately by universities. The rent is low; it has a shared hall, bathroom and kitchen. They provide student accommodation to students studying at the university only.
| University Hall | Price |
| Ensuite/ Studio | $600 – $1,200 / Month |
For more personalized information, use our cost of living calculator to estimate your desired area’s average cost of living.
Food
The cost of living is cheap and affordable in Ames, automatically making groceries cheap! Your monthly grocery could range somewhere between $302.22.
Utility Bills
The utility bills will include gas, electricity, heating, cooling etc. Staying in student housing will be included in your bills. As for university halls, you will have to check in with the university halls’ policies.
Transportation
Ames is a small town, and it is easy to get around by foot or cycle. Otherwise, there is CyRide transportation! The city’s bus system will take you to places around the town with 13 designated routes.
