The Ankeny Brief

Moving guide · Renting in Ankeny

Apartments in Ankeny: what rent costs, where to look, and what to budget beyond the lease.

Ankeny is one of the fastest-growing suburbs in Iowa, and a lot of that growth is new apartments, so if you're looking to rent here, you've got options. Here's the plain renter's guide: what a one or two bedroom actually costs, where the apartments cluster, and the costs beyond rent that catch people off guard.

The quick answer

Renting in Ankeny generally runs about $1,050 to $1,300 a month for a one-bedroom and roughly $1,300 to $1,500 for a two-bedroom, depending on the complex, the age of the building, and included amenities. Rent estimates vary a lot by source, but the takeaway holds: Ankeny rents well below the national average while offering newer buildings than most of the metro.

The numbers

What rent costs in Ankeny

Rent figures differ depending on which listing site you check, so treat these as ranges, not exact quotes, and always price the specific unit:

Studio / small 1BR~$950-$1,150
One bedroom~$1,050-$1,300
Two bedroom~$1,300-$1,500
Three bedroom / townhome$1,600+
Vs. U.S. averageWell below

Newer luxury complexes with pools, gyms, and attached garages sit at the top of those ranges; older buildings and smaller landlords sit lower. For how rent fits the wider budget, see our cost of living in Ankeny guide.

Where to look

Where the apartments are

Ankeny's rentals cluster in a few areas:

For what each part of town is like, our neighborhoods guide breaks down the quadrants and Prairie Trail.

The real budget

What to budget beyond rent

Rent is only part of the monthly number. Plan for:

Finding a place

Tips for the search

A few things that help in a fast market: tour in person before signing, ask what's included versus billed separately, check the commute at your actual rush hour, and read the lease's rules on subletting and lease-breaking. Newer complexes sometimes run move-in specials, so it's worth asking about current promotions. If you're moving from out of town, our full moving to Ankeny guide covers schools, commute, and what the town is like.

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Quick answers

Renting in Ankeny FAQ

How much is rent in Ankeny, Iowa?

A one-bedroom generally runs about $1,050 to $1,300 and a two-bedroom about $1,300 to $1,500, depending on the building and amenities. It's well below the national average.

Where are the newest apartments in Ankeny?

Mostly on the east side around Prairie Trail (50023) and in the NW and SW growth areas. Prairie Trail is the walkable, newest option.

Is Ankeny a good place to rent?

For many people, yes: newer buildings, rents below the national average, low crime, and good schools. It's a car-oriented suburb, so weigh the commute.

What should I budget beyond rent in Ankeny?

Utilities, a security deposit and application/admin/pet fees, monthly pet rent, garage parking if you want it, and renters insurance (usually required and cheap). See our utilities guide.

Do you need a car to live in Ankeny?

Practically yes. It's a car-oriented suburb; Prairie Trail and Uptown are the most walkable pockets, but you'll want a car for most trips.

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Sources: Zumper, Apartments.com, RentCafe, and Apartment List (Ankeny rent averages and trends, 2025-2026); local knowledge of where rentals cluster. Rent estimates vary widely by source and change over time, and utility and fee arrangements depend on the specific lease; always price the exact unit and read the lease before signing.