M
MortgageMath
Free mortgage calculators for every state

Mortgage Calculator &
Closing Costs: Ames, IA

Mortgage payment estimates, closing cost breakdowns, and homebuying data for Ames, Iowa.

Median Home Price
$265K
Population
66K
Avg Monthly Rent
$1,080
Property Tax Rate
1.52%
Ames vs Iowa Median
The median home price in Ames is $265,000, which is 26% above the Iowa state median of $210,000.

Mortgage Calculator — Ames, IA

Pre-filled with Ames median home price and Iowa tax/insurance rates. Adjust for your property.

$
$53,000
%
%
years
IA avg
%
$
Monthly Payment (PITI)
$1,826
Principal + Interest + Tax + Insurance + PMI
Principal & Interest
$1,340
per month
Taxes & Insurance
$486
per month
Total Interest Paid
$270K
over 30 years
Total Loan Cost
$482K
all payments
Payment Breakdown
Loan Amount$212,000
Principal & Interest$1,340
Property Taxes$336
Homeowners Insurance$150
Total Monthly PITI$1,826

Closing Costs — Ames, IA

Estimated closing costs based on Iowa rates and fees applied to Ames prices.

$
%
Iowa: Avg closing costs 1.0% of price. Transfer tax: 0.16%.
Estimated Closing Costs
$10,283
3.9% of purchase price
Lender Fees
$2,333
origination, underwriting
Third-Party
$2,775
appraisal, title, inspection
Government Fees
$424
transfer taxes, recording
Prepaids + Escrow
$4,751
taxes, insurance, interest
Itemized Costs
Loan Origination (0.8%)$1,908
Underwriting Fee$350
Credit Report$75
Appraisal$550
Home Inspection$450
Title Search + Insurance$1,625
Recording Fee$150
Transfer Tax$424
Prepaid Taxes (3 mo)$1,007
Prepaid Insurance (12 mo)$1,800
Prepaid Interest (15 days)$637
Escrow Reserves$1,307
Total Closing Costs$10,283

Buying a Home in Ames, Iowa

The median home price in Ames is $265,000, 26% above the Iowa state median of $210,000. With a population of 66,427, Ames is a smaller market where home prices reflect strong demand and local economic factors.

Property taxes in Iowa average 1.52% annually. This higher-than-average tax rate means a $265,000 home in Ames would carry roughly $336/month in property taxes alone — plan accordingly. Homeowners insurance in Iowa runs approximately $1,800 per year. This is within the normal range nationally.

Average rent in Ames is $1,080/month. With a price-to-rent ratio above 20, renting could be more economical in the short term — use our Rent vs Buy calculator to model your specific timeline.

Ames presents moderate affordability. The $265K median puts homeownership within reach for median-income households, though down payment savings and closing costs require planning.

Run a Rent vs Buy analysis
Compare total costs of renting vs buying in Ames.
Rent vs Buy Calculator →
Explore all of Iowa: Iowa Mortgage Calculator & Closing Costs →

More Cities in Iowa

Related Guides

The First-Time Buyer Playbook
Free weekly guide: mortgage tips, market updates, and money-saving strategies. No spam.