Is It Cheap to Rent in Texas? Real Numbers, Tips, and What to Expect

Texas gets a lot of buzz for being “cheap” when it comes to renting flats, but what does that even mean right now? You’ll see ads shouting about low prices, but your wallet might feel otherwise once you start digging. So, is it really cheaper to rent here compared to other states, or is that just old news?

If you’re thinking of moving—maybe bringing your dog and your entire crew (shoutout to Rufus and Elara in my case)—knowing real prices is key. Cities like Austin have seen crazy rent hikes, while smaller towns still stick to those legendary low numbers. You can get a one-bedroom in some rural areas for what a single dinner out costs in New York, but try renting in Dallas’ trendiest spots and you’ll notice your bank account whimpering.

And it’s not just about rent stickers. There are sneaky extra charges: pet fees, parking spots, even weird “amenity” costs in some apartment complexes. A move to Texas isn’t a one-size-fits-all bargain—where you look, how flexible you are, and little tricks locals use all play a huge role in what you actually pay.

• What Rent Actually Looks Like in Texas
• Texas vs. Other States: The Dollar Breakdown
• Hidden Costs and Local Quirks
• How to Score a Good Rental Deal in Texas

What Rent Actually Looks Like in Texas

If you focus on numbers, here’s the lowdown: the average apartment rent in Texas was about $1,340 per month in early 2025, according to the Texas Apartment Association. But averages only tell you so much—Dallas and Austin both push that number up, while places like Lubbock, Waco, and smaller towns keep it much lower.

Let’s break it down by city so you know what you’re walking into:

• Texas rent in Houston: Expect around $1,300 for a decent one-bedroom close to the inner loop. Suburbs drop to under $1,000 but commute times can grow.
• Austin: Rents have soared, with one-bedrooms averaging about $1,700—some spots go higher than Dallas or Houston, especially near tech hubs or the University of Texas.
• San Antonio: More budget-friendly, with $1,100 landing you a newer one-bedroom flat in many neighborhoods.
• Dallas: Prices are a mixed bag, but $1,400 is a safe bet near the city center, with bargains under $1,200 further out.
• Rural and smaller cities: Truly cheap rent is still alive here—$700 gets you a decent place, but don’t expect fancy amenities or short commutes.

Larger apartments—think two-bedrooms for a family—usually run $300 to $500 more per month. New build complexes and high-rises, especially the ones with gyms and pools, are pricier across the board.

Move-in specials are common, so keep an eye out for offers like “first month free” or discounted deposits. But be smart—sometimes properties bump up the rent later to balance out those perks.

So, is rent actually cheap? It depends on your city, how much space you want, and whether you’re cool doing dishes in a dated kitchen so you can save for other things—like your kid’s soccer trips or extra dog treats for Rufus.

Texas vs. Other States: The Dollar Breakdown

So, how does renting in Texas really stack up when you look at the numbers next to other states? Let’s skip the myths and look at actual rent prices from late 2024, since things keep shifting fast.

According to Zillow, the average rent for a standard one-bedroom apartment in Texas was around $1,225. Compare this with California, where the average is closer to $2,520, or New York, which is usually sitting around $2,350 for the same kind of unit. Florida, which gets a lot of the same “moving wave” as Texas, comes in higher too, at about $1,660.

"Texas remains one of the most affordable major states in the housing market, especially outside big metros like Austin and Dallas," said Rob Warnock, a senior research associate at Apartment List.

But keep in mind, those averages tell only part of the story. In Austin, monthly rent jumped to about $1,550 for a one-bedroom, thanks to a tech boom and folks pouring in from pricier states. Meanwhile, cities like San Antonio or Lubbock still list places for just under $1,100.

• Texas rent can drop below $900 if you’re flexible on area or size, something that’s nearly laughable in cities like Los Angeles.
• Even Houston’s suburbs offer deals that beat similar neighborhoods in Atlanta or Denver.
• Utilities and extra costs (think trash, water, pet rent) are usually lower in Texas than in northern states like Illinois or Massachusetts.

So yeah, on average, you’ll spend less for the same space in Texas. But if you’re eyeing a hotspot or want new builds with every amenity, expect sticker shock just like anywhere else. The “cheap” reputation holds up—mostly outside the trendiest parts or if you chase value over location.

Hidden Costs and Local Quirks

When you spot a low price for rent in Texas, it’s never the whole story. The advertised amount can be miles away from your real monthly bill once you stack on all the extras. In some places, landlords jump at the chance to charge for just about everything—and some costs are surprisingly unique to Texas.

The most common surprise? Pet fees. If you move in with a dog, like my Rufus, expect a non-refundable pet deposit (usually $200-400) plus a monthly pet rent ($15-25 per animal isn't rare). Add in breed restrictions in certain complexes, especially for bigger dogs. And that sweet free parking? Don’t count on it in Dallas or Houston downtown. A reserved spot can tack on $50-125 a month.

Utilities are another sneaky expense. Unlike some states where your rent covers water, trash, or even electricity, Texas landlords often pass those costs to renters. Air conditioning is a must in pretty much every city from April through October, and electric bills can spike fast—sometimes $100 to $200 a month for a one-bedroom, especially if your place is older or poorly insulated. Here’s a snapshot from three Texas cities just so you get the idea:

Rental application fees are another thing you can’t ignore—usually $50-100 per adult, and sometimes you’ll get hit with “move-in” fees that have nothing to do with your deposit. Watch out for "amenity fees" in newer complexes too; you might end up paying a monthly charge for stuff like gym access or package lockers you rarely use.

• Ask about all extra fees upfront—write them down before you sign anything.
• If you’re not a gym rat, check if those amenity fees are optional. Sometimes you can opt out.
• Make sure you know what utilities you’re responsible for. If you have a big dog or several pets, budget pet fees into your total cost.

Texas is big on "tenant pays for repairs" language in some leases. Always read the fine print. Some landlords try to shift basic maintenance to tenants, especially in older buildings or duplexes. If you don’t want to pay for AC repairs during a heat wave, get clarity before you move in. These quirks aren’t dealbreakers, but they definitely change the math—and might make that supposedly cheap apartment more expensive than you thought.

How to Score a Good Rental Deal in Texas

Trying to find a rental in Texas that won't leave you broke? You're definitely not alone. There's still a way to grab a solid deal, but it means playing a bit smarter than just clicking the first ad that pops up. Timing, patience, and a little digging can save you hundreds each month.

First, here's a quick peek at the average rents across big Texas cities for 2025:

So, how do you land a better deal on a Texas rent?

• Look outside the hottest neighborhoods. Downtowns and trendy areas cost more, so check out nearby zip codes or older parts of town. Sometimes even three miles away will save you $300 a month.
• Move during the off-season. Most people apartment hunt in summer, so try looking in late fall or early winter. Landlords are way more likely to cut you a deal if it's slow.
• Negotiate—seriously. Don't just accept the sticker price. Ask for lower rent, especially if you notice a place has been sitting empty. Some landlords prefer a stable tenant over holding out for a few extra bucks.
• Bundle up on deals. Some places offer the first month free, free parking, or throw in utilities. These promos matter, so always ask if there’s a deal they forgot to mention.
• Watch the hidden fees. Read every line of that lease. Things like pet rent or parking aren’t always obvious at first glance. Rufus loves Texas, but those dog fees add up fast.
• Use local websites and social media. Facebook groups and neighborhood apps like Nextdoor often have listings before they pop up on big apartment sites. Locals usually post cheaper options there.
• Check your credit and rental history beforehand. Many landlords offer better rates to renters they see as low-risk. It sounds boring, but it helps.

One more tip: Military, students, and teachers sometimes get discounts or special deals in Texas, especially near big colleges or bases. Ask about these if you qualify.

Bottom line: Patience and hustle pay off. Every $50 you save each month is $600 a year—money for Tex-Mex or an extra treat for your dog.