Average Rent in Dallas 2026
Dallas Rent Prices by Bedroom
1 Bedroom
$1,400
per month
2 Bedrooms
$1,800
per month
3 Bedrooms
$2,200
per month
Monthly Housing Cost Breakdown in Dallas
Rent is only part of your monthly housing cost. Here is what the average Dallas renter pays when you add utilities, internet, and renters insurance to rent.
| Expense | 1-Bedroom | 2-Bedroom | 3-Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | $1,400 | $1,800 | $2,200 |
| Utilities (electric, gas, water, trash) | $100 | $125 | $150 |
| Internet | $70 | $70 | $70 |
| Renters insurance | $16 | $19 | $22 |
| Total monthly | $1,586 | $2,014 | $2,442 |
Utility estimates scale with Dallas’s cost of living index (103). Your actual bill depends on unit size, climate, and individual usage.
Cost of Living in Dallas
103
Cost of Living Index (100 = national average)
Dallas's cost of living index is 103, which is 3% above the national average. This index factors in housing, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and utilities. A higher number means you need more income to maintain the same standard of living compared to the national average.
Dallas at a Glance
Population
1.3M
Median Income
$60,737
COL Index
103
Rent Control
No
How Much Income Do You Need to Rent in Dallas?
The widely accepted guideline is to spend no more than 30% of your gross income on rent. Here is the minimum annual income you need to afford an apartment in Dallas by bedroom count.
| Apartment | Monthly Rent | Min Annual Income | Min Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Bedroom | $1,400/mo | $56,000 | $26.92/hr |
| 2-Bedroom | $1,800/mo | $72,000 | $34.62/hr |
| 3-Bedroom | $2,200/mo | $88,000 | $42.31/hr |
Based on the 30% rule and a 2,080-hour work year. Many landlords also require gross income of 2.5x to 3x the monthly rent or a guarantor who earns 80x rent annually.
What Rent Can You Afford in Dallas at Your Income?
Use this table to see the maximum monthly rent you can afford at different income levels, and which Dallas apartment sizes that fits.
| Annual Income | Gross Monthly | Max Rent (30%) | Fits in Dallas |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000/yr | $3,333 | $1,000 | Roommate required |
| $60,000/yr | $5,000 | $1,500 | 1-bedroom |
| $80,000/yr | $6,667 | $2,000 | 2-bedroom or smaller |
| $100,000/yr | $8,333 | $2,500 | 3-bedroom or smaller |
| $150,000/yr | $12,500 | $3,750 | 3-bedroom or smaller |
If your income puts a solo 1-bedroom out of reach, splitting a 2-bedroom with a roommate drops your share to $900 in Dallas — often the difference between affordable and not.
How Much You Save with a Roommate in Dallas
Save $500/month
by splitting a 2-bedroom with a roommate
Solo 1BR
$1,400
per month
Split 2BR
$900
per person/month
Annual Savings
$6,000
per year
Instead of paying $1,400 for a 1-bedroom on your own, splitting a 2-bedroom ($1,800) with one roommate brings your share to $900. That is $6,000 per year you could put toward savings, investments, or paying down debt. See the fair rent split calculator when rooms aren’t equal sizes.
Move-In Costs in Dallas
On top of your first month's rent, expect these upfront costs before the keys are in your hand. Plan for roughly 2-3 months of rent saved before signing a lease.
Security Deposit
$1,400–$2,800
1-2 months' rent, refundable
First Month
$1,400
Due at lease signing
Broker/App Fees
$50–$1,400
Varies by market and listing
Total upfront cash to sign a 1-bedroom lease in Dallas: $2,850–$5,600 depending on broker fees and deposit size.
Rent Control in Dallas
Dallas, TX does not currently have rent control or rent stabilization laws. Landlords can raise rent by any amount at lease renewal, though they are typically required to provide advance notice (usually 30-60 days). If you are concerned about rent increases, consider negotiating a longer lease term for price stability.
How Dallas Compares to Other US Cities
Dallas sits slightly above the US average on rent. Compare the 1-bedroom price with nearby tiers to see where you could move to spend less, or what to expect if you go pricier.
Cheaper than Dallas
See the full comparison across 50 US cities on the rent data hub or the cost of living comparison.
Rent Calculators for Dallas Renters
Use these free calculators to plan your Dallas rental budget, split rent with roommates, and check if you qualify for an apartment.
Rent Affordability Calculator
Find out how much rent you can afford based on your income.
Fair Rent Split Calculator
Split rent fairly by room size, features, and income.
Rent-to-Income Calculator
Check if you meet the 3x rent rule landlords require.
Renter Budget Calculator
Build a 50/30/20 budget around your rent payment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Dallas
Is Dallas expensive to rent in?
Dallas is near the national average for rental costs. A 1-bedroom averages $1,400 per month in 2026. Texas has no state income tax, which makes the effective cost of living more favorable for renters. Uptown and Deep Ellum are pricier, while South Dallas and Pleasant Grove are more affordable.
How much income do you need to rent in Dallas?
Using the 30% rule, you need about $4,667 per month ($56,000 annually) to afford an average $1,400/month 1-bedroom apartment in Dallas.
How much can you save by splitting rent with a roommate in Dallas?
Splitting a 2-bedroom ($1,800/month) with one roommate brings your share to $900, saving $500 per month or $6,000 per year versus renting a 1-bedroom alone.
What utilities should you budget for in Dallas?
Renters in Dallas typically pay about $100 per month for utilities (electric, gas, water, trash) on a 1-bedroom apartment. Internet adds another $60-$80 per month, and renters insurance runs around $16 per month. Altogether, plan for roughly $186 on top of your $1,400 rent.
How much is a security deposit in Dallas?
Most Dallas landlords ask for a security deposit equal to 1 month's rent — about $1,400 for a 1-bedroom at the Dallas average. Some properties charge up to 2 months ($2,800), especially for tenants without local rental history or with lower credit scores. Pet deposits usually add another $250-$500 on top.
Is Dallas affordable on the median household income?
Yes. The median household income in Dallas is $60,737, which comes out to about $5,061 per month. At the average 1-bedroom rent of $1,400, that's roughly 28% of gross monthly income — within the 30% rule most budget guides recommend.
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Planning to rent in Dallas?