Average Rent in Dallas 2026
The average rent in Dallas, TX is $1,400 for a 1-bedroom, $1,800 for a 2-bedroom, and $2,200 for a 3-bedroom apartment in 2026. The cost of living in Dallas is 3% above the national average. To afford a 1-bedroom apartment here using the 30% rule, you need an annual income of at least $56,000.
Dallas Rent Prices by Bedroom
1 Bedroom
$1,400
per month
2 Bedrooms
$1,800
per month
3 Bedrooms
$2,200
per month
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:
1-Bedroom
$1,400/mo rent
$56,000/yr
2-Bedroom
$1,800/mo rent
$72,000/yr
3-Bedroom
$2,200/mo rent
$88,000/yr
Based on the 30% rule: monthly rent should not exceed 30% of gross monthly income.
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.
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.
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.
Planning to rent in Dallas?