The Cheapest Neighborhoods in Dallas

The cheapest neighborhoods in Dallas right now are Highland Meadows ($1,172.50/month), Old Lake Highlands ($1,245/month), and Riverway Estates–Bruton Terrace ($1,267/month). These areas offer median rents 31–36% below Dallas’s citywide median of $1,840, which can save budget-conscious renters about $565–$670 per month.

Dallas’s most affordable neighborhoods: At a glance

Dallas has plenty of options if you’re trying to keep rent manageable without leaving the city entirely. All median rents below reflect December 2025 data from Zumper’s internal analysis across all bedroom counts and rental unit types (studios, 1-bedrooms, 2-bedrooms, houses, condos, and apartments). We use a rolling 30-day window to capture the most reliable neighborhood-level pricing.

Understanding rental affordability in Dallas

Whether Dallas is affordable for you as a renter depends on your income, expenses, and where in the city you choose to live, among other bigger-picture (economical) factors.

According to U.S. Census Bureau data, the median household income in Dallas is approximately $67,760 annually (about $5,647 per month), while the median individual income is $73,600. Using the 30% budgeting guideline (spending no more than 30% of your gross monthly income on rent), the typical Dallas household can comfortably afford around $1,694 per month. That’s still below the city’s current median of $1,840, which helps explain why many renters feel stretched even in a relatively affordable major metro.

This gap is why the neighborhoods below matter—especially if you’re trying to stay within city limits while keeping housing costs aligned with your income.

To figure out what you can afford in Dallas, be sure to use Zumper’s rent calculator, which can help you find a personalized renter budget and apartments that meet your financial criteria.

Top 12 cheapest Dallas neighborhoods

The following Dallas neighborhoods offer different tradeoffs depending on where you need to be in the city. All median rents reflect data from Zumper’s internal analysis across all bedroom counts and rental unit types over a 30-day period.

1. Highland Meadows

At $1,172.50 per month (36% below the city median), Highland Meadows is Dallas’s most affordable neighborhood, with estimated savings of $667.50 per month ($8,010 annually). Located along the eastern edge of Lake Highlands, the area is known for its mid-century modern homes from the 1950s and 1960s.

It’s about 10 miles northeast of downtown Dallas, and I-635 makes getting around the city fairly straightforward. Nearby outdoor options include Norbuck Park, White Rock Lake, and the Dallas Arboretum. Commute times are reasonable, with 57% of residents traveling 29 minutes or less.

Transit access: 3/10 | Walkability: 6/10
Best for: Budget-conscious renters; mid-century modern enthusiasts; families who want affordability near parks with highway access

2. Old Lake Highlands

Old Lake Highlands has a median rent of $1,245, roughly 32% below the citywide median, saving renters about $595 per month.

This part of northeast Dallas is quieter and more settled, with older homes, mature trees, and less turnover than trendier areas. White Rock Lake is nearby, and 69% of residents commute 29 minutes or less.

Transit access: 3/10 | Walkability: 5/10
Best for: Families and young professionals seeking a more established neighborhood at a lower price point

3. Riverway Estates–Bruton Terrace

With a median rent of $1,267, Riverway Estates–Bruton Terrace offers about 31% savings compared to the Dallas median—roughly $573 per month.

This southeast Dallas neighborhood is more practical than polished, with mostly single-family homes and small apartment communities. Walkability is limited, but highway access matters here if you commute by car.

Transit access: 3/10 | Walkability: 5/10
Best for: Renters prioritizing maximum savings; households comfortable with car-dependent living

4. Pleasant Grove

Pleasant Grove’s $1,275 median rent is 31% below the city average, translating to about $565 in monthly savings.

The area has a strong neighborhood presence, with local parks, schools, and shopping centers that primarily serve nearby residents. Commute times vary, and many renters accept longer drives in exchange for lower rent.

Transit access: 3/10 | Walkability: 5/10
Best for: Renters focused on affordability; families seeking established residential areas

5. Redbird

Redbird also comes in at $1,275 per month, about 31% below the citywide median. Located in Oak Cliff, the neighborhood is anchored by the former Redbird Mall site, now part of the ongoing ReImagine Redbird redevelopment.

Most homes here are ranch-style or brick, often on larger, tree-shaded lots. Boulder Park offers wooded trails nearby, and freeway access via I-20 and Highway 67 keeps commutes manageable, with 66% of residents traveling 29 minutes or less.

Transit access: 3/10 | Walkability: 5/10
Best for: Families seeking affordability in an evolving Oak Cliff community; renters who value freeway access

6. Botello

Botello’s median rent of $1,325 sits about 28% below Dallas’s median, saving renters roughly $515 per month.

Compared to many other affordable areas, Botello is easier to get around on foot and has a quieter, residential feel.

Transit access: 6/10 | Walkability: 7/10
Best for: Renters looking for a close-knit community and walkability at below-market rents

7. Mount Auburn–Hollywood–Santa Monica

At $1,325 per month, this Oak Cliff neighborhood keeps rents lower without losing its identity. You’re close enough to Bishop Arts to enjoy it, without paying Bishop Arts–level rents.

Transit access and walkability are solid for the price, giving the area a more connected, urban feel than many similarly priced neighborhoods.

Transit access: 3/10 | Walkability: 6/10
Best for: Creative professionals and renters seeking Oak Cliff character without premium pricing

8. Prestonwood Estates

Prestonwood Estates has a median rent of $1,342, about 27% below the city median.

Located in far north Dallas, the area feels more suburban than central-city neighborhoods but offers good value for renters working in nearby employment corridors. Commute times are reasonable, with 63% of residents traveling 29 minutes or less.

Transit access: 3/10 | Walkability: 6/10
Best for: Families seeking northern Dallas value and established neighborhoods

9. Lake Cliff

At $1,370 per month, Lake Cliff rents come in roughly 26% below the Dallas median. This Oak Cliff neighborhood sits near Kiest Park and the Lake Cliff Historic District and tends to attract renters who value character and walkability.

Transit access: 6/10 | Walkability: 7/10
Best for: Renters seeking walkability and historic charm at a lower cost

10. Highlands of McKamy

With a median rent of $1,416, Highlands of McKamy offers 23% savings compared to the city median.

Located in northeast Dallas, the neighborhood sits close to White Rock Lake and other outdoor areas, and 76% of residents commute 29 minutes or less.

Transit access: 3/10 | Walkability: 6/10
Best for: Families and professionals wanting northeast Dallas affordability

11. Merriman Park

Merriman Park’s $1,426 median rent is also about 23% below the citywide median.

Tree-lined streets, older homes, and easy access to Bishop Arts make it a good fit for renters who want neighborhood character without higher rents.

Transit access: 4/10 | Walkability: 7/10
Best for: Renters looking for walkable Oak Cliff neighborhoods with personality

12. Lake Highlands

Lake Highlands rounds out the list at $1,430 per month, roughly 22% below the city median.

This large northeast Dallas area offers diverse housing options, access to White Rock Lake, shopping centers, and strong schools, which is why it remains popular with families looking for space, stability, and lower housing costs.

Transit access: 3/10 | Walkability: 6/10
Best for: Families seeking northeast Dallas affordability with everyday conveniences

Frequently asked questions about the most affordable neighborhoods in Dallas

What is the cheapest neighborhood in Dallas?

Highland Meadows is currently the cheapest neighborhood in Dallas, with a median rent of $1,172.50 per month. That’s 36% below the city median, or $667.50 cheaper per month than the typical Dallas apartment.

Where is rent cheapest in Dallas?

Rent is cheapest in southern and eastern Dallas neighborhoods, like Highland Meadows, Old Lake Highlands, and Riverway Estates–Bruton Terrace. In these areas, median rents range from $1,172.50 to $1,275 per month.

What are the most affordable neighborhoods in Dallas?

The most affordable neighborhoods in Dallas are Highland Meadows ($1,172), Old Lake Highlands ($1,245), Riverway Estates–Bruton Terrace ($1,267), Pleasant Grove ($1,275), Redbird ($1,275), Botello ($1,325), Mount Auburn–Hollywood–Santa Monica ($1,325), Prestonwood Estates ($1,342), Lake Cliff ($1,370), Highlands of McKamy ($1,416), Merriman Park ($1,426), and Lake Highlands ($1,430).

What neighborhoods in Dallas are under $1,300?

Five Dallas neighborhoods currently have median rents under $1,300 per month: Highland Meadows ($1,172.50), Old Lake Highlands ($1,245), Riverway Estates–Bruton Terrace ($1,267), Pleasant Grove ($1,275), and Redbird ($1,275).

How much cheaper are affordable Dallas neighborhoods compared to the city median?

The most affordable Dallas neighborhoods are 22–36% cheaper than the city median. This discount equates to about $410–$670 in monthly savings, or $4,920–$8,040 annually, compared to median-priced rentals.

What’s the cheapest area to rent near downtown Dallas?

The cheapest areas near downtown Dallas are in Mount Auburn–Hollywood–Santa Monica, Lake Cliff, and Merriman Park. Here renters can benefit from relatively short commutes at below-market rents.

Are there affordable Dallas neighborhoods with good walkability?

Yes. Lake Cliff and Merriman Park have lower rent prices but good walkability. Both have 7/10 walk scores and rents 23–26% below the city median.