Renters looking for relief from Dallas’s rising rents have plenty of nearby options. Cities like Cockrell Hill, Mesquite, and Garland offer rents well below Dallas while still keeping you within a reasonable commute of major job centers, entertainment districts, and everyday amenities. Other cities near Dallas may be pricier, but offer great access to downtown without having to live in the middle of the city.
Dallas’s median rent is about $1,840, according to Zumper’s rental data, which is why many renters look to nearby cities for lower monthly payments. If Dallas proper feels out of reach—or you just want more space for your money—the surrounding DFW cities can offer meaningful savings without a major lifestyle downgrade. Below, we break down 12 cities near Dallas with cheaper rents.
Why live near Dallas, not in it?
Many renters choose to live outside of Dallas to find cheaper rents, more space, parking, and for a slower, more suburban pace of life. The Dallas–Fort Worth metro area covers more than 9,000 square miles and is home to roughly 7.6 million people, making it of the largest cities in Texas. It’s also seen growth in the last year, with rents increasing 5%, meaning affordability and savings are often the primary motivation. And while Dallas has plenty of neighborhoods to choose from, some with affordable rent prices, cities surrounding Dallas have rent prices that could help renters save $400–$1,000 or more a month, which can add up to $5,000–$12,000 per year, while also benefiting from all that more suburban environments have to offer.
More space for the money becomes possible in suburban cities. The same budget that secures a one-bedroom in Dallas often rents a two-bedroom apartment with additional amenities in nearby communities.
Also, not all renters want to live in the most urban environments. Nearby locales, outside of Dallas, attract people who appreciate quieter residential neighborhoods, easier parking, shorter lines at local businesses, and stronger community atmospheres. These areas sometimes come with more family-friendly amenities, as well, like highly-rated schools, parks, recreational facilities.
Parking availability cannot be overstated in car-dependent Texas. Suburban cities typically offer more abundant, affordable, or free parking compared to Dallas’s competitive parking markets.
The trade-off is usually a longer commute and fewer nightlife options—but with highways like I-30, I-35E, I-635, and the President George Bush Turnpike, plus (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) rail service in several suburbs, the balance often works out.
What are the best cities near Dallas for renters?
The best cities near Dallas for renters seeking cheaper rents, include Cockrell Hill, Mesquite, Garland, and Irving. For renters who can afford Dallas’s median rent or more but want a different lifestyle, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, might like Addison, Lancaster, or Plano.
| Rank | City | Median Rent | Monthly Savings vs. Dallas |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cockrell Hill | $1,172.50 | $667.50 |
| 2 | Duncanville | $1,524.50 | $315.50 |
| 3 | Mesquite | $1,595 | $245 |
| 4 | Irving | $1,615 | $225 |
| 5 | Garland | $1,651 | $189 |
| 6 | Balch Springs | $1,685 | $155 |
| 7 | Hutchins | $1,735 | $105 |
| 8 | DeSoto | $1,762.50 | $77.50 |
| 9 | Richardson | $1,765 | $75 |
| 10 | Farmers Branch | $1,779 | $61 |
| 11 | Carrollton | $1,779 | $61 |
| 12 | Addison | $1,828 | $12 |
| 13 | Lancaster | $1,899.50 | -$59.50 |
| 14 | Plano | $2,132.50 | -$292.50 |
| 15 | Sachse | $2,350 | -$510 |
| 16 | Rowlett | $2,400 | -$560 |
Median rents come from Zumper’s internal analysis of Dallas-area rental listings across all bedroom types and unit styles, using a rolling 30-day data window.
How much is rent in Dallas?
As of early 2026, the median rent in Dallas hovers around $1,840, a 5% increase from 2025, reflecting the region’s strong job market and continued population growth. According to U.S. Census Bureau data, the median household income in Dallas is roughly $67,760 per year, or about $5,647 per month.
Housing experts typically recommend spending no more than 30% of gross monthly income on rent. Using that guideline, the typical Dallas household can comfortably afford around $1,694 per month. With median rents sitting higher than that threshold, many renters find nearby cities especially appealing for staying within budget. For a more tailored recommendation on how much you should spend on rent, use Zumper’s rent calculator, which can also provide you with apartments that meet your criteria.
16 great towns and cities near Dallas to consider
Cockrell Hill
At $1,172.50 median rent, Cockrell Hill offers the deepest savings in the Dallas metro—48% below Dallas proper. This small city of 3,736 residents sits just 9 miles west of downtown Dallas, providing exceptional urban proximity at suburban prices. The median household income of $53,788 suggests affordability for many budget-conscious renters.
Cockrell Hill’s location offers quick access to Dallas via Interstate 30 and Highway 67, making it ideal for commuters working in Oak Cliff, downtown Dallas, or southwest Dallas employment centers. The city’s small size means limited local amenities, but its position allows easy access to Dallas’s restaurants, shopping, and entertainment. The area appeals to renters prioritizing maximum savings and urban proximity over neighborhood amenities.
Monthly savings of $1,067.50 translate to nearly $13,000 annually—funds that could dramatically accelerate financial goals or provide breathing room for Dallas residents feeling budget pressure.
Best for: Budget-focused renters seeking maximum savings with quick Dallas access and comfort with car-dependent living.
Duncanville
Located 14 miles southwest of downtown Dallas, Duncanville‘s $1,524.50 median rent—17% below Dallas—allows renters to have cheaper monthly payments in a community of 39,879 residents, perfect for those seeking suburban affordability without sacrificing convenience.
The city provides straightforward access to Dallas via Interstate 20 and Highway 67, with commute times to downtown typically ranging 25-35 minutes depending on traffic. Duncanville maintains a residential character with local parks and community events while keeping renters connected to Dallas employment centers and entertainment.
Monthly savings of $315.50 amount to approximately $3,800 per year compared to Dallas proper.
Best for: Families seeking affordable suburban living with reasonable Dallas access; renters wanting savings while maintaining proximity to the city.
Mesquite
Mesquite offers $1,595 median rent—29% below Dallas—in a city of 219,000 residents just 10 miles east of downtown. Known as the “Rodeo Capital of Texas,” Mesquite combines suburban affordability with distinctive character. The median household income of $71,843, indicating accessibility for renters at a variety of income levels.
The city features the Mesquite Championship Rodeo, Town East Mall, and extensive recreational facilities including the Mesquite Arts Center. The area offers suburban living with urban connectivity at reasonable prices. Interstate 635 and Interstate 30 provide straightforward Dallas access, while DART’s Blue Line extends into Mesquite, offering public transit options for downtown commuters.
Best for: Families seeking affordability and good schools; young professionals wanting affordability with city access; rodeo culture enthusiasts who appreciate the city’s unique Western heritage; renters wanting DART access at below-market rates
Garland
Garland‘s $1,651 median rent sits 26% below Dallas’s median while offering big-city amenities in a community of 245,298 residents located 12 miles northeast of Dallas. The median household income of $74,717 means the area is affordable for many Dallas-area workers. Garland features diverse neighborhoods, numerous parks, and its own downtown entertainment district. The city’s size also means it functions as its own employment center with corporate offices, manufacturing, and retail employers, potentially eliminating Dallas commutes entirely for some residents.
DART’s Blue Line serves Garland with multiple stations, facilitating transit commutes to downtown Dallas and other rail-connected destinations. Major highways including Interstate 635 and President George Bush Turnpike provide additional connectivity. With international restaurants, cultural events, and family-oriented neighborhoods, the city attracts diverse communities .
Best for: Families from diverse backgrounds; DART commuters; renters seeking city amenities at suburban prices
Irving
Strategically positioned between Dallas and Fort Worth, just 11 miles northwest of downtown Dallas, Irving offers $1,615 median rent—28% below Dallas. The median household income in this city of 255,036 residents is $79,641. Irving hosts Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and numerous corporate headquarters.
The city’s location near DFW Airport makes it ideal for aviation and hospitality workers. Las Colinas, Irving’s upscale mixed-use development, features the Mandalay Canal Walk, office towers, and entertainment venues. DART’s Orange Line serves Irving, connecting to downtown Dallas and DFW Airport.
Best for: Airport workers, corporate employees, and renters wanting central metroplex location with transit access
Balch Springs
Balch Springs has a median rent of around $1,685—8% below Dallas—and is a small city of 27,181 residents located 11 miles southeast of downtown.
The city’s position along Interstate 20 and near the President George Bush Turnpike provides workable access to Dallas and surrounding employment centers. Balch Springs functions primarily as a residential community, with most amenities and services requiring short drives to neighboring cities or Dallas proper. The area suits renters comfortable with a quieter, less amenity-dense environment in exchange for lower housing costs.
Monthly savings of $155 translate to approximately $1,900 annually.
Best for: Budget-conscious renters seeking modest savings; residents comfortable with car-dependent residential areas; workers with jobs in southeast Dallas or along I-20 corridor.
Hutchins
With rent just 6% below Dallas, at $1,735 per month, Hutchins is a good option for renters looking for moderately cheaper rent.
This compact city sits along Interstate 45 and Interstate 20, providing direct highway access to Dallas and industrial employment centers in the southern metro area. Hutchins’ small population means limited local services and amenities—renters rely heavily on neighboring communities and Dallas for shopping, dining, and entertainment. The area attracts residents prioritizing affordability and highway accessibility over walkability or local amenities.
Best for: Budget-conscious renters needing I-45 or I-20 access; workers in southern Dallas industrial areas; renters comfortable with minimal local services.
DeSoto
DeSoto’s median rent of $1,762.50 is 4% below Dallas, and is located 16 miles south of downtown Dallas.
The city provides access to Dallas via Interstate 35E and Highway 67, with typical commute times of 25-35 minutes to downtown depending on traffic. DeSoto maintains an established residential character with good schools, community parks, and local shopping. The area appeals to families seeking suburban stability without paying premium Dallas rents, though the relatively modest savings compared to Dallas proper means location and lifestyle factors often matter as much as cost.
Best for: Families prioritizing schools and suburban environment; middle-income renters seeking modest savings with maintained quality of life.
Richardson
Richardson is a slightly more affluent city of 118,269 residents located 10 miles north of downtown Dallas, with a median rent of $1,765 per month. Here, renters will find a community where residents prioritize location, schools, and amenities.
DART’s Orange Line serves Richardson with multiple stations, providing convenient rail access to downtown Dallas and other metro destinations. Major highways including Interstate 75 (Central Expressway) and President George Bush Turnpike create strong connectivity throughout the metro area. Richardson hosts the Telecom Corridor, a significant employment center with technology and corporate offices, meaning many residents can work locally without Dallas commutes.
The city features strong schools, the University of Texas at Dallas campus, extensive parks and trails, and diverse dining options particularly along the Belt Line Road corridor. Richardson attracts professionals and families willing to pay near-Dallas rents for superior schools, local employment options, and established neighborhoods.
Best for: Tech professionals working in Telecom Corridor; families prioritizing highly-rated schools; DART commuters seeking suburban amenities with urban connectivity.
Farmers Branch
Just 10 miles north of downtown, Farmers Branch has a median rent of $1,779, which falls 21% below Dallas proper. The city features numerous parks and recreational trails, plus an active community calendar with seasonal festivals and neighborhood events such as farmers markets and concerts.
Interstate 35E and the Dallas North Tollway provide excellent Dallas connectivity. Farmers Branch’s mature neighborhoods feature tree-lined streets and well-maintained properties. The area’s proximity to major employment corridors in North Dallas, Addison, and Carrollton creates employment diversity without requiring downtown commutes.
Best for: Families seeking established neighborhoods; professionals wanting convenient Dallas access; renters appreciating community atmosphere
Carrollton
Carrollton offers $1,779 median rent—21% below Dallas—in a growing city of 132,741 residents 14 miles north of downtown. Carrollton features excellent schools, numerous parks, and the historic downtown square.
The city sits along Interstate 35E with DART Green Line access providing downtown Dallas connectivity. Carrollton attracts families seeking top-rated schools and safe neighborhoods. The city’s growth brings new restaurants, shopping, and entertainment while maintaining suburban character.
Carrollton’s position in the northern suburbs offers easy access to Plano, Addison, and North Dallas employment centers, potentially shortening commutes for workers in these areas compared to Dallas residents.Best for: Growing families prioritizing schools; professionals seeking suburban quality of life; renters wanting DART access
Addison
Addison‘s rent is about on-par with Dallas, at $1,828 median rent (just 1% below) and is a small, upscale city of 17,128 residents located 10 miles north of downtown Dallas. It’s popular with young professionals and established residents drawn to life outside of Dallas but with charm and character.
This compact city packs significant amenities into just 4.4 square miles, including Addison Circle (a mixed-use urban village), extensive dining along Belt Line Road, and Addison Airport. The city hosts numerous festivals and events, most notably Kaboom Town (one of the nation’s largest July 4th celebrations) and Oktoberfest. DART bus service connects to nearby rail stations, while Addison’s position between Interstate 635 and the Dallas North Tollway provides strong highway connectivity.
Addison functions as an employment center with significant office space and corporate headquarters, meaning many residents work where they live. The area attracts renters valuing walkable urban amenities, diverse dining, and central metro location more than substantial rent savings.
Best for: Young professionals seeking urban village atmosphere; renters prioritizing dining and entertainment walkability; workers employed locally in Addison’s office corridors.
Lancaster
Lancaster has a median rent that hovers around $1,899 per month, which is actually slightly more expensive than Dallas.
Located 14 miles south of Dallas, along Interstate 35E and Interstate 20, Lancaster provides highway access to Dallas and southern employment centers. The city maintains a residential suburban character with local parks and schools, though fewer amenities than larger suburbs. Despite being geographically outside Dallas, current rental pricing offers no financial advantage over Dallas proper, and actually costs renters more monthly.
Best for: Renters with specific employment in Lancaster or southern I-35E corridor; residents prioritizing suburban residential setting over cost savings.
Plano
Plano is significantly more expensive than Dallas—16% more—with average rent sitting at $2,132, reflecting its status as one of the metro’s most desirable suburbs.
This city of 287,339 residents located 17 miles north of downtown Dallas, and is served by DART’s Red Line with multiple stations, connecting to downtown Dallas and other rail destinations. Major highways including Central Expressway (US 75), President George Bush Turnpike, and the Dallas North Tollway create extensive connectivity. Plano serves as a major employment hub with corporate headquarters (Toyota North America, Liberty Mutual, JPMorgan Chase, and others), meaning many residents maintain short local commutes.
The city offers highly-rated schools consistently ranked among Texas’s best, extensive parks and trails, upscale shopping at Legacy West and The Shops at Legacy, diverse dining, and well-maintained neighborhoods. Plano attracts families and professionals prioritizing schools, safety, and suburban amenities over cost considerations.
Best for: Families prioritizing top-tier schools; corporate professionals working in Plano’s employment centers; affluent renters seeking premium suburban lifestyle.
Sachse
Sachse‘s $2,350 median rent is nearly 30% higher than Dallas. It’s a small, affluent city of 29,075 residents located 15 miles northeast of downtown Dallas.
This residential suburb offers a quiet, family-oriented environment with local parks and highly-rated schools. Highway access via President George Bush Turnpike and proximity to Garland and Richardson provide connections to employment centers and urban amenities, though no DART rail service exists. Sachse functions primarily as a residential enclave—renters pay premium prices for low-density neighborhoods, strong schools, and an affluent community atmosphere rather than cost savings or urban convenience.
Best for: High-income families prioritizing top schools and quiet residential environment; residents willing to pay significant premiums for suburban exclusivity.
Rowlett
Rowlett is the most expensive option on this list, with an average rent of $2,400 median rent.
Situated along Lake Ray Hubbard, Rowlett offers waterfront access, boating, and recreational opportunities unavailable in most DFW suburbs. The city features good schools, parks, and a growing downtown area. DART’s Blue Line serves Rowlett, providing rail access to downtown Dallas and other metro destinations, though many residents commute by car via Interstate 30 or President George Bush Turnpike.
Rowlett’s appeal centers on lake access and suburban lifestyle rather than affordability. Renters choosing Rowlett typically prioritize waterfront recreation, established neighborhoods, and specific employment locations over cost considerations.
Best for: Renters prioritizing Lake Ray Hubbard access and water recreation; families seeking good schools with waterfront lifestyle; high-income households where cost is secondary to location.
How to choose the right city near Dallas
Start with your commute. A 10-mile distance can mean very different travel times depending on traffic and transit access. If you work downtown, cities with DART rail can make daily travel much easier.
Next, consider how much rent savings actually matter to you. For some renters, saving $400 per month is enough. For others, deeper savings are worth giving up certain amenities. As this analysis shows, several cities near Dallas actually cost more than Dallas itself—these premium suburbs attract renters prioritizing schools, specific locations, or lifestyle factors over affordability.
Finally, think about lifestyle. Suburban cities vary widely in pace, dining options, and community feel, so visiting neighborhoods at different times of day can help clarify the best fit.
Frequently asked questions about cities near Dallas
What is the cheapest city near Dallas?
Cockrell Hill is the cheapest city near Dallas in 2026, with a median rent of $1,172.50.
How much can I save by living near Dallas?
Most renters save between $400 and $1,100 per month compared to Dallas, depending on the city.
Which cities near Dallas have public transit?
Mesquite, Garland, Irving, Carrollton, and Richardson all have DART light rail access.
Are cities near Dallas good for families?
Yes. Carrollton, Farmers Branch, DeSoto, and Mesquite are especially popular with families.
Is it possible to live near Dallas without a car?
It’s possible in DART-served cities, but car ownership still offers much more flexibility across the DFW area.
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