Dallas is moderately affordable for renters in 2026. The median rent sits at $1,840 per month, which is slightly below the national median of roughly $2,000. To stay within the commonly recommended 30% income guideline, renters need an annual income of about $73,600. That’s a bit higher than Dallas’s median household income of $67,760, meaning many renters are stretching slightly—but not dramatically—to make the numbers work.
Affordability in Dallas isn’t one-size-fits-all. With neighborhoods ranging from about $1,170 to well over $3,000 per month, where you live matters just as much as how much you earn. Below, we break down rents, income requirements, neighborhood options, and current market conditions to help you decide whether Dallas fits your budget in 2026.
How much is rent in Dallas?
As of early this year, Dallas rents break down as follows:
- All bedrooms (overall median): $1,840/month
- One-bedroom apartments: $1,440/month
- Two-bedroom apartments: $2,050/month
These figures come from Zumper’s internal data and reflect median rents across apartments, condos, and houses within Dallas city limits over a 30-day period.
On a month-over-month basis, rent overall has been largely flat. Year over year, rents rose more modestly: the overall median increased almost 5%, as did one-bedrooms and two-bedrooms.
What this means for renters: Dallas appears to be settling after several years of sharp rent growth. While prices are still edging up, the pace has slowed, which can give renters a bit more breathing room—and in some cases, leverage to negotiate.
How much do you need to earn to afford rent in Dallas?
A common rule of thumb is to spend no more than 30% of your gross income on rent. This helps leave room for essentials like utilities, food, transportation, healthcare, and savings.
For example, if you earn $60,000 per year ($5,000 per month), keeping rent around $1,500 helps maintain a balanced budget.
Income needed for Dallas’s median rent:
- Monthly income: $6,133
- Annual income: $73,600
Dallas’s median household income of $67,760 falls a bit short of that target. At the citywide median rent, the typical household would spend about 33% of gross income on rent—above the guideline, but not severely cost-burdened.
Income requirements by apartment type:
- One-bedroom ($1,440/month): $51,840/year
- Two-bedroom ($2,050/month): $73,800/year
For singles or couples, one-bedrooms are generally within reach. Two-bedrooms are more manageable for dual-income households or renters who choose lower-priced neighborhoods.
Finding affordable neighborhoods in Dallas
Dallas’s neighborhood mix creates wide swings in rent. Some of the most affordable areas are 28–36% cheaper than the citywide median, which can translate into meaningful monthly savings.
Most affordable Dallas neighborhoods:
- Highland Meadows: $1,172.50/month (36% below median; saves $667.50/month)
- Old Lake Highlands: $1,245/month (32% below median; saves $595/month)
- Riverway Estates–Bruton Terrace: $1,267/month (31% below median; saves $573/month)
- Redbird: $1,275/month (31% below median; saves $565/month)
Highland Meadows, for example, requires an annual income of about $42,210 to stay within the 30% guideline—well below Dallas’s median household income.
From an income perspective, a renter earning $50,000 annually could comfortably afford any of these neighborhoods. In Highland Meadows, rent would take up just 28% of gross income, leaving room for other expenses and savings.
For contrast, some of Dallas’s priciest neighborhoods—like Lakewood Heights ($3,151), Hockaday ($3,100), Caruth Hills ($3,031), and Uptown ($3,003.50)—require incomes north of $108,000 to stay within the 30% rule. That gap highlights just how much neighborhood choice matters in Dallas.
How Dallas compares to state and national rent levels
Looking beyond the city helps put Dallas affordability into context.
Dallas rent vs. nearby Texas cities:
- Dallas: $1,840/month
- Fort Worth: $1,799/month (about $41 cheaper)
- Arlington: $1,524/month (about $316 cheaper)
- Irving: $1,615/month (about $225 cheaper)
As you can see, Dallas prices are in the middle of the pack—more expensive than some nearby suburbs, but still reasonable for a major job center.
Dallas vs. the national median:
With a median rent about 8% below the national average, Dallas offers better value than many large U.S. cities. It’s significantly more affordable than places like San Francisco ($2,900+), New York City ($4,000+), or even Seattle ($1,950), while still offering strong job opportunities across finance, healthcare, tech, and corporate sectors.
Is Dallas affordable for different types of renters?
Affordability in Dallas looks different depending on who you are and how you live.
Singles:
Professionals earning $50,000–$70,000 can generally make Dallas work, especially in one-bedroom apartments or lower-cost neighborhoods.
Couples and roommates:
Dual-income households earning $80,000–$100,000+ often find Dallas quite comfortable. Two-bedroom apartments are easier to manage, and higher-end neighborhoods may be within reach.
Families:
Families typically need more space, and with two-bedroom median rent at $2,050, household incomes above $80,000 tend to feel more manageable. Neighborhoods like Lake Highlands, Pleasant Grove, and Redbird offer family-friendly options at below-median prices.
Students and early-career renters:
Those earning $30,000–$45,000 should focus on affordable neighborhoods or shared housing. Splitting a two-bedroom in areas like Highland Meadows can significantly reduce costs.
Is now a good time to rent in Dallas?
Recent Zumper data points to relatively renter-friendly conditions:
- Stable prices: Month-over-month changes near zero suggest rents have leveled off.
- Modest annual growth: A 1.41% year-over-year increase is well below past spikes.
- Seasonal slowdown: Winter typically brings fewer movers, which can mean less competition and more flexibility on terms like fees or deposits.
Bottom line: Winter 2025–2026 is a solid window for renters who are willing to shop around and negotiate.
Tips for finding affordable apartments in Dallas
- Look beyond the most popular neighborhoods—areas like Highland Meadows and Old Lake Highlands can save hundreds per month.
- Weigh commute trade-offs; a slightly longer drive can mean $500–$700 in monthly savings.
- Use a rent calculator to see what fits your real budget, not just the listing price.
- Time your search for winter months when competition is lighter.
- Visit neighborhoods at different times of day to get a true feel before committing.
Bottom line
Overall, Dallas remains moderately affordable in 2026, especially for renters earning at or above the city’s median income. With a median rent of $1,840 and wide variation by neighborhood, affordability often comes down to strategy.
Dallas tends to work best for:
- Dual-income households earning $70,000+
- Single professionals earning $55,000+
- Families earning $80,000+ who prioritize value-focused neighborhoods
It’s more challenging for:
- Single earners below $45,000 without roommates
- Single-income families seeking premium neighborhoods
For renters willing to be flexible about location, Dallas offers real opportunities to save—often $500–$700 per month compared to the citywide median.
Frequently asked questions about Dallas rent
Is Dallas expensive to rent?
Dallas is moderately priced with median rent of $1,840—slightly below the national median of approximately $2,000-$2,050. Dallas offers better affordability than major coastal cities while maintaining big-city amenities and employment opportunities.
What income do you need to rent in Dallas?
You need an annual income of approximately $73,600 to comfortably afford Dallas’s median rent of $1,840 using the standard 30% budgeting guideline. However, affordable neighborhoods like Highland Meadows ($1,172.50/month) require just $42,210 annually.
Is rent rising or falling in Dallas?
Dallas rent rose modestly year-over-year by 1.41% (December 2024 to December 2025) but remained flat month-over-month. This indicates market stabilization with moderate long-term growth—favorable conditions compared to rapid increases seen in previous years.
How much does a one-bedroom cost in Dallas?
The median one-bedroom apartment in Dallas costs around $1,440 per month, requiring an annual income of approximately $51,840 to afford comfortably using the 30% guideline.
What percentage of income goes to rent in Dallas?
For Dallas residents earning the median household income of $67,760, the median rent of $1,840 represents approximately 33% of gross income—slightly above the recommended 30% guideline but not severely cost-burdened.
Is Dallas more affordable than nearby cities?
Dallas ($1,840) is slightly more expensive than Fort Worth ($1,799), but cheaper than many other major Texas metros. Arlington ($1,524) and Irving ($1,615) offer more affordable alternatives within the metroplex.
Is Dallas affordable for families?
Dallas is moderately affordable for families, particularly those with dual incomes exceeding $80,000 or single incomes above $70,000 who prioritize affordable neighborhoods. Two-bedroom median rent of $2,050 requires careful budgeting for single-earner households at median income.
What are the cheapest neighborhoods in Dallas?
The most affordable Dallas neighborhoods are Highland Meadows ($1,172.50), Old Lake Highlands ($1,245), Riverway Estates-Bruton Terrace ($1,267), and Redbird ($1,275)—all offering 28-36% savings compared to citywide median rent.
Zumper calculates this rental data on a rolling basis. For the detailed market insights, read our Dallas rental trends
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