It’s no secret that Texans are struggling with rising housing costs. And as homeownership becomes increasingly unattainable, many are turning to renting apartments or homes in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
Fifty-eight percent of City of Dallas residents are renters, according to a February 2026 Child Poverty Action Lab rental housing report. Of these, 59 percent are low-income, which means they’re likely looking for the least expensive options that offer the amenities they need. In other words, they want the best bang for their buck, especially given the staggering costs and inflation affecting every area of their spending.
Members of Gen Z are especially likely to be renters. A March 2026 report by RentCafe found that more than 88% of Gen Zers in Dallas rent. But, regardless of age, how do you find the right home or apartment to rent that fits you or your family’s needs and—more importantly—your wallet?
According to Realtor.com, the median rent in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro area was $1,410 a month in January 2026. Fortunately, there is a wide variety of options in the area that cost renters $1,400 or less per month. Keep reading for an idea of what you can get in various parts of DFW.
Dallas
In West Dallas, as well as the area near Dallas Love Field, you can find bigger apartments in this price range, often with an on-site pool and gated courtyard. One-bedroom, one-bathroom apartments around 800 square feet are available, but you’ll trade location perks for the extra space. In North Dallas, apartments are typically over 800 square feet and include amenities such as an in-unit washer and dryer.
In the Downtown Dallas Historic District, you’ll likely only be able to find a studio apartment with one bathroom (and a little over 500 square feet) for $1,400. Less expensive options are available in South Dallas, including two-bedroom, one-bathroom, 856-square-foot houses. However, it’s worth researching the area’s crime statistics before committing.
Rockwall
In the Dallas suburb of Rockwall, you can get a nearly 900-square-foot, two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment. Although Rockwall is a little over 20 miles from Dallas—not convenient if you work downtown—the city has its own charm, with plenty of playgrounds, a historic downtown area, and tons of shopping and other perks that make it ideal for families.
If you look toward the older section of Rockwall, you can even find one-bedroom, one-bathroom, 1,000-square-foot homes to rent that fit the budget.
Wylie
Wylie, another Dallas suburb, has apartments for rent over 700 square feet with one bedroom and one bathroom. Some of these include extra amenities, like a full-size washer and dryer in the unit and attached one-car garages. Single-family homes are also available to rent in Wylie for $1,400, including some with two bedrooms and one bathroom.
Garland
In North Garland, less than 20 miles from Dallas, you can get two-bedroom, two-bathroom, 950-square-foot apartments. In addition to having many city resources (such as Firewheel Mall, public spaces, libraries, and so much more), North Garland is close to the President George Bush Turnpike, making it easy to cut across the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
Addison
Located in far North Dallas, the Town of Addison is full of urban living perks, including a diverse restaurant scene, tons of walkable areas, entertainment, and huge festivals to enjoy. Apartments in the price range include 600-square-foot studios and 800-square-foot one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartments.
It’s such a cool place to live, you won’t even miss being in the bustling city center!
Arlington
Living in Arlington is a great option for those who want easy access to both Dallas and Fort Worth. Here, you can get an 800+ square-foot, one-bedroom, one-bathroom unit, with some units offering luxury amenities like valet trash and a playground in the common areas. You can even find houses available here, such as two-bedroom, one-and-a-half-bathroom homes with over 900 square feet.
Irving
Irving is another in-between city, which is filled with many corporate headquarters. Closer to DFW International Airport, you can rent one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartments at a little more than 650 square feet or more than 770 square feet further away. You can also occasionally find homes for rent, including options for nearly 1,000-square-foot homes with three bedrooms and one bathroom.
Grand Prairie
Grand Prairie is known for its many amenities, parks, and entertainment options. Plus, it’s located between Dallas and Fort Worth, making it an ideal option for commuters.
With all the pros, you’ll trade off space, with one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartments available from 500 square feet to just over 800 square feet. In the pro column, many of these offer additional amenities such as community pools and valet trash service.
Fort Worth
There are many different neighborhoods in Fort Worth, and depending on where you settle down, you can find a one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment from 600 to 850 square feet, with an included washer and dryer. Of course, the closer you get to downtown, you will likely only be able to afford a 450-square-foot unit.
You may even find houses for rent, like in the Arlington Heights area, which has one-bedroom, one-bathroom houses with more than 800 square feet.
Euless
The Fort Worth suburb of Euless has nearly 800-square-foot apartments with one bedroom and one bathroom available for rent. The benefits include being close to DFW International Airport and major highways, so you can get to work—or anywhere else you need to go—quickly.
Not to mention, many apartments come with washers and dryers as well as valet trash service, making that 17-mile commute to Fort Worth feel totally worth it.
Grapevine
Located over 20 miles from Fort Worth, Grapevine is a great choice for those who want to live in a more spacious spot in the suburbs. You can get a one-bedroom, one-bathroom, 850+ square-foot apartment here, with perks like an outdoor hot tub, a playground, an in-unit washer and dryer, and valet trash service. There are also two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartments available at over 900 square feet.
This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
