Garland can still offer lower apartment rents than several nearby Dallas-Fort Worth cities, but rent is only one part of the budget. Current asking-rent data, city utility information, transportation costs, healthcare, and household size all change how much income you need. The figures below were checked on July 28, 2026, and are planning estimates rather than a guarantee for any specific home or household.
Quick Answer
Garland’s average apartment rent was $1,433 in July 2026, with one-bedroom units averaging $1,241. A single adult in Dallas County needs about $48,489 a year before taxes for basic needs. Using the 30% rent guideline, the average one-bedroom alone points to about $49,640 in gross annual income, before renter-paid utilities.
Key Takeaways
- The July 2026 citywide apartment average is about $1,433 per month; a one-bedroom averages about $1,241.
- A rent-only 30% guideline suggests about $49,640 a year for the average one-bedroom, but HUD’s housing-cost measure also includes utilities.
- MIT estimates that one adult with no children in Dallas County needs about $48,489 before taxes for basic annual expenses.
- The City of Garland’s published benchmark for a typical combined residential utility bill is $293.05, although apartment renters may pay less when some services are included.
- Neighborhood choice can change average rent by more than $800 per month in current large-apartment data.
Note: Asking-rent platforms, Census data, and living-wage models measure different things. Asking rent reflects current listings in covered properties, Census figures summarize past survey years, and living-wage estimates model a basic-needs budget. Use them together instead of treating any one number as your exact monthly bill.
What Is the Typical Monthly Housing Cost in Garland?
As of July 2, 2026, RentCafe’s Garland market report lists the average apartment rent at $1,433 per month for an average unit of about 888 square feet. The report covers large multifamily properties and may not represent every duplex, small building, private rental, or single-family home.
Your actual housing cost may include more than the advertised rent. Add any renter-paid electricity, water, trash, internet, parking, pet rent, renter’s insurance, and required monthly fees before deciding whether a unit fits your budget.
A $1,241 one-bedroom is not a $1,241 housing budget when utilities, insurance, parking, and recurring property fees are billed separately.
Average Rent by Unit Type and Neighborhood
Current large-apartment data shows a wide spread by unit size. Studios are the lowest-cost category, while two- and three-bedroom units require a much larger monthly budget.
| Unit type | Average rent | Average size |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $965 | 460 sq. ft. |
| One bedroom | $1,241 | 719 sq. ft. |
| Two bedrooms | $1,561 | 1,009 sq. ft. |
| Three bedrooms | $1,925 | 1,278 sq. ft. |
| All apartments | $1,433 | 888 sq. ft. |
The same source reports that Garland’s overall apartment average fell about 1.12% year over year, from $1,449 to $1,433. Another listing platform may show a different figure because its property mix, update date, and calculation method differ.
Renting Versus Buying in Garland
Renters and buyers should not compare apartment asking rent directly with a home’s sale price. The U.S. Census Bureau’s 2020–2024 estimates put Garland’s median owner-occupied home value at $270,800. Median monthly owner costs were $1,919 with a mortgage and $786 without a mortgage.
Those owner-cost figures are historical survey estimates, not a quote for a new buyer in 2026. A current purchase budget also depends on the down payment, mortgage rate, property taxes, homeowners insurance, HOA fees, maintenance, and the home’s condition.
Warning: Do not compare rent with only principal and interest on a mortgage. Taxes, insurance, repairs, and association fees can add a large amount to the monthly cost of owning.
Products Worth Considering
Design Features: This Short Dresser(adult knee height)is multi-functional-ideal as Dresser TV Stand,dorm storage，Closet Organizers and Storage,or Dressers for Bedroom
Green Wallpaper-[ Product Details ]- Size 17.7 inches wide by 100 inches long, covers an area of 12.54 square feet. Sage green pure color design, avoiding the problem of difficult pattern matching. Material: High-quality vinyl
How Much Income You Need to Afford Rent in Garland
A common screening and planning rule is to keep housing near 30% of gross income. HUD defines affordable housing as housing costs that generally do not exceed 30% of income, including utilities. The table below uses rent alone, so your practical target should be higher when utilities and required fees are separate.
Rent-Only Income Targets
| Unit type | Average monthly rent | Gross income at 30% |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $965 | $38,600/year |
| One bedroom | $1,241 | $49,640/year |
| Two bedrooms | $1,561 | $62,440/year |
| Three bedrooms | $1,925 | $77,000/year |
| Citywide average | $1,433 | $57,320/year |
Garland’s median household income was $76,320 in the Census Bureau’s 2020–2024 estimate. That household figure should not be treated as the typical income of a single renter, but it gives useful local context.
Basic-Needs Income by Household Type
The MIT Living Wage Calculator for Dallas County, updated February 15, 2026, estimates the gross income needed to cover basic needs. It is a broader measure than the rent-only 30% rule.
| Household | Required before-tax income | Monthly equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| One adult, no children | $48,489/year | About $4,041 |
| One adult, one child | $78,832/year | About $6,569 |
| Two working adults, one child | $89,386/year combined | About $7,449 combined |
For one adult with no children, MIT’s annual expense model equals about $3,450 per month after taxes. The largest monthly categories are housing at about $1,484 and transportation at about $703, followed by food at about $335, medical costs at about $253, and internet plus mobile service at about $121.
Utilities, Groceries, Transportation and Other Essentials
The original idea of budgeting only $150 to $250 for all utilities is too narrow for a household paying the full city bill. The City of Garland’s public FAQ lists $293.05 as the typical combined residential monthly utility cost under the FY 2024–25 adopted budget. The combined bill can include electricity, water, sewer, sanitation, and stormwater services.
Apartment renters may pay less directly if water, trash, or another service is included in rent. Electric use also changes with apartment size, insulation, thermostat settings, and summer heat. Ask for a sample bill or a written list of included utilities before signing a lease.
Monthly Utility Breakdown
| Category | Planning figure | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Combined city utilities | $293.05 | Dated city benchmark for a typical full residential bill |
| Internet and mobile | About $121/month | MIT Dallas County estimate for one adult |
| Renter-paid total | Varies | Depends on lease inclusions, use, provider, and unit size |
Grocery and Transportation Costs
MIT’s Dallas County model assigns about $4,019 a year, or $335 a month, to food for one adult without children. That is a basic grocery-focused estimate, not a restaurant-heavy budget.
Transportation varies much more. MIT’s one-adult estimate is about $8,440 a year, or $703 a month, because it reflects the full cost of transportation, not only gasoline. A transit-first household may spend less. DART’s current local day pass is $6, so 20 commuting days would total about $120 before any employer benefit or discounted fare.
Garland’s mean travel time to work was 29.7 minutes in the Census Bureau’s 2020–2024 estimate. Your cost will depend on whether you can reach work by DART, need a car, pay tolls, or use rideshare for the first or last part of a trip.
Pro Tip: Compare apartments by total monthly cost, not rent alone. Add required fees, parking, estimated utilities, insurance, and your real commute cost. A slightly higher rent near work or transit can cost less overall than a cheaper unit with a long daily drive.
Where Garland’s Most Affordable and Most Expensive Neighborhoods Stand
Current RentCafe data for large apartment properties shows meaningful differences by neighborhood. These are neighborhood averages, not guaranteed prices for every listing.
| Neighborhood | Average rent | Position versus Garland average |
|---|---|---|
| Faulkner Point | $1,112 | About $321 lower |
| Chandler Heights | $1,173 | About $260 lower |
| Monica Park | $1,242 | About $191 lower |
| Shoal Creek | $1,591 | About $158 higher |
| Springpark Central | $1,724 | About $291 higher |
| Villages of Valley Creek | $1,978 | About $545 higher |
The spread between Faulkner Point and Villages of Valley Creek is about $866 per month. Before choosing solely by price, compare unit condition, commute time, school or childcare needs, parking, transit access, flood risk, and the exact fees shown in the lease.
Products Worth Considering
Large touchscreen display makes it easy to set your preferred temperature or set a weekly schedule for automated adjustments.
【Notice】Please make sure to read the installation and wiring instructions provided in the pictures carefully before buying. If you are inexperienced with installation, it is advised to be cautious when making a purchase to avoid issues like product failure or incompatibility. (Verify the existing base to ensure only 2 to 5 wires are compatible for installation and wiring).
CUSTOMIZE: Choose to receive change air filter reminders and select display settings to optimize this thermostat for home.The RTH20B is a direct replacement for the RTH2300, and replacement for the RTH221 offering 5-2 scheduling
Tips to Lower Your Monthly Living Costs in Garland
- Compare total housing cost: Put rent, required fees, parking, insurance, and renter-paid utilities on one worksheet.
- Price more than one neighborhood: Current averages show that moving within Garland can change rent by hundreds of dollars.
- Ask what is included: Water, trash, internet, pest control, and parking may be included, optional, or mandatory.
- Check move-in cash: Budget for the application fee, security deposit, utility deposit, moving costs, and the first month’s rent.
- Reduce summer use: Use a reasonable thermostat setting, replace dirty filters when the lease makes that your duty, close blinds during peak sun, and report air-conditioning problems early.
- Test the commute: Compare the cost and time of driving with DART before choosing a cheaper apartment farther from work.
- Plan food spending: Build meals around a list, compare unit prices, and limit delivery and restaurant spending if the MIT food benchmark is your target.
- Consider a roommate carefully: Sharing a two-bedroom can lower housing cost per person, but every adult should be approved and named on the lease.
Note: The lowest advertised rent is not always the lowest final price. Concessions may expire, and mandatory monthly fees can erase an apparent discount.
How Garland Compares to Nearby Cities and the National Average
Garland’s July 2026 citywide apartment average of $1,433 is below several nearby markets, although Mesquite remains cheaper in the same RentCafe comparison.
| City | Average apartment rent | Difference from Garland |
|---|---|---|
| Mesquite | $1,238 | $195 lower |
| Garland | $1,433 | Baseline |
| Fort Worth | $1,456 | $23 higher |
| Irving | $1,483 | $50 higher |
| Dallas | $1,593 | $160 higher |
| Richardson | $1,655 | $222 higher |
| Plano | $1,695 | $262 higher |
For a same-month national comparison, RentCafe’s March 2026 trend data showed Garland at $1,427 and the national apartment average at $1,750. Garland was about 18% lower in that snapshot, not 23% lower.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Garland, Texas?
For one adult without children, MIT estimates a Dallas County basic-needs income of about $48,489 a year before taxes. Garland’s average apartment rent is $1,433, but your total depends on unit size, utilities, transportation, healthcare, debt, and household size.
How much of my monthly budget should go to rent?
The common guideline is about 30% of gross income for total housing costs, including utilities. It is a benchmark, not a rule that fits every household. People with childcare, medical bills, debt, or high transportation costs may need to keep housing below 30%.
What is the average cost of living per month in Texas?
There is no reliable single monthly average for all of Texas because rent, transportation, childcare, and healthcare vary widely by city and household. For local planning, the Dallas County basic-needs estimate for one adult is about $4,041 per month before taxes.
What is the average monthly living cost for one person in Garland?
A useful local benchmark is about $3,450 per month after taxes for basic needs, based on MIT’s Dallas County model for one adult without children. The required before-tax income is about $4,041 per month. Your actual spending may be lower or higher.
How much income do I need for a one-bedroom apartment in Garland?
At the current average one-bedroom rent of $1,241, the rent-only 30% calculation is about $49,640 in gross annual income. Add a margin when electricity, water, parking, insurance, or required fees are not included.
Is Garland cheaper than Dallas or Plano?
In RentCafe’s July 2026 apartment data, Garland averaged $1,433, compared with $1,593 in Dallas and $1,695 in Plano. A specific Garland unit can still cost more than a specific unit in either city, so compare the full listing and commute.
Conclusion
Garland’s average apartment rent remains below Dallas, Richardson, and Plano in current large-property data, but a realistic budget must include more than rent. A single adult should plan around $48,489 a year before taxes for basic needs, while the average one-bedroom’s rent-only affordability target is about $49,640. Compare the full monthly housing bill, commute, and move-in cash before choosing a neighborhood or signing a lease.
Sources
- RentCafe Garland Rental Market Trends — July 2026 apartment rents, unit sizes, neighborhood averages, nearby-city comparisons, and rent trend data.
- U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Garland, Texas — median household income, home value, owner costs, gross rent, and commute time from the 2020–2024 estimates.
- MIT Living Wage Calculator: Dallas County, Texas — 2026 basic-needs income and expense estimates by household type.
- HUD User Glossary — the 30% housing-affordability benchmark and inclusion of utilities in gross housing costs.
- City of Garland Frequently Asked Questions — the city’s published typical combined residential utility cost.
- Dallas Area Rapid Transit Fare Information — current local day-pass pricing used for the transit example.
