Quick Answer: Renting an apartment in Garland, TX usually means budgeting somewhere between $1,200 and $1,650 a month, depending on unit size and which market tracker you check. The U.S. Census Bureau lists a median gross rent of $1,641 for the city, a figure that folds in utilities. Standard leases run 12 months.
Garland sits about 15 miles northeast of downtown Dallas, and roughly 38 percent of its housing is renter occupied according to Census Bureau data covering 2020 to 2024. That makes renting an apartment in Garland, TX a well worn path rather than a niche one. Serving renters across northeast Dallas County, this guide covers pricing, paperwork, neighborhoods, and the questions new residents ask most, with communities like Crestridge Apartments in west-central Garland as a reference point.
What Renting an Apartment in Garland, TX Costs in 2026
Expect a range, not a single number. Rent.com pegged the 2026 Garland average between $1,168 for a studio and $1,561 for a two bedroom, while RentCafe's read landed near $1,423 across all sizes. The Census Bureau's $1,641 median gross rent runs higher because it includes utility costs that advertised rents leave out.
Why do the numbers disagree? Each tracker samples a different slice of listings. RentCafe leans on Yardi Matrix data from buildings with 50 or more units. Apartment List surveys a broader mix and reported a Garland median closer to $1,273 in its August 2026 report, down about 5 percent year over year. Treat any single figure as a starting point and verify against real listings before you set a budget.
One thing all three sources agree on: Garland rents have flattened or eased rather than climbed. That is unusual for the metroplex, and it gives anyone renting an apartment in Garland, TX more room to negotiate than they had a few years back. Concessions like a half month free or a waived administrative fee show up regularly on renewal and new lease offers.
Cheap Apartments in Garland TX Versus Luxury Apartments in Garland TX
The gap is real but narrower than in Plano or Frisco. Renters hunting cheap apartments in garland tx typically look at older garden style communities built in the 1970s and 1980s, which make up nearly half the city's rental stock per Point2Homes analysis of Yardi data. These run below the city average and often include renovated interiors at mid tier pricing.
Luxury apartments in garland tx cluster near the President George Bush Turnpike and the Firewheel corridor, where newer construction pushes monthly rents past $1,800. Most people renting an apartment in Garland, TX land between those two poles, in the largest segment of the market. Roughly 58 to 61 percent of Garland rentals price between $1,001 and $1,500 a month, which is where most renovated market rate communities land. If you want a sense of what that middle tier actually looks like, take the photo tour before you drive out.
How Much Is a 2 Bedroom Apartment in Garland?
A 2 bedroom apartment in garland runs roughly $1,500 to $1,600 a month based on 2026 tracker data, though renovated units in older communities can come in lower. Two bedroom units are the deepest part of this market, making up about 36 percent of all rentals citywide, so you have real choice at that size.
Here is how the sizes stack up. These are averages pulled from Rent.com and RentCafe reporting for 2026, and they will shift by season and by submarket.
| Unit size | Typical Garland rent | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | About $1,170 | Solo renters, short commutes, tight budgets |
| One bedroom | $1,230 to $1,275 | Singles and couples wanting a separate bedroom |
| Two bedroom | $1,540 to $1,590 | Roommates, small families, work from home setups |
| Three bedroom | $1,900 and up | Families needing a third room or office |
| Citywide median gross rent | $1,641 (utilities included) | U.S. Census Bureau, 2020 to 2024 estimate |
Budget for more than rent. Application fees, an administrative fee, a security deposit, renters insurance, and utility connection charges usually add several hundred dollars up front. You can compare available floor plans and pricing side by side to see where your number lands.
Where to Live: Neighborhoods and Firewheel Apartments
Garland covers 57 square miles across three counties, so location changes the experience more than the price tag does. North Garland near the tollway feels newer and quieter. Central and west Garland, closer to downtown and the DART Blue Line, tends to be older housing at lower rents with shorter drives into Dallas.
The northeast corner is anchored by Firewheel Town Center, an open air shopping district on the corner of President George Bush Turnpike and Highway 78 with more than 100 stores, an 18 screen AMC IMAX theater, and a Simon Property Group expansion that added J. Crew Factory and other tenants in summer 2026. Searches for firewheel apartments almost always point here, and so do searches for firewheel town village, which is how some renters describe the same retail district. Rents nearby skew above the city average.
Commuting matters too. The average Garland worker spends 29.7 minutes getting to work, per Census figures, and DART serves the city with three rail stations plus bus and GoLink service. DART adjusted regional fares effective March 1, 2026, dropping the Regional Day Pass to $9. Check current local fare pricing directly on DART.org, since these change. For anyone renting an apartment in Garland, TX without a second car, proximity to a rail station is worth paying a little more for.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much do I need to earn to rent an apt in garland tx?
Most communities ask for gross monthly income of two and a half to three times the rent. On a $1,500 two bedroom, that means roughly $3,750 to $4,500 a month. Garland's median household income is $76,320 according to the Census Bureau, so the math works for many households. Some communities count roommate income jointly, others screen each applicant separately, so ask before you apply.
2. What documents do I need to apply?
Requirements vary by property, but most leasing offices ask for a similar packet:
- Government issued photo ID for every adult applicant
- Two to three recent pay stubs or an offer letter
- Bank statements if you are self employed
- Rental history and prior landlord contact details
- Application fee and administrative fee payment
3. When do I get my security deposit back?
Texas Property Code gives landlords 30 days after you move out to return the deposit or send an itemized list of deductions. You must provide a forwarding address in writing first. The Texas Attorney General's office confirms normal wear and tear cannot be deducted, so photograph the unit at move in and move out.
4. Is winter a better time to look at apartments in garland tx?
Often, yes. RentHop data shows Garland rents dipping around 3.4 percent between peak summer and slower winter months, and you compete against fewer applicants. The tradeoff is thinner inventory, since fewer residents move during the holidays. If timing is flexible, a January or February search can pay off.
5. Are garland texas apartments cheaper than Dallas or Plano?
Generally yes. Garland's median rent sits below the national figure and well under Plano and Addison averages, which is a big part of the city's appeal for commuters. You give up some walkability and newer construction, but you gain square footage and a shorter list of monthly bills.
Getting Started With Renting an Apartment in Garland, TX
Renting an apartment in Garland, TX rewards people who do a little homework. Pull current listings, compare at least three communities in person, ask what the total move in cost looks like before you fall for a floor plan, and read the lease terms on pet fees and early termination. Garland gives you the metroplex without metroplex pricing, and that trade has held steady through 2026. When you find the right fit, you can start your rental application online and move the process forward the same day.
