Texas Apartments: What You Need to Know About Size, Cost, and Rental Trends
When people talk about Texas apartments, residential units in one of America’s fastest-growing states, often with flexible lease terms and lower costs than coastal cities. Also known as Texas rental units, they range from tiny studio flats in downtown Dallas to sprawling 2BHK units in Austin suburbs. Unlike apartments in New York or California, Texas apartments rarely come with broker fees, and many landlords include utilities or lawn care in the rent. That’s one reason why over 200,000 people moved to Texas last year—most of them looking for a place to live that doesn’t eat up half their paycheck.
Size matters more than you think. A 550sqft apartment, a compact unit common in urban Texas markets like Houston and San Antonio, often fits a bed, small kitchen, and a corner for a desk. It’s not a mansion, but it’s enough for one person or a couple who don’t need extra rooms. Compare that to a 700 sq ft apartment, a more popular size in growing areas like Frisco and Round Rock, where families and remote workers want a bit more breathing room. These units usually have two separate areas—one for sleeping, one for living—and still fit under $1,500 a month in most cities outside Austin and Dallas.
What you won’t find? High-rise luxury towers everywhere. Texas apartments are mostly low-rise, walk-up buildings with parking right outside. Landlords here care more about clean floors and working AC than marble countertops. Rent increases are capped in some cities, but not all—so always check local laws. And if you’re wondering if a studio is big enough, the answer is: yes, if you’re smart about storage. People in Texas live comfortably in small spaces because they know how to use them.
There’s no single Texas apartment market. Austin’s prices jumped 30% in two years. Houston’s are flat. San Antonio still has units under $1,000. And in places like Garland or Irving, you’ll find new complexes with pools and gyms—without the premium price tag. The key is knowing what you need, not what’s flashy.
Below, you’ll find real breakdowns of apartment sizes, cost trends, and what makes Texas rentals different from the rest of the country. No fluff. Just facts you can use whether you’re moving here next month or just starting to look.
