Cheapest Cities to Rent in Texas (2026)
The cheapest rent in Texas is in Laredo, TX, where a 2-bedroom averages $1,161/mo and a 1-bedroom $962/mo (2026 HUD Fair Market Rent) — $326/mo below the Texas average 2BR of $1,487. The table below ranks all 7 of the cheapest cities to rent in Texas.
Top 7 Cheapest Cities in Texas
Ranked by 2-bedroom rent price (lowest first)
| Rank | City | Studio | 1 Bed | 2 Bed | 3 Bed | Income Needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
#1 | Laredo, TX | $956 | $962 | $1,161 | $1,499 | $46,440/yr |
#2 | El Paso, TX | $821 | $1,013 | $1,191 | $1,633 | $47,640/yr |
#3 | Corpus Christi, TX | $1,031 | $1,117 | $1,366 | $1,796 | $54,640/yr |
#4 | San Antonio, TX | $1,077 | $1,177 | $1,426 | $1,830 | $57,040/yr |
#5 | Houston, TX | $1,280 | $1,323 | $1,573 | $2,116 | $62,920/yr |
#6 | Austin, TX | $1,400 | $1,490 | $1,760 | $2,240 | $70,400/yr |
#7 | Dallas, TX | $1,582 | $1,648 | $1,931 | $2,431 | $77,240/yr |
Why These Texas Cities Are Affordable
Texas consistently ranks as one of the best states for rental affordability relative to wages. The combination of no state income tax and reasonable rents provides significant purchasing power.
- Below-average housing costs: These cities have housing indices lower than the state average of 88
- Lower demand: Smaller populations and less competitive markets keep prices reasonable
- Diverse housing stock: Mix of older and newer buildings provides options at various price points
- Regional economies: Local job markets support working populations without coastal-city premiums
Income Requirements
Using the standard 30% of income guideline, here's what you need to earn to afford rent in Texas's cheapest cities:
How Texas's Cheapest Cities Compare
What to Consider Before Moving
Best For
- ✓Tech professionals
- ✓Energy workers
- ✓Those seeking no income tax
- ✓Families seeking space
Considerations
- •Extreme heat
- •Car-dependent
- •Some areas have severe weather
Cheapest Rent in Texas: FAQ
Where is the cheapest rent in Texas?
The cheapest rent in Texas is in Laredo, TX, where a 2-bedroom averages $1,161/month and a 1-bedroom $962/month in 2026 (HUD Fair Market Rent). Next cheapest: El Paso ($1,191), Corpus Christi ($1,366), San Antonio ($1,426).
How much can I save renting in Texas's cheapest cities?
By choosing Texas's cheapest city over the state average 2BR of $1,487, you could save $326/month or $3,912/year on rent.
Is rent in Texas's cheapest city below the US average?
Yes. A 2-bedroom in Laredo costs $1,161/month, which is $412/month below the US median 2BR Fair Market Rent of $1,573 (HUD, 2026).
What income do I need to rent in Texas's cheapest cities?
To afford the cheapest 2BR in Texas at $1,161/month, you need approximately $46,440/year based on the 30% of income guideline.