Welcome to the Apartment List October 2026 Rent Report for Houston, TX. Currently, the overall median rent in the city stands at $1,269, roughly the same as last month. Prices remain down 2.3% year-over-year. Read on to learn more about what’s been happening in the Houston rental market and how it compares to trends throughout the broader Houston metro area and the nation as a whole.
National study of renter’s satisfaction with their cities and states
Here’s how Houston ranks on:
Overview of Findings
Apartment List has released Houston’s results from the third annual Apartment List Renter Satisfaction Survey. This survey, which drew on responses from over 45,000 renters nationwide, provides insight on what states and cities must do to meet the needs of the country’s 111 million renters.
"Houston renters expressed general satisfaction with the city overall," according to Apartment List. "They gave most categories above average scores."
Key Findings in Houston include the following:
Houston renters gave their city a B+ overall.
The highest-rated categories for Houston were affordability and state and local taxes, which both received A grades.
The areas of concern to Houston renters are weather (C) and public transit (B-).
Millennial renters are very satisfied with their city, giving it an overall rating of B+, while renters who are parents are equally satisfied, also scoring the city a B+.
Houston earned similar scores compared to other cities in Texas, including Austin (A-), Dallas (B) and San Antonio (A-).
Houston did relatively well compared to similar cities nationwide, including Los Angeles (C+), Atlanta (B) and Miami (C+).
The top rated cities nationwide for renter satisfaction include Scottsdale, AZ, Irvine, CA, Boulder, CO and Ann Arbor, MI. The lowest rated cities include Tallahassee, FL, Stockton, CA, Dayton, OH, Detroit, MI and Newark, NJ.
Renters say:
"Houston is a great place to live! It’s family oriented but also has a booming nightlife that caters to all Houstonians. The traffic, at times, can be a headache, but there is always opportunity for either public transportation or expressways to get around the city." -Jessica
"Houston is a nice place to live. There are a lot of opportunities and it’s a great place if you are looking for a change. Transportation ins’t great if you don’t have a car." -Anon.
"I love the city because it’s very diverse; so many cultures mix in one place. But I hate that the weather is extremely hot!" -Mauricio
"Houston has good growth, great food, and a short winter." -Joe H.
For more information on the survey methodology and findings or to speak to one of our researchers, please contact our team at rentonomics@apartmentlist.com.
The average rent for a 1 bedroom apartment in Houston is $1,289+, while the average rent for a 2 bedroom apartment is $1,626+. Rent rates updated ago
Studio
$1,298+
Prices trending down
1 Bed
$1,289+
Prices trending down
2 Beds
$1,626+
Prices trending down
3+ Beds
$2,030+
Prices trending down
* Averages are based on the rental prices of properties listed on Apartment List that don’t include fees
FAQs answered by renters in Houston, TX
Do you have any advice for someone searching for apartments in highly walkable areas of Houston?
Katy is a Great area
search on foot or try to work with a locator if you want decent pricing
Feeling safe is most important. I was looking for a quiet uncongested area.
Rent private own. Stay away from corporations.
Stay in the Montrose, galleria or Heights area.
Make sure you look at the reviews, before renting
Downtown, Montrose, midtown.
Don’t come to Houston or live downtown if you want something highly walkable.
There’s different places where you can live without feeling the need to go with hype and living downtown Houston area.
Research the area to see if that’s a location that you’d like to live in.
Houston is not super walkable
Central downtown. Midtown
Be comfortable with dealing with pets a lot
Just because it's highly walkable does not make it safe.
My advice is don’t place too much value in walkability in a city like Houston.
Stay near downtown
Rice Village. Hanover is amazing.
Rice Military
You will need a car in Houston
Not many places are highly walkable due to unfinished sidewalks.
Near a bus route lo
Have at least 800 for monthly bills. Have somewhat reliable transportation—bike, car.
Lookup bus lines and how frequently they show up. That’s the most important factor to not relying on a car
Make sure you go look at the apartment before you believe the pictures online
If you like traffic and business go downtown but I’d recommend woodlands conroe and spring for more peace and quiet
Non existent try Austin or a smaller town
That is hard to find in the Katy area
Not really "walkable " areas or neighborhoods
Southwest Houston along Westheimer is a great place to live
Go to the suburbs for more affordable housing.
Yes. Check out Woodway Square.
Take your time and go visit the property’s you like day and night
Yea the Richmond area is great for walking and exploring the area with lots of restaurants and places to art galleries .
45000
Woodlands
Alexan River Oaks! It’s the place to be in River oaks. Very walkable
Galleria area
Take your time. Utilize a realtor that knows the area well, know what you are looking for in your next home and community. Visit different areas of town and then go with the one that you have peace about.
Live downtown for highly walkable. Live in the suburbs if you don't want to be in downtown
Make sure you find a place that’s near where you work because traffic is always there
Visit the area beforehand if you can. Google maps will give you a glimpse of the area but it’ll be more beneficial to be there to experience first hand.
If they are in walking distance of downtown or the Galleria they will be overpriced.
Look at all reviews. It varies
Get a great management team!
Find something in a central area
Read the reviews, inspect the property & be aware of locations offering specials
What are the requirements to rent an apartment in Houston?
Valid ID 2 times rent
3 times the rent
3x’s the rent, down payment and credit score
3x rent
Good credit score and proof of income
A job
A job and no background
3xrent
Proof of income, good credit rating, past rental history.
Job history, rental history, income
Michael C.
make 3x rent, have verifiable income and good credit history
Income
Credit, renting history, deposits
Check stubs and background/credit check
Make double the rent price minimum
Income almost 3 times the rent amount and possibly renters insurance
3 times the rent
Good rental history and 3xs the rent some even what a perfect credit score.
I believe 3x the rent, and good history.
3x rent
generally income of 3 times the rent, no criminal record, credit score around 600, but additional deposits can make up for some of those issues
Credit score of 550 or above no evictions. No outstanding balances with prior rental history. Clean criminal background of any level of assault, or felony convictions
Proof of income and check stubs
Good rental history for past 2-3 years, make at least 3Xs the rent
Typically first and last month’s rent payment along with any pet fees applicable, as well as proof of consistent and sufficient income.
Income and credit score
Pass a criminal and credit background check, make 2 times your rent.
Make 3x the rent which is crazy
. income and background
2 x salary
Check stubs,and credit hist
Background check and income
Make 3x the required amount.
To make at least 3x’s the rent for most properties
The most common is passing a background check including credit check.
Every apartment is different, but it’s usually four times the amount of rent unless it’s an income based property which most of these places in Houston are going to
3 times the rent, good rental history
Good credit helps. Most places want your income to be about 3 times your rent.
Good history and deposit
Good credit and substantial income
Pay, deposit, good credit
Drivers License, proof of income, renters history, GOOD credit, 4 recent pay stubs, proof of employment, pass a background check
Good credit score and background
3x rent
Excellent rental history, a stable job and resident history
3x rent
Decent credit and 3x the rent as monthly income.
Enough salary and good references.
Valid job decent credit good payment history
Salary 3 x the rent
Need to make 3x the rent
3x the rent amount.
Income 3 x the monthly rent; valid ID, excellent credit
2.5x rent
Pay stub, make 3x the rent, employment verification, rental history, credit score
Depends where you rent but typically income has to be 2-3 times rent, most places do a background check and credit check, valid ID, and current pay stubs or offer letter.
Good rental history
3 times the rent and no broken leases
Income must be 3X the rent
Good Credit, good income
3x the rent and pay stubs
Good credit finances
Work , pay bills on time
3x’s the rent income, no background and great credit
Upscale energy defines Great Uptown, where this distinctive Houston district surrounds The Galleria with its international shopping and dining options. Rental choices range from luxury high-rises with skyline views to mid-rise communities with resort-style amenities throughout the area. The neighborhood offers exceptional walkability to both shopping destinations and major employers along Post Oak Boulevard, creating genuine pedestrian experiences unusual in typically car-dependent Houston neighborhoods beyond purely downtown alternatives.
Known for
Thriving commercial and residential area with shopping
Dining
And nightlife
Notable attractions
Local Shops
Eldridge West Oaks
What's it like to live in Eldridge West Oaks?
Eldridge/West Oaks combines newer housing with excellent shopping access in western Houston. Rental properties typically include modern amenities like attached garages, community pools, and fitness centers. The neighborhood provides quick access to both Energy Corridor employment and West Oaks Mall shopping, though downtown commutes can take 35+ minutes during peak traffic periods.
Strategic positioning at the nexus of major Houston employment centers makes Woodlake/Briar Meadow particularly valuable for professionals seeking reasonable commutes in multiple directions. Located between the Galleria, Westchase, and the Energy Corridor, the neighborhood offers straightforward access to Houston's largest job concentrations. Apartment communities typically feature more generous floor plans than inner loop options at more accessible price points. The area lacks the historic character of central Houston districts but provides excellent everyday retail and dining options along Westheimer Road. Particularly well-suited for oil industry professionals, corporate employees in distributed campuses, and practical renters who prioritize commuting flexibility and housing value over trendiness or historic architecture in Houston's vast, automobile-oriented housing market spanning multiple commercial centers rather than focusing exclusively on downtown.
Known for
Affordable rentals with access to transit and shopping
