When considering a move, the first thing to look at is definitely the rent. While good school districts, proximity to the airport, and the number of companies are important, if the monthly rent is unaffordable, it's all for nothing.

I've heard a lot that DFW is cheaper than California, but when I ask exactly how much, the answer is vague.

Looking at data from 2025, the average rent for a 1-bedroom in Irving is around $1,300 per month. Depending on the source of the data and the time of the survey, it varies between $1,300 and $1,330.

Compared to the national average in the U.S., it is definitely less burdensome. However, thinking "I can find an apartment for $1,300 in Irving" is also misleading.

Real estate in the U.S. is definitely neighborhood-based.

If you go to older areas like Downtown Irving or the Heritage District, you can find 1-bedrooms for much cheaper. Some data suggests an average of around $900. Of course, there are no discounts without reason. You need to consider the age of the apartment and the surrounding environment and amenities, which differ from Las Colinas.

On the other hand, areas like La Villita have average rents for 1-bedrooms exceeding $1,800. It's a bit shocking at first to see that one side of Irving is $900 while the other is $1,800. However, once you see the apartments in person, you can somewhat understand why there is such a difference.

Las Colinas is a premium area even among those mid-range options. Especially, newly built apartments around Lake Carolyn and Water Street have well-made facilities like pools, fitness centers, and lounges, and they charge accordingly.

There's no such thing as a free lunch.

However, if you work in Las Colinas, the story changes. If your job is just 10 minutes away and restaurants and walking paths are nearby, paying a little more in rent can save you commuting time and gas money. It's also a very convenient location for those who frequently use DFW Airport.

So, when looking for a rental, you can't just compare the rent numbers. Whether it's cheaper to live in a $1,300 apartment and drive 50 minutes each way every day or to pay $1,600 and live 10 minutes from work varies from person to person.

You also need to factor in internet, electricity, water, parking fees, and renter's insurance. In Texas summers, there are months when you run the air conditioning all day, so you need to consider the electricity bill to get the actual monthly housing cost.

Ultimately, the advantage of renting in Irving isn't just that it's cheap. The price range is wide, from older areas to newly built apartments in Las Colinas, allowing you to choose according to your budget.

A $200 difference in rent may not seem like much, but over a year, that's $2,400. It's better to calculate commuting distances and various additional costs before getting excited and signing a lease after seeing the apartment pool. You might use the pool a few times in the summer, but the rent comes out every month.