Renting vs. Owning in Garland: What You’ll Pay
When comparing the cost of living in an apartment vs house in Garland, the biggest difference is usually the monthly rent or mortgage payment. According to recent data, the average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Garland is around $1,450 per month. The average rent for a 3-bedroom house in Garland is $2,100 per month. Mortgage payments on a comparable home purchase would likely be in a similar range, depending on your down payment and interest rate.
Of course, monthly housing costs go beyond just the base rent or mortgage. Utilities, insurance, maintenance, and other fees can add hundreds of dollars per month. Let’s break down how those costs compare for apartments and houses in Garland.
Table: Cost Comparison – Apartment vs House
Here’s a side-by-side breakdown of common monthly costs in Garland:
| Expense | 2BR Apartment | 3BR House |
|---|---|---|
| Rent/Mortgage | $1,450 | $2,100 |
| Utilities | $180 | $320 |
| Internet | $65 | $75 |
| Insurance | $15 | $120 |
| Maintenance | $0 | $150 |
| HOA Fees | $0 | $50 |
| Total | $1,710 | $2,815 |
Estimates are for mid-range units with typical usage
As the table shows, the total monthly cost to live in a house is often over $1,000 higher than renting an apartment, even before accounting for expenses like lawn care and repair costs that come with homeownership. Utility bills also tend to be significantly higher in houses.
Utility and Upkeep Differences
In addition to being larger, houses typically use more electricity and water than apartments. Some factors that impact utility costs in houses vs. apartments:
- Higher heating and cooling costs due to larger square footage
- Older, less efficient appliances and HVAC systems
- Separate water bills (apartments often include water)
- Lawn and garden irrigation
Apartments are generally more compact and efficient, translating to lower monthly bills. Newer apartment complexes in Garland often include trash service and sometimes even internet in the base rent. Houses require paying for all utilities separately, plus any HOA fees for the neighborhood.
Maintenance is another key difference in monthly costs. Homeowners are responsible for all upkeep and repairs, from leaky faucets to roof replacements. Landlords cover most apartment maintenance at no extra charge to tenants. Many Garland houses have yards that need regular landscaping, while apartments handle all outdoor chores.
Lifestyle Tradeoffs
Despite the higher monthly costs, many Garland residents still prefer living in a house over an apartment. Houses provide more indoor and outdoor space, with private yards for kids and pets to play. Having a detached home offers more privacy and quiet than sharing walls with neighbors.
Apartments have advantages beyond just lower expenses. Living in an apartment community usually means access to amenities like pools, fitness centers and social events. Many Garland residents choose apartments for the convenient location, walkability to shops and restaurants, and included parking. Maintenance-free living also frees up time and energy compared to managing a house.
Which Is Cheaper Long Term in Garland?
Looking at monthly costs, apartments are clearly cheaper than houses in Garland. But does that hold true over time? While renting avoids maintenance expenses and [property taxes](/garland-tx/property-tax-hoa/), homeowners build equity with each mortgage payment.
Assuming home values continue to rise, houses can be a better deal than apartments in the long run. However, that depends heavily on individual factors like your mortgage rate, [monthly budget](/garland-tx/monthly-budget/), and length of time in the home. Closing costs and realtor fees eat into any profits when selling a house.
For a 5-year timeframe, renting an apartment is often cheaper than buying a house in Garland. The longer you stay beyond 5-7 years, the more likely a house will end up costing less per month than if that money had gone to rent. But there’s no guarantee, so renting is the safer choice if your top priority is predictable monthly expenses.
FAQs About Housing Costs in Garland
How much more does a house cost per month?
In Garland, the average rent for a house is about $650 more per month than an apartment, not including utilities and maintenance. The total monthly cost difference is closer to $1,100.
Do houses come with higher utility bills?
Yes, houses in Garland typically have electric bills that are $100+ higher per month due to more square footage, yard irrigation, and less efficient systems compared to apartments.
Are apartments cheaper even with pet fees?
While many Garland apartments charge monthly pet rent around $20-$30 per pet, houses still cost hundreds more overall. However, some apartments have breed or size restrictions that could rule them out for large dog owners.
Making the Right Housing Choice in Garland
So is it cheaper to live in an apartment or house in Garland? Apartments offer significantly lower and more predictable monthly costs. The tradeoff is less space and privacy than a house. For many people, renting an apartment makes sense for the convenience and flexibility.
Ultimately, the right choice depends on your budget, lifestyle, and long-term goals. Hopefully this breakdown of the cost of living in an apartment vs house in Garland helps you weigh the pros and cons. For more info, check out our guides on [monthly budgeting](/garland-tx/monthly-budget/) and [property taxes and HOA fees](/garland-tx/property-tax-hoa/) in Garland.