Renting vs. Owning in Carrollton: What You’ll Pay
When choosing between an apartment or house in Carrollton, the cost difference is a key factor. Renting a 2BR apartment in Carrollton typically costs $1,450/month, while a 3BR house may cost $2,200/month. The average rent for a 3BR house in Carrollton is $2,200/month. The cost of renting a 3BR house in Carrollton has increased by 6% over the last year, with more affordable options in the Old Town neighborhood.
For a visual comparison, imagine two side-by-side floorplans. The apartment is a compact 900 sq ft with shared walls. The house sprawls over 1,800 sq ft with a private yard. More space means higher rent, utilities, and upkeep in houses. Apartments offer cost savings through smaller, simpler spaces.
Table: Cost Comparison – Apartment vs House
Here’s a side-by-side breakdown of common monthly costs in Carrollton:
| Expense | 2BR Apartment | 3BR House |
|---|---|---|
| Rent/Mortgage* | $1,450 | $2,200 |
| Utilities | $120 | $250 |
| Internet | $60 | $70 |
| Insurance | $15 | $100 |
| Maintenance | $0 | $150 |
| HOA | $0 | $50 |
| Total | $1,645 | $2,820 |
*Mortgage based on median Carrollton home price with 20% down. Estimates are for mid-range units with typical usage.
Utility and Upkeep Differences
Utility costs are a major difference between apartments and houses in Carrollton. Key factors include:
- Square footage: Cooling, heating and lighting a larger house costs more.
- Yard maintenance: Lawn care and landscaping add $50-100/month for houses.
- Older infrastructure: Many Carrollton houses have older, less efficient systems.
- Water usage: Watering lawns increases monthly water bills for houses by 30%+.
Apartments offer cost savings through smaller footprints, shared systems, and on-site maintenance. Newer complexes often include water, trash, and sometimes internet in the rent.
Lifestyle Tradeoffs
Cost isn’t the only consideration when choosing between an apartment or house in Carrollton. Houses offer more space, privacy and yard access for families and pets. However, that comes with more upkeep and often a longer commute.
Apartments work well for singles and couples who value walkability and simplicity. Many are located near downtown Carrollton with easy access to dining and entertainment. However, noise from neighbors and limited outdoor space are common tradeoffs.
Ultimately, it depends on your lifestyle priorities. Some may prefer the convenience of an apartment near work and amenities. Others enjoy the extra space and autonomy a house provides, even with the added costs and responsibilities.
Which Is Cheaper Long Term in Carrollton?
While renting an apartment offers month-to-month savings, buying a house can be more economical long-term. Over a 5-year period, accounting for 3% annual rent increases, an apartment would cost $105,000 while a house would cost $169,000 including typical maintenance. That’s a difference of $64,000.
However, with a fixed-rate mortgage, housing costs remain stable as rents rise. And that $64K invested in home equity can appreciate in value. In cities like Carrollton, buying a home could be cheaper than renting after 7-10 years. Plug your numbers into a sample monthly budget for Carrollton in 2025 to compare scenarios.
FAQs About Housing Costs in Carrollton
How much more does a house cost per month?
In Carrollton, a house costs about $1,175 more per month than an apartment, largely due to higher rent, utilities, and upkeep.
Do houses come with higher utility bills?
Yes, houses in Carrollton typically have utility bills 2-3X higher than apartments due to more space, yard watering, and older systems.
Are apartments cheaper even with pet fees?
Even with a $30/month pet fee, apartments are usually cheaper than houses in Carrollton when accounting for total rent, utilities and upkeep.
Making the Right Housing Choice in Carrollton
When deciding between an apartment or house in Carrollton, consider both the hard costs and lifestyle fit. Apartments offer savings of $500-1000/month, but with less space and privacy. Houses provide room to spread out, but with higher rent, utilities, and property taxes and HOA fees.
Ultimately, the right choice aligns your budget, lifestyle and long-term goals. An apartment could help you save for a future down payment. A house offers stability and equity-building. Weigh the tradeoffs through the lens of your unique needs and values to make the smartest choice.