RentData

Average Rent in College Station, TX Rents rising 5.8% YoY🔺 23rd priciest in TX

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 273,280

Data review: HUD FY2025Sources: HUD, Zillow, CensusMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

College Station, TX has rental prices ranging from $1,034/month to $1,863/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,089/month — 22% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $59,691/year, spending $1,089/month on a 1-bedroom represents 22% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How College Station Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,206/month, College Station ranks #23 most expensive of the 220 cities tracked in Texas — pricier than 82% of all US cities in our data.

The College Station Rental Market

The College Station, TX area has a population of about 273,280 and 49% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs above the US average of ~34%, pointing to a competitive rental market where vacancies clear quickly and rents are less negotiable.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in College Station, TX have risen by $66/month (5.8%) over the past year, from $1,140 to $1,206. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in College Station, TX without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $43,560. The local median household income of $59,691 exceeds that threshold by $16,131, making College Station relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in College Station, TX is $350,643, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 24.2. With a break-even horizon of approximately 24 years, renting is likely the more financially prudent option for most residents unless they plan to stay long-term.

Neighborhoods

Home values — and by extension rent levels — vary significantly across College Station's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are South Knoll ($260,551 median home value), Central College Station ($273,723 median home value), Wellborn ($359,605 median home value). Rental prices typically follow home value patterns, with premium neighborhoods commanding higher rents than outer areas. Renters on a tighter budget may find better value in less central neighborhoods or in adjacent metros with lower overall rent levels.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2025
Studio
$1,034
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$1,089
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,206
5.8% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,690
Average
4 Bedrooms
$1,863
Average
🔔
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Median Home Value
$350,643
Source: Zillow ZHVI
Est. monthly payment
$1,866/mo
20% down · 30yr · 7%

Is College Station, TX Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Affordability Index(30% income rule)

To rent a 2BR
$48,240/year
Local median income: $59,691
To buy a median home
$74,651/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,206/month and 20% down on a $350,643 home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in TXlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
Fort Worth$1,371$1,461$1,705$2,256
Dallas$1,531$1,606$1,884$2,361
Brazoria County$951$1,138$1,260$1,683
Houston$1,226$1,279$1,529$2,038
San Antonio$1,116$1,231$1,501$1,907
Austin$1,549$1,650$1,949$2,484

Rent or Buy in College Station?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real College Station data

$
Home Value
$350,643
2BR Rent
$1,206/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,866/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,582/movs rent: $1,206/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Mortgage Calculator

Estimate monthly payment for $350,643 home at 7% rate

20% — $70,129
3%50%
Estimated Monthly Payment
$1,866
per month · 30 years · 7% APR
Loan Amount
$280,514
Total Paid
$671,857
Total Interest
$391,343
Estimated only. Excludes taxes, insurance, HOA. Rate from FRED.

Living in College Station

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Frequently Asked Questions

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🏘️Neighborhoods in College Station

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

⚖️Rent vs Buy in College Station

Is it cheaper to rent or buy here?

💵Rent Affordability in College Station

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in TX

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⚖️Compare College Station

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📋TX Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections