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
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 FY2025Is 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)
Nearby Cities in TXlargest metros in the state
| City | Studio | 1BR | 2BR | 3BR | Home 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
Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.
Mortgage Calculator
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Living in College Station
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Frequently Asked Questions
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