So, you’re looking for a place to rent in Houston? If you’re looking for a new living place in Houston TX, you might be wondering whether to rent an apartment or a house.

As you’ve already seen… there are a lot of options in the Houston area for housing.
From apartments in Houston to rental houses in Houston… condos… mobile homes, and more.
But if you’re struggling to decide if you want to rent an apartment or a house… check out our tips below on the “pros and cons” of renting a local apartment vs. the pros and cons of renting a local house. (also, see our blog post on the pros and cons of Rent to Own Programs for more detailed info >)
Renting An Apartment vs Renting A House in Houston
When it comes to finding a place to call home in Houston, you’ll encounter two primary options: renting an apartment or renting a house. Each choice comes with its unique set of advantages and disadvantages. The decision that suits you best depends on your specific requirements and personal preferences.
Renting A Houston Apartment –
There are lots of great apartments in Houston. The average rent for an apartment in Houston is $1,342 per month.
You’ve probably found new apartment complexes with all kinds of amenities like a swimming pool, gym, rec area, and all kinds of other perks.
And you’ve probably come across some bare-bones apartments that just gave you 4 walls and not much else.
Pros | Details |
---|---|
Rent is often cheaper than houses | Cost-effective housing solution |
Some services included in rent | Services like trash and water may be included |
Maintenance handled by management | Some services included in the rent |
Availability of apartment units | More apartment units available compared to houses |
Inclusion of amenities | Access to amenities such as rec rooms, gyms, and pools |
Possible access to neighbor’s Wi-Fi | Potential for shared Wi-Fi connectivity with neighbors |
Convenient urban location | Proximity to public transportation and entertainment options in urban areas |
Cons | Details |
---|---|
Shared walls with neighbors | Proximity to neighbors on multiple sides |
Challenges with upstairs apartments | Difficulty in moving furniture in and out of upstairs units |
Parking lot dings | Risk of car dings in shared parking lots |
Limited or no dedicated yard space | Often, only minimal or no private yard space available for tenants |
– Usually, you don’t get a yard that is just for you (if you do, it’s usually very very small)
So what about renting a house in Houston?
The average rent for a house in Houston is $1,500 per month. The cost of rent varies depending on several factors. However, Here’s a table summarizing the Pros and Cons of renting local houses:
Pros of Renting Local Houses:
Pros | Details |
---|---|
More space and privacy | Increased living space and enhanced privacy compared to apartments |
No shared walls | Independence from neighbors sharing walls |
Homely feeling | Experience the sense of residing in a home rather than a temporary apartment |
Real neighborhood ambiance | Neighborhoods filled with houses offering a true community atmosphere |
Included utilities | Often, many utilities are covered in the rental agreement |
Personalization and outdoor spaces | Customize your living space, including painting and creating outdoor areas like a garden |
Outdoor enjoyment | The ability to enjoy outdoor areas such as a backyard or patio |
Cons of Renting Local Houses:
Cons | Details |
---|---|
Self-maintenance | May involve more minor maintenance tasks that tenants must handle |
Limited rental house options | A restricted inventory of desirable rental houses |
Higher deposit | Potentially higher security deposit requirements compared to apartments |
Higher rent | Typically, house rent is higher for similar square footage due to added house benefits |
Suburban location | Often situated in suburban areas, which may have limited access to public transportation and entertainment options |
So, What Kind of Houston Houses Should You Start to Look At
Ultimately, whether local Houston apartments or houses are the superior choice for you depends on your personal preferences and priorities.
If you crave ample space and the freedom to spread out without the proximity of shared walls with neighbors, renting a house could be your ideal path.
On the other hand, if you seek a plethora of choices, a potentially lower cost, and the convenience of added amenities such as a pool, exploring local apartments might be the route to consider. Your decision should align with your unique lifestyle and needs.
Or, the 3rd option for you is a local Houston rent-to-own home program.
Not sure what a “rent to own” home is?
Check out this page on our website that walks you through what a rent-to-own home (lease option) home is and how rent-to-own homes work in Houston.
If you’re interested in seeing the local Houston rent-to-own homes that are available click the link below to get on the list and see available homes.
Or call us at (832) 210-3088 anytime to ask us questions and see if our Houston Rent To Own Program is right for you! I hope this will help you to decide to rent an apartment or a house in Houston.