What we track for this search
- Named buildings with entry rents
- Concessions that lower effective rent
- Move-in cost breakdown before you apply
- Income math for $1,200–$1,600 rents
- Ratings explained, not just rent
- Budget Calculator and Move-In Cost Calculator
Yes, Affordable High Rise Apartments in Dallas Can Cost Less Than Average
Have you ever stared at a rental listing and wondered if you were paying for the view or the actual square footage? Many homeowners and business owners want a convenient city base, but finding affordable high rise apartments can feel impossible. Downtown Dallas one-bedroom units currently average an eye-watering $1,868 per month in late 2026.
That price tag makes finding a budget-friendly corporate pad or a second home feel like a major challenge.
Our team wants to share a little secret with you. Across the Dallas high rise apartments we track, most one-bedrooms start between $1,600 and $2,500, but you can absolutely find luxury for less. You just need to know where to look.
We are going to walk you through the exact properties that keep your costs down while keeping you in the sky. Grab your favorite drink, and let’s explore these amazing options together.
Seven towers anchor the affordable end of our inventory:
- Skyline at Kessler (Kessler Park, 11 floors) from $909, 2 months free
- The Continental at Mercantile Place (Downtown, 11 floors) from $1,049, 2 months free
- The Kirby (Downtown, 17 floors, built 1913) from $1,143, 1 month free
- Manor House (Downtown, 25 floors) from $1,230, 2 months free
- The Arcadian in Victory Park (15 floors) from $1,409, 2 months free
- Skyhouse Dallas (Victory Park, 24 floors) from $1,420
- Victory Place (Victory Park, 25 floors) from $1,605, $2,250 off the first month
The full table above lists every tower with an entry rent near $1,600 or less. Deep Ellum adds The Case Building ($1,196), The Hamilton at The Epic ($1,314), and The Gabriella ($1,345).
How Concessions Lower What You Pay
Have you noticed all the free rent banners hanging on buildings lately? Property managers are competing hard for your lease right now.
We see these move-in specials constantly, and they are your biggest tool for saving money. Nearly 40% of Dallas listings are offering concessions in 2026 because of a massive wave of roughly 30,000 new units hitting the market. A two-months-free special on a 12-month lease cuts your net effective rent by about a sixth.
A $1,230 unit at Manor House with two months free works out to roughly $1,025 a month over the year. That math is exactly why you should always compare net effective rent instead of the headline rent.
Our Building Comparison Tool shows the effect of free weeks on any lease length. There is a catch to plan for, though. Your renewal will usually be quoted from the base rent.
Advisor note
Concessions lower what you pay, but buildings still qualify you on base rent. If your income is right at 3x, a concession won’t help you get approved. Match the income first.
Types of Affordable Dallas High Rises
Finding the right building style makes a huge difference for your daily routine.
Historic conversion lofts
Business owners love the unique vibe of these older spaces. The Kirby (1913), Dallas Power & Light Lofts (1931) in the Main Street District, Lone Star Gas Lofts (1931), and 1900 Pacific Residences (1952) are converted commercial buildings in Downtown. You can expect tall ceilings, big windows, and amazing original architecture.
We always remind clients that these gorgeous spaces usually have fewer modern amenities than a brand-new tower. You trade the fancy rooftop coworking lounge for incredible concrete floors and exposed brick walls. These industrial details make historic buildings incredibly popular for creative professionals.
Older towers
Older buildings often provide 10% to 20% more square footage than brand-new construction. Manor House (1965), Skyline at Kessler (1964, renovated 2022), and One Dallas Center (1978) offer real height and larger floor plates at significantly lower rents.
Our recent tours of Skyline at Kessler highlighted fantastic modern upgrades like white cabinets and stainless steel appliances. You get a beautiful, updated interior while paying the lower rates of a 1960s building. These older towers are perfect for homeowners looking to downsize without giving up their elbow room.
Newer A+ towers at the entry tier
The Arcadian, Skyhouse Dallas, The Case Building, The Hamilton at The Epic, and The Gabriella are newer buildings whose smallest units start low. Ratings vary widely among them.
We suggest these buildings if you want modern perks like resort-style pools, fitness centers, and high-speed Wi-Fi lounges. New towers focus heavily on lifestyle amenities that make working from home a breeze. Our comparison of historic lofts vs. older towers explains the character vs. amenities trade-off.
Ratings vs. Rent
Affordable absolutely does not have to mean compromise, but it sometimes does. The Continental and Skyhouse Dallas both average 2.9 stars, and The Hamilton at The Epic sits at 2.6. Meanwhile, Dallas Power & Light Lofts and 1900 Pacific Residences average a stellar 4.2 stars.
We find that older properties often maintain higher ratings because of their solid construction and established management teams. A newer A+ building might look flashy, but routine issues can quickly frustrate residents and tank online scores.
Here are the most common reasons newer buildings get lower ratings:
- Slow response times for maintenance requests.
- Frequent breakdowns of parking garage gates or elevators.
- Poor soundproofing between units despite a luxury price tag.
Our building class guide explains why an older C-class tower can easily out-rate a newer A+ building.
The Income Math for $1,200 to $1,600 Rent
Understanding your budget is the first step to a stress-free move. You need to know exactly what income is required to get approved for these buildings.
| Monthly rent | Income at 2.5x (yearly) | Income at 3x (yearly) |
|---|---|---|
| $1,200 | $36,000 | $43,200 |
| $1,400 | $42,000 | $50,400 |
| $1,600 | $48,000 | $57,600 |
We recommend budgeting for the hidden costs that go beyond the base rent. You must add parking, pet rent, and utilities to see your true monthly cost. A typical Dallas energy bill for a one-bedroom can easily run between $100 and $150 during the hot summer months, and pet rents average $15 to $25 per month.
Our guide on the income needed for a $1,600 high rise and our Budget Calculator do the rest.
Budget Your Move-In Cash
Upfront costs can matter more than rent when you are on a tight budget. You will face application fees that run $50 to $100 per adult, plus admin fees, deposits, the first month of rent, and parking fees.
We always advise our clients to look for properties that actively cut the upfront hit. Remi in Uptown offers a $0 deposit, Ardan West Village advertises reduced deposits, and look-and-lease credits of $500 to $1,000 are common right now.
Keep these hidden moving costs in mind when planning your budget:
- Local Movers: A local move for a one-bedroom apartment in Dallas averages between $400 and $700 in 2026.
- Elevator Fees: High-rise buildings usually require a Certificate of Insurance (COI) and a strictly scheduled freight elevator.
- Time Delays: These strict building rules add extra time to your movers’ hourly bill.
Use our Move-In Cost Calculator before you apply to get a clear picture.
If your credit needs flexibility too, our flexible credit search matches you to buildings where you will clear the background check. Tell us your rental ceiling, and we will help you find the best affordable high rise apartments that fit your specific needs.
