If you're renting in Dallas right now, you already know the struggle. Every month, a big chunk of your paycheck goes to your landlord. And what do you get in return? A place to stay that you'll never own.
But what if there was another way? What if you could pay less each month and actually build something for your future?
That's exactly why so many people are looking at owning in Terrell instead of renting in Dallas. Let's break down the numbers and see which option actually saves you more money in 2026.
The Reality of Renting in Dallas in 2026
Dallas is a great city. There's no doubt about that. But living there comes with a hefty price tag, especially when it comes to rent.
Right now, the average rent in Dallas falls somewhere between $1,395 and $1,706 per month. That's just for an average apartment. If you want a two-bedroom place for your family, you're looking at anywhere from $2,049 to $3,520 per month.
Let's do some quick math. If you pay $1,700 a month in rent, that's $20,400 per year. Over five years, that's $102,000. And what do you have to show for it at the end? Nothing. No equity. No ownership. Just a stack of rent receipts.
As one financial expert puts it: "Rent is the maximum you'll pay for housing. A mortgage is the minimum." That might sound backward at first, but it makes sense when you think about it. With rent, your payment only goes up. With a mortgage, you're building equity with every payment.
What Owning in Terrell Looks Like
Now let's talk about Terrell. It's a friendly town just about 30 miles east of Dallas. You can still get to the city when you need to, but you don't have to pay city prices.
The big difference? Affordable homeownership is actually possible here.
In Terrell, you can find manufactured homes that cost a fraction of what you'd pay for a house in Dallas. We're talking about brand new homes with modern designs, energy-efficient features, and plenty of space for your family.
Monthly payments for a manufactured home in a community like Post Oak can be significantly lower than Dallas rent prices. In many cases, you could be paying hundreds of dollars less each month while actually owning your home.
That's not a typo. You can pay less and own more.
Breaking Down the Numbers
Let's compare apples to apples here.
Renting in Dallas:
- Average rent: $1,700 per month
- Annual cost: $20,400
- Five-year cost: $102,000
- What you own after 5 years: Nothing
Owning in Terrell:
- Monthly payment: Often $1,000 to $1,400 per month (depending on your home and loan)
- Annual cost: $12,000 to $16,800
- Five-year cost: $60,000 to $84,000
- What you own after 5 years: A home with built-up equity
The savings are clear. You could save anywhere from $18,000 to $42,000 over five years just by choosing to own in Terrell instead of renting in Dallas.
And here's the best part. That money isn't just "saved." Part of every mortgage payment goes toward paying off your home. So you're not just spending less. You're investing in something that belongs to you.
Want to see what your payments might look like? Check out our mortgage calculator to run your own numbers.
Beyond the Monthly Payment
Money matters, but it's not the only thing to think about. Let's talk about some other benefits of owning in Terrell.
You Build Equity
Every mortgage payment you make increases your ownership stake in your home. Think of it like a savings account that you live in. After a few years, you'll have real wealth built up that you can use later.
You Get Stability
When you rent, your landlord can raise the rent whenever your lease is up. When you own, your payment stays predictable. You can plan your budget without worrying about surprise increases.
You Have Freedom
Want to paint your walls? Go ahead. Want to add a deck or plant a garden? It's your place. Owning a home means you get to make it truly yours.
You Get More Space
For the price of a cramped Dallas apartment, you can get a spacious manufactured home in Terrell. We're talking about multiple bedrooms, a full kitchen, and room to spread out.
Why People Are Making the Move
More and more families are figuring out that renting in Dallas just doesn't make sense anymore. The math doesn't work in your favor.
One new homeowner shared their experience: "We were paying almost $2,000 a month for a two-bedroom apartment in Dallas. Now we own a three-bedroom home in Terrell for way less. I wish we had done this years ago."
Stories like this are becoming more common. People are tired of throwing money away on rent. They want something to show for their hard work.
And the commute? It's not as bad as you might think. Terrell has easy access to I-20, so getting into Dallas for work or fun is totally doable. Many residents find the trade-off more than worth it.
What Makes Terrell Special
Terrell isn't just affordable. It's also a great place to live.
The town has a friendly, small-community feel that you just can't find in a big city. Your neighbors know your name. Kids can play outside safely. There's a sense of belonging that many people miss when they live in a crowded apartment complex.
Plus, Terrell has been growing. New shops, restaurants, and services are popping up all the time. You get the benefits of a tight-knit community with more and more conveniences nearby.
And when you live in a manufactured home community like Post Oak, you get even more perks. Think community amenities, well-maintained grounds, and a supportive neighborhood atmosphere. You can learn more about our amenities and lifestyle on our website.
Is Terrell Right for You?
Owning in Terrell might be perfect for you if:
- You're tired of paying high rent in Dallas
- You want to build equity instead of throwing money away
- You're looking for more space for your family
- You value community and a quieter lifestyle
- You want affordable homeownership without sacrificing quality
It might not be the right fit if you need to be in the heart of Dallas every single day or if you're not ready for the responsibilities of homeownership.
But for most renters who are looking for a better deal, Terrell checks all the boxes.
Take the First Step Today
The choice between renting in Dallas and owning in Terrell comes down to this: Do you want to keep paying someone else's mortgage, or do you want to start building your own future?
The numbers don't lie. Owning in Terrell can save you thousands of dollars while giving you something that's truly yours.
At Post Oak Manufactured Home Community, we help families just like yours make the switch from renting to owning. We'd love to show you what's possible.
Ready to learn more? Visit postoakcommunity.com or contact us to start your journey toward affordable homeownership in Terrell.
Your future home is waiting.