RentDataNowRentDataNow
City Report · TX

Galveston

Pop. 53,424·223rd most expensive in Texas·One of the most affordable rental markets in the US
Median rent (all units)
$1,356/mo
Year-over-Year
+0.9%
Month-over-Month
+2.6%
vs US Median
-$609
Rising (Monthly)
Be the first to discuss Galveston rents ↓
Most AffordableMost Expensive
Galveston · $1,356
More affordable than 84% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
64/100
Good value
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 7% below what Galveston's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$1,356/mo
Expected by trend
$1,462/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Galveston's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,190
1 BR
$1,240
2 BR
$1,483
3 BR
$1,977
4 BR+
$2,490
Research median
$1,483/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

Loading…

Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$16,272/yr
At $1,356/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 0.9% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+0.9% YoY, +2.6% MoM), not inventory.
Rent check

Is your rent fair?

Compare your rent to the local median.

Demographics

Who lives here

Galveston, TX is roughly split between renters and owners, has a large retiree population, has a median income below the national average, 36% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
53,424
Median income
$55,631
Median age
41.5
Renters
53.8%
Age distribution
14.7%
28.1%
20.8%
15.4%
20.9%
Under 1814.7%
18–3428.1%
35–5420.8%
55–6415.4%
65+20.9%
Gender
50.6%
49.4%
Male50.6%
Female49.4%
Race & ethnicity
54.7%
15.4%
29.3%
White54.7%
Black15.4%
Hispanic29.3%
Asian2.8%
Education (25+)
22.8%
29.4%
36%
No HS diploma11.8%
HS diploma22.8%
Some college29.4%
Bachelor's+36%
Housing tenure
46.2%
53.8%
Owner46.2%
Renter53.8%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How Galveston, TX has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,064 → $1,356
up 27.4%
Income
$52,899 → $55,631
up 5.2%
Population
53,092 → 53,424
up 0.6%
Renter share
53.8% → 53.8%
+0.0 pts
Bachelor's+
30.4% → 36%
+5.6 pts
Median age
40 → 41.5
+1.5 yrs

The median rent in Galveston, TX stood at $1,064 in 2021 and currently runs about $1,356, reflecting a 27.4% increase over the period. Census figures show median household income at $55,631 today, compared with $52,899 five years earlier. That spread, with rent up faster than earnings, points to a tougher affordability environment than five years ago. College-educated residents now make up 36% of adults here, versus 30.4% in 2021. The combined trend lines point to a market that has changed measurably from where it stood in early 2021.

Community

Discussions about Galveston

No discussions yet. Start the conversation.

View Galveston rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Galveston on your salary?

At $1,356/mo, how Galveston rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Galveston rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Galveston. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Galveston

About renting in Galveston, TX

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Galveston is $1,356/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,190/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,483/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,240/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,977/mo.

At 29% of local median household income ($55,631/yr), Galveston ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 0.9% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Galveston an affordable city for renters?

Galveston is considered affordable for renters. At $1,356/mo, rent takes approximately 29% of the local median household income ($55,631/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Galveston falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Galveston?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $54,000/year (~$26/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,356/mo in Galveston. The local median household income is $55,631/yr, meaning the typical Galveston household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Galveston?

Rent in Galveston has increased 0.9% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Which Galveston neighborhoods have the lowest rent?

The most affordable ZIP codes in Galveston are 77551 ($1,204/mo), 77550 ($1,421/mo), and 77554 ($1,486/mo). Citywide, the median rent in Galveston is $1,356/mo.

How does Galveston rent compare to other cities in Texas?

Galveston is one of the more affordable cities in Texas for rent, ranking #223 out of 269 tracked cities at $1,356/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Galveston?

Texas City is nearby and more affordable at $1,342/mo, which is $14 less than Galveston.

What percentage of Galveston residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 53.8% of Galveston households are renters, while 46.2% are owner-occupied. With a majority renter population, Galveston has a strong rental market.

How does Galveston rent compare to the national average?

Galveston's median rent of $1,356/mo is $609 (31%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Texas, it ranks #223 out of 269 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
29%
AFFORDABLE

At $1,356/mo, rent takes ~29% of Galveston's median household income ($55,631/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Galveston 29%Benchmark 30%
State income taxNone
Run the Galveston affordability calculator →
Compare

How does this area stack up?

Pick another city or ZIP to compare.

Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Galveston, TX

Recent submissions

Be the first to submit your rent for Galveston.

Recent discussions

No discussions yet.