Find out how much cash you need before you get the keys. Add the rent due at signing, security and pet deposits, application and admin fees, broker fees, movers and utility setup, and see the total, the part you get back and how long it takes to save.
Last updated:
Rent
$
Deposits (refundable)
Security deposit as
× rent
$
$
$
Electric or gas deposit for new accounts
$
Fees (not refundable)
$
$
0 if there is no agent fee
$
$
$
Moving
$
$
$
$
Storage, travel, time off work
Planning
%
$
Optional: shows how long it takes to save
Enter your values to see the result.
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How to use the Apartment Move-In Cost Calculator
Enter the monthly rent and tick which rent payments are due at signing: first month, last month, or a prorated partial month from your move-in date.
Add the deposits: security deposit as months of rent or an amount, plus pet, utility and key deposits.
Add the fees: application fee per adult applicant, admin fee, broker fee and any non-refundable pet fee.
Add moving costs: movers or truck, boxes, furniture and setup, plus a safety cushion.
Press Calculate move-in cost for the total, what is refundable and an itemized checklist to download.
How the move-in total is calculated
Rent at signing = first month (or prorated rent: rent × days occupied ÷ days in the month) + last month if required
Deposits = security deposit (months × rent, or a fixed amount) + pet, utility and key deposits
Example: $1,600 rent with first month and a one-month deposit, a $50 application fee, $150 admin fee, $100 of utility setup, $20 renters insurance and $980 of moving and setup costs totals $4,500, or $4,950 with a 10% cushion: about 3.1 times the monthly rent. Only the $1,600 deposit is refundable.
Typical move-in costs for renters
Item
Typical amount
Refundable?
First month's rent
1 × rent
No
Last month's rent
1 × rent (only some leases)
Applied to your final month
Security deposit
0.5 – 2 × rent; capped in many states
Yes, minus damage
Application fee
About $25 – $75 per adult
No
Admin / move-in fee
$0 – $500
No
Broker fee
$0, or up to 1 month / 15% of a year's rent where common
No
Pet deposit or fee
$200 – $500 per pet
Deposit yes, fee no
Local movers (1–2 bedrooms)
Several hundred to a few thousand dollars
No
Tips to lower your upfront costs
Ask whether the landlord accepts a deposit alternative or lets you pay the deposit in installments.
Look for move-in specials; a free first month or waived admin fee can save hundreds.
Photograph and note every flaw on move-in day so the deposit comes back in full.
Book movers mid-month and mid-week, when rates are usually lower than at month end.
Frequently asked questions
How much money do I need to move into an apartment?
Most renters need two to three times the monthly rent in cash. A typical move-in is the first month's rent plus a security deposit of one month, plus application and admin fees, renters insurance and moving costs. Leases that also require last month's rent or a broker fee can push it to four times the rent or more.
What is first, last and security?
It means the landlord collects three payments before you move in: the first month's rent, the last month's rent in advance (which covers your final month) and a security deposit held against damage or unpaid rent. Only the security deposit is refundable; the last month's rent is used up at the end of the lease.
How is prorated rent calculated?
Prorated rent is the monthly rent divided by the number of days in the month, times the days you occupy the apartment. Moving in on June 20 with $1,600 rent: June has 30 days and you live there 11 of them, so you owe $1,600 × 11 ÷ 30 = $586.67 for June. Some landlords use 365 days ÷ 12 instead, so ask.
Is there a limit on security deposits?
Many states cap them, commonly at one or two months of rent, and a few cities set lower limits. Some states have no cap. Landlords usually must return the deposit within a set number of days after you move out, with an itemized list of any deductions.
How much income do I need to rent an apartment?
Many landlords require gross income of at least 40 times the monthly rent per year, which is the same as rent being about 30% of income. For $1,600 rent that is $64,000 a year. If you fall short, a guarantor or co-signer, a larger deposit or proof of savings may be accepted.
Which move-in costs can I get back?
Refundable: the security deposit, pet deposit and most utility or key deposits, minus deductions for damage beyond normal wear and tear, cleaning or unpaid rent. Not refundable: application, admin, broker and pet fees, the rent you live in and moving costs.
Are all the tools on FreeToolCabin tested for quality and accuracy?
Yes! Every tool on our site undergoes automated Q/A testing in real browser environments to ensure high precision, correct output, and zero errors. If you happen to spot a bug or have a suggestion, please contact us at [email protected] and our team will review it right away.