Apartment Move-In Cost Calculator

Add up everything due before you get the keys — first and last month's rent, deposits, fees, and movers — and see your total move-in cost instantly, right in your browser.

📖 How it works & FAQ

Monthly rent ($)

Last month's rent required?

Security deposit ($)

Pet deposit / fee ($)

Application fee ($)

Admin / move-in fee ($)

Movers / truck rental ($)

What counts toward your move-in cost

Landlords rarely hand over the keys for a single rent check. A typical apartment move-in stacks first month's rent, sometimes last month's rent, a security deposit, a pet deposit or fee, application and admin fees, and moving costs. This calculator adds every line item and shows the total you need in the bank before move-in day, split into rent due upfront, deposits, and fees plus moving. It also translates the total into a multiple of your monthly rent — most moves land between two and four times one month's rent. Everything runs in your browser; nothing you type is uploaded or stored.

Deposits vs. fees: know what comes back

Not all of this money is gone forever. Security deposits — and in many states pet deposits — are refundable if you leave the unit in good shape, so they act more like a temporary freeze on your cash than a true cost. Application fees, admin fees, non-refundable pet fees, and movers are money you will never see again, so the results keep deposits on their own card. When choosing between two apartments, compare the non-refundable portion as well as the headline total. These figures are estimates only, not financial, tax, or legal advice; deposit rules vary by state and lease.

How to use it

Enter your monthly rent; first month's rent is always included.
Choose whether your lease requires last month's rent upfront.
Enter the security deposit from the listing (often one month's rent).
Add the pet deposit, application fee, and any admin or move-in fee — set anything that doesn't apply to 0.
Estimate movers or truck rental, then read the cards; everything updates live as you type.

FAQ

How much should a security deposit be?: Usually between half and two months' rent, and many states cap it at one or two months. Check your state's landlord-tenant rules before you sign.
Is a pet deposit the same as pet rent?: No. A pet deposit or one-time pet fee is paid at move-in and belongs in this total. Pet rent is a recurring monthly charge for your ongoing budget.
What do movers typically cost?: A local move with two movers commonly runs $300–$800; a DIY truck rental plus fuel is often $100–$300.
Why does the total show a multiple of rent?: It's the quickest way to compare apartments with different rents: a 3× multiple means three months' worth of rent in cash just to get the keys.