Apartment/Home Move-In Cost Calculator
Estimate the cash you may need before getting the keys, then confirm each charge with your lease and landlord.
Calculator
Results
Estimated move-in total
$3,650
Includes first month’s rent, security deposit, and applicable selected charges.
Move-in cost breakdown
- Security deposit (1× rent)
- $1,800
- First month’s rent
- $1,800
- Admin/application fees
- $50
- Total due at move-in
- $3,650
How it works
Your estimate adds first month’s rent, monthly rent multiplied by your security-deposit multiple, and any applicable one-time fees. Last month’s rent, pet deposits, and broker fees are added only when selected.
Optional amounts stay saved when their toggle is turned off, but they are excluded from the total until you turn the toggle on again.
Methodology and sources
Reviewed August 28, 2026. Scope: general U.S. rental move-in planning. Lease terms, deposit caps, pet charges, and broker practices vary by property, state, and locality.
- The initial example uses $1,800 monthly rent, a 1× security deposit, $50 in admin/application fees, and a $300 optional pet-deposit placeholder. These are editable examples, not national averages.
- Last month’s rent, pet deposits, and broker fees are excluded unless selected. Broker fees start at $0 because there is no national convention this calculator can safely apply.
- The formula is addition only: first month’s rent + security deposit + required one-time fees + any optional charges you select.
- Confirm every amount and applicable rule with your lease and local authority. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s housing-counseling resources can help renters locate approved local guidance.