Rent and applications
How much money do I need to move into an apartment?
Updated By the Housing Rocket moderators
Short answer
Plan on roughly two to three times the monthly rent in cash before you move in. That typically covers the first month's rent, a security deposit, application fees and moving costs. Some landlords also ask for last month's rent, a pet deposit or utility deposits, which can push the total higher.
For a $1,400 apartment, a realistic upfront budget might look like this:
- First month's rent: $1,400.
- Security deposit: often one month's rent, so $1,400. Many states cap deposits, commonly at one or two months' rent. Check your state.
- Application fees: about $25 to $75 per adult.
- Moving truck or movers: a few hundred dollars for a local move, more for long distance.
- Utility and internet setup, sometimes including deposits if you have no credit history.
- Renters insurance, if required.
- Basic furniture and household items if you are starting from scratch.
That adds up to roughly $3,300 to $4,000 before furniture, which is why saving is often the hardest part of a first apartment. Ask each landlord for a written list of everything due at signing so you are not surprised.
Also plan for your first couple of months, since you may be buying groceries and paying utility bills before your budget settles. The first apartment guide breaks down move-in costs in more detail.
Want the whole picture? Read Renting Your First Apartment: Applications, Leases and Move-in Costs.