Plan your move

Apartment Move-In Cost Calculator: Plan the Cash You Need

Use this apartment move-in cost calculator to estimate upfront cash for rent, deposits and fees, then plan the recurring bills after you get your keys.

The amounts below are editable examples, not Houston averages or a property quote. Replace them with the fees your community gives you.

1. Rent and timing

Monthly base rent ($)Use the lease rent before any free-rent special.

Move-in dateThe move-in day is included in the estimate.

Proration methodConfirm the method with the property. The 30-day option uses actual days remaining, capped at one month’s rent.

Property’s quoted prorated rent ($)Optional: enter a quote to override the date calculation.

Include the next full month of rent in my move-in budget

Use this if the property asks for it upfront or you want to set that money aside.

2. Charges from the property

Security deposit ($)A deposit may be refundable under your lease.

Application fee per applicant ($)

Number of applicants

Administration fee ($)

Upfront pet fees and deposits ($)

Other upfront property charges ($)For example: key, parking or amenity charges due before move-in.

Rent credit applied at move-in ($)Only include a credit confirmed for this bill, not a special applied later.

Already paid toward these property charges ($)Avoid counting the same payment twice.

3. Moving and setup

Utility deposits and connection charges ($)

Movers, truck or supplies ($)

Extra amount to set aside ($)

4. Ongoing monthly bills

Utilities and internet ($/month)Example only; your usage and plans will vary.

Renters insurance ($/month)

Monthly pet, parking and other fees ($)

These monthly bills appear in the monthly estimate, not the move-in total. If any are due upfront, enter that amount in section 2 or 3 as well.