Getting the keys to your first apartment is a milestone worth celebrating. You’ve earned a space that’s all yours, where you set the rules and pick the couch. It’s also the moment when deposits, moving costs, monthly bills, and a very empty living room all line up for the same paycheck.
So, how much money do you need for first apartment costs? The answer depends on your rent, your city, and what you already own, which is why one dollar amount rarely fits every renter. A more useful approach is to learn how to budget for your first apartment in four parts, then plug in your own numbers.
Four Parts of a First Apartment Budget
Budgeting to move into an apartment can feel a lot more manageable once you place every cost into a category. Here are the four to plan for.
1. Upfront Move-In Costs
These are the one-time charges due before or on move-in day, and they can add up quickly.
- An application fee covers the landlord’s screening costs, and on average, US renters typically pay about $30. However, this amount may vary depending on the location and market value of the apartment.
- A security deposit is often equal to one month’s rent, though the amount can vary depending on your state and landlord.
- Your first month’s rent is usually due at move-in, and some landlords ask for the last month’s rent too.
- Moving costs depend on whether you do the moving on your own, rent a truck, or hire professional movers.
Some buildings also charge admin, parking, or pet fees, so ask for a full list before you apply. Our guide to hidden apartment fees breaks down what to watch for.
2. Monthly Expenses
When calculating your monthly expenses, start with rent and utilities, since they take the largest share of most budgets. The national average rent for a one-bedroom was $1,665 in September 2026, but your number could land well above or below that depending on where you live. If you’re still comparing places, our breakdown of apartments, condos, townhouses, and houses can help you weigh the options.
Next, list everything else that comes out of your monthly income.
- Electricity, water, gas, and internet are sometimes included in rent and sometimes billed separately, so ask before you sign.
- Renters insurance averages about $14 a month nationally, and some landlords require it.
- Groceries, transportation, and your phone bill are everyday costs that are easy to forget when you’re focused on the lease.
- Streaming services, takeout, and nights out count as wants, but they still need a line in your plan.
One popular starting point is the 50/30/20 rule, which suggests allocating no more than 50% of your after-tax pay to needs, no more than 30% to wants, and at least 20% to savings and debt. It’s a guideline, so adjust the percentages to fit your lifestyle.
3. An Emergency Cushion
A flat tire or a slow week at work shouldn’t put your rent or necessities at risk. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau says the right amount for an emergency fund depends on your situation, and that even a small amount set aside can help.
One way to begin is to choose a target, such as one month’s expenses, and work toward it. If that sounds like a lot right now, don’t worry. Every bit you set aside counts.
4. Apartment Setup Costs
An empty apartment needs furniture and household basics before it’s ready to support your daily lifestyle. Think bedding, cookware, a shower curtain, a trash can, and cleaning supplies, plus bigger pieces like a bed, a sofa, and any appliances your unit doesn’t include.
Furnishing Your First Apartment? Shop Rent-A-Center
Start with the rooms and essentials that matter most, then build out your space as your budget allows.
Living Room Furniture | Bedroom Furniture | Dining Room Furniture | Appliances | and More!
A Simple Formula for Your Savings Goal
To figure out how much to save up for an apartment, add your four parts together.
Upfront move-in costs + one month of expenses + emergency cushion + setup costs = your savings goal
Fill in each part with real quotes from the apartments you’re considering. If the total feels out of reach, look for ways to save money, like splitting costs with a roommate, shopping for deals, or furnishing in stages.
A Sample First Apartment Budget
Here’s how the formula could look for a one-bedroom that rents for $1,500 a month. These are example numbers to show the math, so swap in your own.
Category |
What It Covers |
Sample Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront move-in costs | Application fee ($30), security deposit ($1,500), first month’s rent ($1,500), and moving ($400) | $3,430 |
| One month of expenses | Utilities, internet, renters insurance, groceries, transportation, and phone | $1,100 |
| Emergency cushion | One extra month of rent and bills | $2,600 |
| Setup costs | Household basics ($400) and essential furniture ($1,200) | $1,600 |
| Sample savings goal | Total of all four parts | $8,730 |
Setup costs are the most flexible line in that table, since not everything has to arrive on day one and you have choices in how you pay for it.
Essentials First, Extras Later
You don’t need a fully furnished apartment before your first night. Sorting your list into two groups keeps your money pointed at the things you’ll use every day.
Day-One Essentials
- A mattress and bed frame come first because a good night’s sleep makes the rest of the move easier.
- You’ll want somewhere to sit and somewhere to eat, so a sofa and a small dining table are the next furniture pieces to plan for.
- Check which appliances your unit includes before you shop, especially the refrigerator and the washer and dryer. See our tips for buying affordable appliances if you need to add one.
- If you work or study from home, a reliable laptop or desktop should be on this list too.
Purchases That Can Wait
- A new TV, soundbar, or gaming console is fun to have, and your electronics setup can come together after the first few paychecks.
- A dishwasher is a nice-to-have if your kitchen doesn’t come with one, so check with your landlord before adding it to the list.
- Rugs, wall art, accent chairs, and extra storage are easy to add over time, and thrift stores are a great place to hunt for them.
For more ideas, check out our tips for furnishing a new home on a budget and furnishing a studio apartment.
How Rent-to-Own Fits In
Buying everything upfront is one way to furnish your first apartment, but it isn’t the only way. When you’re already paying for a deposit, moving costs, and your first round of bills, you may not want to spend a big chunk of your remaining cash on a bed, couch, or appliance all at once.
Rent-to-own gives you another option. With Rent-A-Center, you can bring home the furniture, appliances, or electronics you need and make weekly, biweekly, or monthly payments instead. That can make it easier to tackle your apartment one room at a time while keeping more cash available for everything else that comes with moving.
You’ll also have free delivery and different paths to ownership, including same-as-cash and early purchase options¹²³. As your budget allows, you can keep furnishing your home with flexible payments and add the pieces that weren’t quite day-one necessities. Browse online or visit your local Rent-A-Center to start furnishing your new home today.
¹“Free Delivery and In-store Pickup”: Not all locations may be able to provide standard services. Free Delivery is not available on cash sales. Rent-A-Center services and maintains the merchandise while on rent (or in NJ, for duration stated on agreement); set-up does not include connection of gas appliances. Call your store for local information
²“12 Months Same As Cash” valid in participating stores on new agreements offering at least 91 weeks of renewal payments. Offer valid 12/28/25 through 02/07/2026. Not Valid in WV. Same As Cash period for agreements offering fewer renewal payments and for non-participating franchised locations will vary from 3 – 12 months based on product selected. Beginning on the date of a new agreement, the duration of the Same As Cash period for such agreements will be as follows: for 12 Months Same As Cash, 365 days; for 9 Months Same As Cash, 276 days; for 6 Months Same As Cash, 184 days; for 4 Months Same As Cash, 123 days; for 3 Months Same As Cash, 92 days. MA and RI: After the Same As Cash period, you may purchase the merchandise for 50% of the remaining Total Cost, plus applicable sales tax. Exercising a Same As Cash option requires a separate payment in addition to your rental renewal payments. To make this payment, please contact your store or go to https://www.rentacenter.com/en/myaccount/payonline-getstarted. See agreement for details.
³The advertised transaction is a rental-purchase agreement (rent-to-own agreement, consumer rental-purchase agreement or a lease/lease-purchase agreement, depending on your state). Pricing valid 12/28/25 to 02/07/26. The “Total of All Payments” does not include applicable sales taxes or optional fees and other charges (such as late charges) that you may incur. Customers in certain states may be required to pay a processing fee, including a fee of up to $18 in CA, and up to $10 in NY, HI, GA, KY, MD & VA. Advertised rental rates and terms are for new merchandise at participating locations. Prices not valid outside U.S. You will not own the merchandise until the total amount necessary to acquire ownership is paid in full or you exercise your early purchase option. Ownership is optional. MA and RI consumers: after the first 184 days, you may purchase the merchandise for 50% of the remaining Total Cost, plus applicable sales tax. Product availability and pricing may vary by store. Advertised offers good while supplies last and cannot be combined with any other promotion. Advertised rental rates and terms are for new merchandise at participating locations. Product availability, condition and pricing may vary by store. Advertised offers good while supplies last and cannot be combined with any other promotion. See Store Manager for complete details.