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PropFit · Calculators · Move-in costs

How much money do you need to move into an apartment?

Usually first month's rent plus a security deposit, then application fees and moving costs. In New York, a deposit can't be more than one month's rent and an application fee can't be more than $20, so a $3,000 apartment takes about $6,020 before movers. Florida caps neither, and some Orlando listings ask for first month, last month and a deposit.

Updated November 4, 2026 · Estimates for illustration, not financial or legal advice.

Where you're renting

Cash you need to move in

$6,820

First month's rent
$3,000
Security deposit
$3,000
Last month's rent
$0
Application fees
$20
Broker fee
$0
Moving
$800

New York: deposit up to one month's rent, returned within 14 days of move-out; application fee up to $20.

Find homes that fit your budget

What you pay before you get the keys

  • First month's rent. Due at signing almost everywhere.
  • Security deposit. Held against damage and unpaid rent, and returned when you move out, minus any lawful deductions.
  • Last month's rent. Some landlords ask for it in advance, more often outside New York.
  • Application and screening fees. For the credit and background check.
  • Broker fee. If a broker is involved and the rules let them charge you.
  • Moving costs. Movers or a truck, plus anything the new place needs on day one.

New York City rules

  • Deposit: one month's rent at most. New York law says no deposit or advance can be more than one month's rent. After you move out, the landlord has 14 days to return it or send an itemized list of deductions.
  • Application fee: $20 at most. For a background and credit check, a landlord can charge the actual cost or $20, whichever is less.
  • Broker fees: whoever hires the broker pays. Since June 11, 2025, under New York City's FARE Act, you pay a broker's fee only if you hired that broker. A broker the landlord hired is paid by the landlord, and listings must show any fees you'll be charged.

Sources: New York General Obligations Law § 7-108(1-a); Real Property Law § 238-a; NYC Local Law 119 of 2024 (the FARE Act). Not legal advice.

Orlando and Florida rules

  • No cap on the deposit or advance rent. Florida law doesn't limit either, so first month, last month and a deposit together is something you may see.
  • Getting the deposit back. After you move out, the landlord has 15 days to return the deposit, or 30 days to tell you in writing that they're claiming part of it, and why.
  • A fee instead of a deposit. Florida lets landlords offer a monthly, non-refundable fee in place of a security deposit. It has to be your choice, not a requirement.

Sources: Florida Statutes § 83.49 and § 83.491. Not legal advice.

Cash to move in, by rent

New York City: first month, a one-month deposit and a $20 application fee. Orlando example: first month, last month, a one-month deposit and a $75 application fee.

Monthly rentNew York CityOrlando example
$1,500$3,020$4,575
$2,000$4,020$6,075
$2,500$5,020$7,575
$3,000$6,020$9,075
$3,500$7,020$10,575
$4,000$8,020$12,075
 Before broker fees and moving costs. The Orlando column is an example; homes set their own terms.

Questions

Straight answers

How much is a security deposit in New York?

No more than one month's rent. New York law caps any deposit or advance at one month's rent.

Do I have to pay a broker fee in New York City?

Only if you hired the broker. Since June 11, 2025, the FARE Act makes whoever hires the broker pay them, so a broker working for the landlord can't charge you.

Is there a limit on security deposits in Florida?

No. Florida doesn't cap security deposits or advance rent, but it sets deadlines for returning a deposit: 15 days, or 30 days to claim part of it in writing.

How much should I save before I move?

At least two months' rent in New York and often three in Florida, plus fees and moving costs. The calculator above adds it up for your rent.

More calculators

Run the other numbers

How much rent can I afford?Your income, against the 40× and 3× rules. The 40× rent ruleThe income you need for a given rent, with or without a guarantor. Cash to move inFirst month, deposit and fees, with New York and Florida rules. What an empty rental costsFor owners: the cost of empty weeks, and when a rent cut pays.

See the full cost before you apply.

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