Compare up to 3 apartments side by side. Include rent, fees, utilities, parking, pet rent, and commute costs to find the true cheapest option.
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The advertised rent is only part of the story. Two apartments with the same monthly rent can have very different total costs once you factor in fees, utilities, parking, pet rent, and commute.
Start with the monthly rent, then add the security deposit and any move-in fees. Some landlords offer concessions like "one month free," which lowers your net effective rent over the lease term.
Next, estimate monthly utilities. Older buildings, larger square footage, and extreme climates can add $100–$300 per month. Parking can add $50–$300, and pet rent typically runs $25–$75 per pet.
Finally, include the commute cost. An apartment farther from work or school may save on rent but cost more in gas, transit, or time. Our calculator adds all these numbers together so you can compare the true 12-month cost of each option.