How Much Does an Apartment Cost?

Moving to a new location can be an exciting time. You’re thrilled to explore a new city but also anxious to find an apartment to call home as soon as possible. However, there’s more than just rent and location to consider when apartment hunting. Whether you’re planning on moving across the country or to a new building in your current city, we put together information to help you prepare for the costs associated with moving into a new apartment, such as the security deposit, renter’s insurance, broker’s fee, and furniture essentials, to name a few.

Read on for answers to common questions like:

• How much is rent?
• How much do apartments cost based on location?
• What other costs come with renting an apartment?
• How can I reduce my expenses?

To understand how much an apartment costs, you’ll need to learn what factors contribute to rental costs. Most cities have apartments for rent at a range of different prices. To focus your search on units you can reasonably afford, keep in mind the rule of thumb that says your income should be at least 3x your rent. That means to afford an apartment that rents for $2,000 per month, your monthly income needs to be at least $6,000 per month.

How much is rent? The national average cost to rent an apartment

The national median asking rent for an apartment was up 2.1% year over year in December 2025, according to Redfin.

• The median asking rent for newly listed units was $1,901 in December 2025, per Redfin.
• The median gross rent (rent plus utilities) for all renters was $1,487 in 2024, per the Census Bureau.

Asking rent reflects what landlords list for available units, while gross rent reflects what renters report paying, which is why the two figures differ.

Redfin also reported that rental costs were still rising on a year-over-year basis but had started to decline month over month. At the same time, homebuying costs fell which narrowed the gap between the income needed to buy and the income needed to rent. While rent trends are shaped by local supply and demand, actual rent changes vary from state to state and city to city.

How much does an apartment cost in your state?

The national average rental rate for apartments is helpful as a rough estimate for what you should expect to pay for your next apartment, but costs will vary by state and size of the city. For example, an apartment in a large city will typically cost more than an apartment in a suburban or rural area.

Below is a table that lays out median gross rent for one and two-bedroom apartments in every state and the District of Columbia for 2025.

(Data sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau, 2025 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates)

Because rents vary by state and city, you may be wondering what’s the best way for a renter to estimate how much they should budget for their next apartment. A helpful way to start budgeting for the costs of renting is with the 30% rule.

Follow the 30% rule

What is the 30% rule? 

The 30% rule is originally from the Brooke Amendment of 1969 that measures rental affordability. This amendment helped to ensure that low-income renters in housing programs would not pay more than 25% of their income for housing, which in 1981, Congress raised the cap to 30%. Though this rule can certainly be applied to anyone and not just low-income renters.

How does the 30% rule work? 

This rule recommends that any household not spend more than 30% of its gross (before tax) income on housing costs. This rule is considered a helpful benchmark for anyone to gauge how much rent they can afford. Any renter can apply the 30% rule to evaluate their rental options and find an apartment that fits reasonably within their rental budget.

For example, say the national median asking rent is $1,901 per month. In this instance, the household income should be about $6,300 per month to cover rent and have enough left for food, utilities, and other expenses.

The 30% rule isn’t universally applicable, as everyone has a unique financial situation. Many people have student loans, car loans, or other recurring monthly debts to pay down. This means that even if their household income suggests they meet the 30% metric, they may need an apartment that costs much less to live comfortably. If that’s the case, consider an apartment that rents 20-25% of your gross income. Keep in mind the other costs you incur as a renter, which will affect the amount you can comfortably pay in rent each month.

Other costs to consider when renting an apartment

When considering apartment costs, you also need to look at the amount of money it’ll take to move into your new apartment, which varies by location and even by building. For example, in New York City, the FARE Act took effect on June 11, 2025. According to the city’s Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, a landlord or a landlord’s agent can no longer collect a fee from a tenant for a broker’s services. Under the law, the party who hires the agent pays the agent, so a renter who hires their own agent may still owe a fee. Ask who hired the agent before you apply.

Massachusetts is another example of how much the rules can differ by state. Christopher Chadzynski, owner of Northeast Realty + Co., which works with renters in Greater Boston, described what that looks like in practice:

“In Greater Boston, renters should budget well beyond the monthly rent: Massachusetts landlords can collect first month’s rent, last month’s rent, and a security deposit of up to one month’s rent at signing, so move-in costs can approach three times the rent. Under the state’s 2025 broker fee reform, tenants generally no longer pay the fee when the landlord hired the agent, but it’s worth confirming before you apply. Keeping rent at or below 30% of gross income is a good starting point, and in older housing stock it pays to ask for last winter’s heating costs, since oil or gas heat can add a few hundred dollars a month. To save, look a few stops further out on the transit line, avoid the September 1 rush when competition peaks, and ask whether a longer lease can get you a lower rent.”

9 additional costs to consider when renting an apartment

1. Moving expenses: Whether moving yourself or hiring professionals, expect to see additional costs during the process. Local movers can charge between $875 to $2,546, with long-distance movers charging even more. Request quotes from multiple movers to find the best price.
2. Security deposit: State laws limit security deposits, but they often reach a total equalling one month’s rent. Paying a deposit plus first and last month’s rent upfront can total 3x rent – about $5,700 for a unit at the $1,901 national median asking rate.
3. Application fees: When you apply to rent an apartment, the property manager or landlord may charge you for the background check they run, which can cost between $20-$100. 
4. Pet deposits: Pet-friendly apartments typically require a pet deposit in addition to your security deposit. A pet deposit can range anywhere between $25 to $500 per animal, and while it is refundable, you may also have to pay a per-month pet rent, which can add an additional $25-$50 per month to your total rent. 
5. Parking: You may have to pay extra to park your car at your apartment, whether or not it’s your own designated parking spot. Some apartments offer garage rental for an additional monthly cost, which you can use for your car, bike, sporting equipment, or other large items you want to store safely.
6. Renters’ insurance: The average cost of renters insurance in the U.S. is $172 per year. Your final total will of course depend on what you have covered in your insurance policy and vary from person to person.
7. Utilities: The cost of utilities (water, gas, electricity) may not be included in your rent. When paid separately, costs vary by size, location, season, and usage, averaging $125 monthly for a one-bedroom and $196 for a two-bedroom.
8. Laundry: Some apartment buildings have coin-operated machines available for tenants to use, shared with everyone in the building. The average cost per load will likely match the local laundromat price or come in slightly higher for the convenience of having onsite laundry facilities.
9. Other expenses: If your rental has amenities like a gym or exercise room, pool, or sauna, the upkeep costs could be included in your rent.

9 tips to reduce your monthly expenses

1. Location: Renting further from the city center often lowers costs. Choose carefully, considering more than rent, and use Walk Score or local advice to assess walkability.
2. Wants vs. needs: Choosing a smaller unit often reduces rent. If extra space isn’t necessary, opting for a one-bedroom over a two-bedroom can save money.
3. Lease terms: Month-to-month leases usually cost more than 12-month agreements. If you’re remaining in the area, a two-year lease can lower monthly rent and save on moving expenses, new deposits, and renewal fees.
4. Energy consumption: Heating your apartment to 70°F in winter or cooling it to 65°F in summer can be costly. Setting temperatures to 65°F in winter and 72°F in summer helps lower gas and electricity bills. 
5. Roommates: A roommate can help save money on an apartment if you have the space. You can split all costs and put the extra into savings.
6. Furniture: It’s nice to have a well-furnished apartment, but keep your budget in mind when purchasing your furniture. You may find you can put up with a hand-me-down couch from a friend or family member if it saves you an extra $500.
7. Cable: Forgo cable or expensive satellite television services. With all the programs available on various streaming services, you’ll find that you won’t miss programming as much to save money every month.
8. Home cooking: Eating out can add up quickly. Even with scarce freezer space, you can keep a few protein, fruit, and vegetable staples on hand to whip up a homemade meal.
9. Transportation: In larger cities such as Los Angeles, CA, or Chicago, IL, parking costs can run hundreds of dollars monthly. While some renters forgo vehicles, factor public transit and commuting expenses into your overall budget.

Final thoughts

Your apartment search comes with excitement and anticipation of living in a new area – but uncertainty about apartment costs can throw you for a loop. Now you have a rough budget to guide your apartment search so you can focus on finding your new home in a location that suits your lifestyle. When considering how much an apartment costs, use the 30% rule as a starting point and factor in additional costs and your financial situation.

FAQ: How much does an apartment cost

1. Can I negotiate the rent or move-in costs?

Sometimes. In buildings with several vacant units, some landlords may offer concessions such as a free month of rent, waived fees, or a flexible move-in date. Results depend on the building and local demand, so it doesn’t hurt to ask before you sign.

2. What should I ask a landlord before signing a lease?

Ask for a full fee schedule and what the rent includes, such as water, trash, or parking. It also helps to ask how renewals work, how much notice you’ll get before a rent change, and how maintenance requests are handled. Get the answers in writing when you can.

3. Do I need renters insurance if my landlord already has a policy?

A landlord’s policy generally covers the building, not your belongings or your liability. Some landlords also require tenants to carry renters insurance, so check your lease and ask for the requirements before move-in.

4. What happens to my security deposit when I move out?

Rules on returning deposits vary by state, including how long a landlord has to return it and what deductions are allowed. Taking dated photos at move-in and move-out, and keeping a copy of any condition checklist, can help if there’s a disagreement about damage.

5. What costs can come up after I move in?

Costs after move-in can include late fees, renewal fees, charges for damage beyond normal wear, and fees for ending a lease early. Rent can also change at renewal. Your lease spells out which fees apply, so read it closely before you sign.

The post How Much Does an Apartment Cost? appeared first on Redfin | Real Estate Tips for Home Buying, Selling & More.