# Move-In Cost Formula

## Purpose

Estimate cash needed before or near move-in.

## Formula

upfrontCash = securityDeposit + firstMonthDue + lastMonthDue + brokerFee + applicationFee + adminFee + amenityFee + moveInFee + buildingFee + petDeposit + movingCostEstimate + otherOneTimeFees

refundableUpfront = securityDeposit + petDeposit

nonRefundableUpfront = upfrontCash - refundableUpfront

## Example calculation

$2,300 first month + $2,300 security deposit + $3,312 broker fee + $250 admin fee + $650 moving estimate = $8,812 upfront cash.

## Edge cases

Some deposits may not be fully refundable. Some fees may be restricted by local rules. Verify locally.

## Rounding rules

Display as currency, usually rounded to whole dollars.

## Limitations

Informational estimate only. Not legal or financial advice.

## Related working tool URL

/tools/apartment-offer-comparison/