Moving Cost Estimator
Moving Cost Estimator
Use this calculator to estimate the full upfront cost of moving to a new rental property. Enter the costs that apply to your situation. Leave any fields blank that do not apply. The total updates as you add figures.
How to use this tool
- Enter your monthly rent. This is used to calculate your first month’s rent and can also inform your deposit estimate.
- Enter the deposit amount you have been quoted, or enter your own figure.
- Add any other moving costs you expect: removal van, professional removals, storage, furniture, cleaning, utilities set-up, broadband, parking permit, and anything else.
- The total appears at the bottom. The calculator shows your full upfront cost and your moving costs separately from rent and deposit.
Understanding your results
The total upfront cost includes rent, deposit, and all other moving costs. The moving costs figure shows everything except rent and deposit, which can help you understand how much you need beyond the headline tenancy costs.
This is an estimate. Actual costs will vary. Removal van prices depend on distance, volume, and timing. Furniture costs vary widely depending on whether you buy new, second-hand, or a mix. Utility deposits are sometimes required from new tenants by energy suppliers, particularly if there is no credit history at the address.
If you have been asked to pay a referencing fee by a letting agent in England, that charge is banned under the Tenant Fees Act 2019. Referencing, credit checks, and tenancy renewal fees cannot lawfully be charged to tenants in England. If you have been asked to pay one, you may be able to reclaim it. Report the charge to Trading Standards.
Save this result — create a free account to save your calculation and access it later.
Legal context
Under the Tenant Fees Act 2019, letting agents and landlords in England cannot charge tenants for referencing checks, credit checks, tenancy renewal, or administration fees. Permitted payments are: rent, tenancy deposits (within the statutory cap), holding deposits (up to one week’s rent), and default charges for events such as lost keys. Any payment request not on this list may be unlawful. If you are unsure whether a charge is permitted, check the Tenant Fees Act 2019 guidance on GOV.UK or contact Citizens Advice.
The deposit cap under the Tenant Fees Act 2019 sets the maximum at five weeks’ rent for tenancies with an annual rent under £50,000, and six weeks’ rent for those at £50,000 or more. Use the Deposit Cap Calculator to verify whether the deposit you have been quoted is within the legal limit.