Estimate how much cash you may need to move into a rented home in the UK. Add property payments, removals, storage, cleaning, household setup and other one-off costs, then include a contingency buffer and compare the total with your savings.
Moving House Cost Calculator
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This is an estimate, not a referencing decision or legal or financial advice. Letting agents and landlords set their own affordability criteria. England-specific deposit rules are identified clearly.
What the moving house cost calculator includes
The calculator separates your estimate into three useful groups:
- Property payments: the new tenancy deposit, first rent payment, overlapping rent and any confirmed holding-deposit credit.
- Moving services: removals or van hire, storage, cleaning and packing supplies.
- Setup and other costs: broadband, utility setup, furniture, household essentials, travel, childcare, pet costs and anything else you expect to pay.
It then adds your chosen contingency percentage and shows whether the money already set aside covers the estimate.
How to use the calculator
- Enter the tenancy deposit requested for the new home.
- Add the first rent payment and any rent payable while two tenancies overlap.
- Only subtract a holding deposit if the landlord or agent has confirmed it will be credited towards another payment.
- Add realistic quotes for moving, cleaning, storage and setup.
- Choose a contingency buffer. Ten per cent is included as a planning default, not a rule.
- Enter the money already set aside to see an estimated surplus or shortfall.
If you do not know the deposit, use our tenancy deposit calculator for England. Read our full guide to upfront renting costs for the differences across the UK.
Worked example: moving into a £1,200 rental
A renter enters the following estimates:
| Cost | Amount |
|---|---|
| New tenancy deposit | £1,385 |
| First rent payment | £1,200 |
| Removals or van hire | £350 |
| Cleaning and moving supplies | £150 |
| Broadband and utility setup | £50 |
| Furniture and household essentials | £300 |
| Other one-off costs | £100 |
The subtotal is £3,535. A 10% contingency adds £353.50, producing an estimated moving budget of £3,888.50. With £2,500 saved, the estimated shortfall is £1,388.50.
Worked example: holding deposit credited
Lee pays a £230.77 holding deposit for a £1,000-per-month property. The agent confirms in writing that it will be credited towards the tenancy deposit. Lee enters the tenancy deposit and first rent payment, then enters £230.77 as the holding-deposit credit. This prevents the same amount being counted twice.
Worked example: overlapping tenancies
A family expects to pay £1,500 on the old tenancy while beginning the new one. They enter that amount as overlapping rent rather than hiding it under “other”. The calculator then shows clearly how much the overlap contributes to the total and why a larger contingency may be sensible.
Costs people often forget
- Parking permits or access charges for the moving vehicle.
- Storage when move-out and move-in dates do not match.
- Professional cleaning required under an existing agreement.
- Boxes, tape, protective covers and basic tools.
- Broadband installation or temporary mobile data.
- Curtains, lamps, bins, cookware and other essentials.
- Pet care, childcare, hotel stays or additional travel.
- Replacing food or household items that cannot be moved.
Important limitations
This calculator adds the figures you enter; it does not predict quotes or determine which charges are lawful. Costs and renting rules differ across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Confirm each payment, refund and credit in writing.
The contingency percentage is a personal planning allowance. It is not a statutory charge or industry standard. The estimate does not include ongoing monthly living costs unless you enter them as one-off amounts.
Frequently asked questions
Does the calculator include buying a home?
No. This version is deliberately designed for renters. It does not include Stamp Duty Land Tax, mortgage fees, surveys or conveyancing.
Should I add the holding deposit to the total?
If it has already been paid, the important question is what happens next. Only enter it as a credit when the landlord or agent confirms that it will reduce the first rent payment or tenancy deposit. Otherwise leave the credit at zero until the position is clear.
What contingency percentage should I use?
Use a percentage that reflects the uncertainty in your figures. A renter with firm written quotes may choose a smaller buffer than someone moving a long distance without confirmed costs.
Can I share my result?
Yes. Use “Copy result link” after calculating. The figures are placed in the page address so the scenario can be reopened. Avoid sharing a result URL if you consider the amounts private.
Sources and review information
- MoneyHelper: finding a rented home you can afford
- GOV.UK: Tenant Fees Act guidance for tenants in England
Calculation version: 1.2.2
Last reviewed: 19 July 2026
This calculator provides a planning estimate, not legal or financial advice.