Why the cheapest rent isn’t always the cheapest apartment
A lower rent in the suburbs can cost more once you add a longer drive on I-10 or US-59, and a downtown high-rise with garage parking and valet trash fees can creep well past its advertised price. This tool adds every recurring cost and spreads move-in specials across the lease so you compare apartments on what you’ll actually pay each month.
Driving cost uses a per-mile rate (default 70¢, close to the IRS standard rate that covers gas, maintenance and depreciation). Change it to match your car.
Frequently asked questions
How do move-in specials affect monthly cost?
A special such as six weeks free on a 12-month lease is worth 1.5 months of rent. Spread over the lease, it lowers your effective monthly rent by about 12.5%.
What does it cost to commute by car in Houston?
A common estimate is about 70 cents per mile including gas, maintenance and wear. A 15-mile one-way commute, five days a week, adds roughly $450 a month.