Empty Apartments Rental Prices Might Take You By Surprise
Sticker shock is common when renters compare empty apartments with furnished options. While the base rent for an unfurnished home can look lower, the true cost depends on location, building type, lease terms, utilities, and move‑in fees. Understanding how these variables interact helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises before you sign.
Empty apartments—often called unfurnished units—can seem straightforward at first glance: a monthly rent, a deposit, and keys in hand. In reality, the pricing you see is shaped by market cycles, concessions, building amenities, and local regulations. The result is that two similar-looking listings may differ by hundreds of dollars when you factor in utilities, parking, and fees. Knowing how those pieces fit together can prevent budget gaps and help you compare options in your area more clearly.
Empty Apartment Rental Prices in the USA
National rent levels vary widely by region, city, and neighborhood. Coastal metros and high-demand urban cores typically command higher asking rents, while many suburbs and smaller cities offer lower monthly costs. Within the same building class, you’ll often see premiums for higher floors, views, and updated finishes. Lease timing also matters: prices tend to rise during peak moving seasons and cool during slower months when owners may offer incentives like a free month or reduced deposits. When evaluating listings, check what the advertised price includes—some properties bundle internet or trash, others bill utilities separately. Consider parking, pet rent, renter’s insurance, and storage lockers as additional monthly costs that may shift the “true” price of an otherwise affordable unit.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Empty Apartments
Advantages: Unfurnished rentals usually provide flexibility to design your space, choose your own furniture quality, and avoid wear-and-tear fees attached to furnished packages. They can also support longer tenancies, which may translate into more predictable living arrangements. If you already own furniture, an empty apartment lets you avoid rental furniture costs and gives you full control over layout, ergonomics, and storage solutions. For many households, that control is the main appeal.
Disadvantages: The upfront move-in burden is higher. You may face initial purchases (bed, sofa, lighting, window coverings), moving expenses, and time spent coordinating deliveries. If the lease is short or you expect to relocate soon, those purchases may not amortize well over time. Empty units can also require separate arrangements for utilities, which may lead to seasonal spikes—for example, heating in colder climates or air conditioning in hotter ones. Finally, if you need temporary flexibility, a furnished place might actually be simpler and closer in total cost once furniture and logistics are accounted for.
Why are empty apartments a better choice?
“Better” depends on your situation. Empty units can be a stronger fit for renters planning to stay multiple lease cycles, people with existing furnishings, or anyone with specific design or accessibility needs. Over a longer horizon, customizing your space can be cost-effective and more comfortable, especially if you’re thoughtful about durable purchases and energy-efficient appliances. Conversely, if your stay will be brief or you anticipate frequent moves, the added work of furnishing, moving, and reselling items may outweigh the benefits. A practical approach is to model your total monthly outlay—including rent, utilities, fees, and the amortized cost of furniture—against a comparable furnished option in your area.
Real-world cost/pricing insights: In practice, the number on the listing is just the starting point. Look for the effective rent after incentives (e.g., one month free on a 12‑month lease) and factor in variable utilities, parking, pet charges, and potential rent increases at renewal. Prices below are broad estimates meant to illustrate common ranges with major U.S. property managers; actual figures vary by city, building quality, and season. All costs are estimates and may change over time.
| Product/Service | Provider | Cost Estimation |
|---|---|---|
| Unfurnished studio/1‑bed in urban mid-market buildings | Camden Property Trust | Approximately $1,400–$2,100 per month in many mid-sized U.S. cities |
| Unfurnished 1‑bed in coastal urban cores | AvalonBay Communities | Approximately $2,400–$3,200 per month in high-demand coastal metros |
| Unfurnished 2‑bed suburban garden-style | UDR, Inc. | Approximately $1,600–$2,400 per month in suburban areas outside major hubs |
| Unfurnished 1‑ to 2‑bed in large managed communities | Equity Residential | Approximately $1,800–$2,800 per month depending on neighborhood and amenities |
| Lease‑up high‑rise, unfurnished 1‑bed with amenities | Greystar | Base rent varies widely; effective rent may drop 5–10% with promotions |
Prices, rates, or cost estimates mentioned in this article are based on the latest available information but may change over time. Independent research is advised before making financial decisions.
Beyond base rent, add line items that are easy to overlook: application fees, administrative fees, security deposit or surety bond, parking (surface vs. garage), pet rent and deposits, storage lockers, amenity access fees, and required renter’s insurance. Utility billing models vary—some buildings use submetering, others use ratio utility billing, and some include partial utilities in rent. If you need furniture without buying, local services for furniture rental or secondhand marketplaces can bridge the gap; include those monthly costs in your total comparison.
Conclusion: Empty apartments can align well with longer stays and personal customization, but the true value hinges on a careful accounting of all recurring and upfront costs. By comparing effective rent, utilities, fees, and the amortized cost of furnishing against alternatives in your area, you can make a clear, context-aware decision that fits your budget and living needs.
