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Free Tool
Moving to a new country? This tool calculates exactly how much cash you need on day one — deposit, agency fee, guarantor bond, utilities setup, and furnishing budget. Country-specific norms pre-loaded.
Quick answer
The WhereNext First-Month Housing Cash Calculator computes day-one cash needed to rent abroad: deposit (typically 1–3 months rent depending on country), agency fee (0.5–1 month rent in most markets, none in some), first month rent, guarantor bond if required, utilities setup (gas, electric, water, internet), and basic furnishing if unfurnished. France/Italy with agency runs 4–5× monthly rent; Germany/Switzerland with Kaution can hit 3–4× plus utility deposits; Japan with key money + reikin tops 6–8× rent. Most US/Asia markets land at 1–2× rent. Pre-loaded with country-specific norms so the estimate reflects the local reality, not a one-size-fits-all default.
Key facts
Total First-Month Cash Needed
EUR4,980
Required + likely costs. Including optional: EUR5,580
First month rent
requiredDue at lease signing
EUR1,200
Security deposit (2 months)
requiredTypically 2 months rent (max 2 by law). Returned at lease end.
EUR2,400
Agency fee (1 months)
required1 month rent + VAT (23%). Paid by tenant.
EUR1,200
Utilities connection & first month
likelyElectricity, water, internet, gas connection fees + first month
EUR180
Renter insurance (annual)
optionalContents + liability coverage. Recommended, not always required.
EUR600
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 · Confidence: 85%
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The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, financial, or real estate advice. Property laws, tax rules, and market conditions change frequently. Always consult qualified local professionals before making property decisions.
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