See what you’ll really pay: RentCafe introduces Total monthly cost and the Cost calculator

Pricing transparency is the top priority for renters today, and the numbers reflect it. A recent RentCafe survey of more than 3,000 renters found that 18% would feel more confident renting online with clearer pricing and fees — ranking higher than more photos (16%), virtual tours (15%) and every other listing feature on the platform. These two features were built with exactly that in mind.

What is total monthly cost? 

‘Total monthly cost’ is a new pricing label you’ll see on certain listings across RentCafe. It adds all recurring, mandatory monthly fees set by the property to the monthly base rent.

Total monthly cost includes: 

• Base rent 

• Recurring mandatory monthly fees (such as trash fees, common area maintenance or fixed amenity fees) 

Total monthly cost does not include: 

• Application fees 

• Variable usage-based costs (such as utilities) 

• Optional charges (such as pet rent, parking upgrades or storage) 

In your search results on RentCafe.com, some listings will show ‘Total monthly cost’ instead of ‘Base rent.’ For a full picture of your additional fees, check out the cost calculator. If a listing shows ‘Base rent,’ it means the property has only provided information on the base rent price. To find out more information on costs, you may contact the property or start an application to see all leasing options.

Explore the full picture with the cost calculator 

Knowing the total monthly cost is a great start. But what about move-in costs? Application fees? How does your monthly payment change if you bring a pet or need a parking spot? 

You’ll find all of this in the cost calculator on select listing pages. It provides a personalized breakdown of the full cost of renting a specific home, organized into four clear categories: 

• Application costs: The one-time fee you pay when submitting your application. 

• Move-in costs: Your first month’s payment plus any one-time move-in charges. 

• Total monthly leasing price: The full monthly payment, including base rent, required fees and any optional add-ons you’ve chosen (like pet rent or parking). 

• Move-out costs: Charges that come due when your lease ends, such as your final month’s payment plus any one-time move-out fees, when applicable. 

Even better: You can also toggle optional add-ons on or off, adjust your lease length and see how each choice affects your total in real time.  

How to use total monthly cost and cost calculator together  

Step 1: Spot the label on the listings in your search results. 

When a property has the cost calculator enabled, its listing card will show ‘Total monthly cost’ as the price label. That’s your signal that the number you see reflects more than just the base rent. 

Step 2: Check the property page.  

On the property details page, you’ll see ‘Total monthly cost’ as the column header in the floor plans section, along with a banner explaining what’s included.  

Step 3: Open the cost calculator.  

Located below the pricing section on property pages, the cost calculator lets you explore all four cost categories, toggle optional add-ons, adjust your lease length and see exactly how your total changes. 

Step 4: Plan your budget with confidence.  

Now you have everything you need to decide if a home is the right fit. 

Start your apartment search and look for total monthly cost 

Total monthly cost and the cost calculator are designed to give you clarity at every step, from the first number you see in search results to the full budget breakdown before you sign a lease. 

The next time you’re searching on RentCafe, total monthly cost and the cost calculator will be there to help you figure out your true costs before you sign.

Ready to find your happy place? Start searching on RentCafe.com today.