Furnished vs Unfurnished Apartments
Which Option Saves You Money? A Complete 2025 Cost Analysis
Furnished Apartment
Advantages
- Move-in ready: Just bring your suitcase
- No furniture costs: Save $3,000-$10,000 upfront
- Easy relocation: No moving trucks needed
- All-inclusive: Often includes utilities
- Quality items: Often includes premium furniture
Drawbacks
- Higher monthly rent: 20-50% premium
- No personalization: Limited decor choices
- Damage liability: Responsible for furniture
- Less common: Fewer options available
Unfurnished Apartment
Advantages
- Lower rent: 20-50% less per month
- Full customization: Make it your own
- Keep your furniture: Investment stays with you
- More options: Widely available
- No furniture damage worry: It's your stuff
Drawbacks
- Upfront furniture costs: $3,000-$10,000+
- Moving expenses: Truck, movers
- Setup time: Not move-in ready
- Selling/storage hassle: When you move
Break-Even Analysis
At what point does unfurnished become cheaper?
| Scenario | Furnished ($2,000/mo) | Unfurnished + Furniture | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-month stay | $6,000 | $4,500 rent + $5,000 furniture = $9,500 | Furnished |
| 6-month stay | $12,000 | $9,000 rent + $5,000 furniture = $14,000 | Furnished |
| 12-month stay | $24,000 | $18,000 rent + $5,000 furniture = $23,000 | Unfurnished |
| 24-month stay | $48,000 | $36,000 rent + $5,000 furniture = $41,000 | Unfurnished |
Break-Even Point: Approximately 10-12 months. If staying longer, unfurnished wins. If shorter, furnished is usually more economical.
What's Included in Furnished Apartments
Basic Furnished
- Bed and mattress
- Dresser/closet storage
- Sofa
- Dining table & chairs
- Kitchen appliances
- Linens/towels
- WiFi/utilities
Fully Furnished
- All basic items
- TV and entertainment
- Cookware & dishes
- Linens & towels
- Cleaning supplies
- WiFi included
- Premium items
Corporate/Luxury
- All fully furnished items
- Premium furniture
- All utilities included
- Weekly cleaning
- Concierge services
- Gym/amenities access
- Parking included
Frequently Asked Questions
Furnished apartments typically cost 20-50% more than unfurnished equivalents. On a $1,500/month unfurnished apartment, expect to pay $1,800-$2,250/month furnished. The premium covers furniture, appliances, and housewares.
Furnished apartments are worth it for temporary stays (under 12 months), corporate relocations, students, and those who value convenience over cost. If staying 12+ months, unfurnished is usually more economical even after buying furniture.
Standard furnished apartments include: bed and mattress, dresser, sofa, dining table and chairs, TV, kitchen appliances (microwave, coffee maker), cookware, dishes, linens, and towels. Fully furnished units add WiFi, utilities, and cleaning supplies.