The hidden costs of a "cheap" apartment.

The listed rent is rarely the number that matters. By the time application fees, a broker fee, first and last month, and a security deposit land on the same invoice, a "cheap" apartment can cost more upfront than one listed $200 higher per month.

Broker fees in particular vary wildly by city and are almost never mentioned in the listing headline. Ask for the full move-in cost breakdown before you fall for the monthly number.

Compare move-in cost, not rent. Rent is one line on a much longer invoice.

Furnished, all-inclusive listings front-load differently — usually just first month plus a smaller deposit — which is worth factoring in even when the headline rent looks higher.