Cash-on-Arrival calculator

How much cash you really need to move into a German flat — before your first salary lands.

Cold rent (Kaltmiete)The base rent, before utilities.

€

Utilities (Nebenkosten)Heating, water, building costs — usually ~20–30% of cold rent.

€

Deposit (months)Rent upfront (months)

Setup bufferFurniture, kitchen, utility/internet deposits, first groceries.

€

Furnished / via agent (adds Provision: 2× cold rent + 19% VAT)

Cash you need on arrival

€4.480

Deposit (Kaution, 3× cold rent) · capped at 3× by law€2.100

First 1 month rent (warm)€880

Setup buffer (furniture, deposits, admin)€1.500

Most of the Kaution comes back when you move out. Warm rent (Kaltmiete + Nebenkosten) here is €880/mo — keep it under ~⅓ of your net salary.

Send this from home cheaper Can I afford the rent?

General housing information. Rental markets, legal requirements, and scam patterns evolve. Always verify current listings on the platform where they appear (ImmobilienScout24, Immowelt, WG-Gesucht, eBay-Kleinanzeigen) and confirm landlord identity through official channels. For tenancy disputes consult Mieterschutzbund, Mieterverein, or a licensed Rechtsanwalt.

Last updated: 2026-07-01