If you’re a Georgia Tech student living off campus, the decision to renew your lease or move somewhere new can feel overwhelming, especially when deadlines creep up and you’re not sure what either option will truly cost. Make the wrong choice and you could spend more than you need to, or end up stuck in a place that no longer fits your lifestyle.
At the Rambler leasing office, before students are ready to sign a lease, we hear the same questions again and again: How much will I have to pay right now? What will I owe at move-in? What will my monthly cost actually be? And how does that compare to just renewing where I am?
In this article, we’ll break down the real costs of renewing versus moving, including the fees and factors most students don’t think about, so you can make a confident, informed decision.
The Costs of Moving to a New Student Apartment Near Georgia Tech
The view from Rambler Atlanta balcony
Moving to a new student apartment near Georgia Tech comes with more than just a change of scenery. Some costs, like rent and security deposits, are expected. Additional expenses like moving supplies, cleaning fees or hours of packing, can add up quickly if you’re not prepared.
First, there’s rent. Off-campus apartments in the Home Park area can start around $800, while newer buildings with more amenities can go up to $2,500 per person. On top of that, you’ll almost always need to pay a new security deposit (anywhere from $300 to a full month’s rent), plus application and administrative fees, which usually add up to around $150–$350 total.
If you’re moving out of your current place, don’t forget about packing. It can take 20+ hours to pack, move and unpack. If you’re working part-time, that’s around $300–$400 in missed pay (based on the average $14/hour). Add in a truck rental or moving service, and you’re looking at another $200–$600.
Cleaning is another thing to budget for, both at your current place and your new one. Most leases expect you to leave your place spotless, and you’ll want to do the same before moving into a new unit. Cleaning services typically range from $150–$500, depending on unit size. And if your new place isn’t furnished? Add $200 to $1,000 (or more) for new or secondhand furniture.
To make it easier to see the full picture, here’s a breakdown of typical moving costs:
| Factors | |
| First Month’s Rent | $800 – 2500 |
| Security Deposit | $300 – 1 month’s rent |
| Application Fees | $50 – 150 |
| Administrative Fees | $100 – 200 |
| Moving Truck | $50 – 100 |
| Moving Services | $150 – 500 |
| Moving Supplies | $50 |
| New Furniture/Storage | $200 – 1000 |
| Cleaning Services | $150 – 500 |
| Time Spent Moving/Packing | Varies |
| Total Cost | ~ $1850 to $7500+ |
The Costs of Lease Renewal at Your Current Apartment
After seeing the full cost of moving, renewing your lease might sound like the easier choice. And in a lot of cases, it is, but there are still a few costs to keep in mind.
Rent increases are common, but usually small. In the Georgia Tech area, renewal rates typically go up by 2–5%, depending on your building, lease length and demand. That’s around $30–$50 more per month on average. Some apartments charge a new admin fee when you renew (usually between $250 and $500) but others waive this if you renew early. Some even throw in perks like a free month or waived amenity fees to sweeten the deal.
Read Next: The 5 Benefits of Renewing Your Lease Early in Atlanta
The one big tradeoff? You miss the chance to explore new options with better rates, amenities or locations. You may consider looking at other floorplans within your building. For most students, however, the cost of renewing comes out to less than $500 total and saves a ton of time and hassle.
3 Cost-Based Questions to Help You Choose the Right Option
Not sure which way is right for you? Ask yourself:
- Can I afford the upfront costs of moving right now?
- Will my rent increase more by moving than renewing?
- Is the time and money spent moving worth what I gain?
We hope this article helped you understand the real costs that come with moving or renewing your lease, from upfront expenses like deposits and moving trucks to less obvious fees like rent increases or renewal charges.
If you’re still deciding which option is the right fit, take a deeper look at the lifestyle factors, timing and long-term considerations that can impact your decision.
Read Next: Choosing Between Moving or Renewing: What’s the Right Decision for Me?
You can also explore our floor plans to see what’s currently available, or reach out to the Rambler leasing team. We’re happy to answer your questions and help you figure out what makes the most sense for your budget and timeline.
