Your landlord raised the rent. Should you absorb it or move? Run the numbers before you decide.
Most people see a rent increase and immediately think "I need to move." But moving has real costs that take months to recoup. This calculator helps you find your breakeven point — the month at which moving actually starts saving you money.
If your new place is $150/month cheaper than the increased rent, but moving costs you $4,500 upfront, your breakeven is 30 months (4,500 ÷ 150). Before month 30, you've lost money by moving. After month 30, you start saving.
The security deposit is the sneaky one — it's technically returned eventually, but it ties up cash for years. Moving company costs have surged since 2021. Don't forget application fees ($30–$100 per property), time off work, and the mental overhead of moving.
A 10% increase on $1,500 rent ($150/month, $1,800/year) hits very differently than a 10% increase on $3,500 rent ($350/month, $4,200/year). The dollar amount is what matters for your budget, not the percentage.
Before moving, consider negotiating. Landlords hate vacancy — finding a new tenant costs them 1–2 months rent in lost income plus marketing costs. Offering to sign a 2-year lease in exchange for a smaller increase often works. You have more leverage than you think.