Before you sign a lease, you need to save for two things, and most guides only mention one.
The first is the cash to move in: the security deposit, first month’s rent (some landlords want last month too), application fees, utility deposits, and the basics you need right away like a bed and some kitchen gear. For a lot of first apartments that comes to four to six thousand dollars before you’ve bought any groceries.
The second is a cushion. If your first paycheck arrives late or your car needs a repair in month two, the cushion is what keeps you from moving back home. I’d have at least two months of living expenses saved on top of the move-in cash before signing anything.
Rather than guess, put your actual rent and city into the calculator. It shows you the target and how long it will take to save it.
Run your number: the free Move-Out Cost Calculator gives you the total to save and a savings timeline — no signup.
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The five-stage plan I followed from the van years to a duplex.