Do Apartments Come Furnished?

Some apartments do come furnished, but not all. The types of furnishings may also vary, from basic essentials and semi-furnished to fully furnished with all your living necessities.

Furnished apartments are typically more common in areas with a high demand for short-term or temporary housing, such as college towns, tourist destinations, or locations with frequent business travelers.  Furnished apartments are a convenient option for renters who are relocating temporarily, starting fresh in a new city, or just want a move-in-ready space. 

What’s included in a furnished apartment?

Furnished apartments typically include the essentials, like a bed, sofa, table, and basic kitchenware. Some apartments, especially those intended for corporate relocation or extended stays, come with more creature comforts, like high-end linens, smart TVs, and fully stocked kitchens. Here’s a general breakdown of what you might find in a furnished apartment, depending on the type of furnished space you choose.

Fully furnished apartments

These units typically include everything you need to live comfortably right away — ideal for renters looking for a move-in-ready setup. You can generally expect:

• Living room: Couch, coffee table, accent chairs, and sometimes a TV or stand
• Bedroom: Bed frame, mattress, nightstands, dresser or wardrobe
• Dining area: Table and chairs (if applicable)
• Kitchen: May include cookware, utensils, and small appliances
• Extras: Lamps, curtains or blinds, artwork or decor, linens, and cleaning tools

Semi-furnished apartments

Semi-furnished apartments cover the major pieces, like a bed, sofa, and table, but may not come with smaller items or decor. You’ll likely need to bring your own kitchenware, bedding, and accessories.

Basic furnishings

Some furnished listings are minimally equipped, offering only essential furniture in key rooms. Think: a couch and bed, with little beyond that. These are a good fit if you already have some belongings but don’t want to move the big stuff.

Before signing a lease, always ask for an inventory list to know exactly what’s included. Furnishings can vary more than you think.

How much does a furnished apartment cost?

Furnished apartments typically cost more than unfurnished ones. Expect to pay 15-20% more for a furnished apartment compared to a similar unfurnished unit. That said, the actual price of a furnished apartment will depend on your city, the quality of the furnishings, and the length of your lease. Some of the reasons you’ll pay more for a furnished include:

• Convenience fee: Landlords often charge a premium for the ease of moving into a fully equipped, ready-to-live-in space.
• Maintenance costs: Rent may be slightly higher to account for wear-and-tear or potential replacement of included furniture.
• Short-term lease premiums: Furnished units are often aimed at short-term renters, like those on temporary work assignments or in corporate housing, which usually comes at a higher monthly rate.
  

If you're renting for just a few months, the extra cost may be worth it. Furnishing a space from scratch, even with budget items, can add up quickly. For short stays, the upfront savings and convenience of a furnished place could make the higher rent a smart trade-off.

How to find a furnished apartment

Head to Zillow’s Renter Search Center or download our Rental App. Begin your search by entering the name of the city you’re interested in. Under filters, check the box for “Furnished”. This will narrow your results to only show listings that come furnished.