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Renter Tips

How Much Does an Apartment Cost in Melbourne, FL?

Current Melbourne and West Melbourne apartment averages, what changes an apartment’s price, and how to calculate a realistic monthly and move-in budget.

By the Summerset Leasing TeamUpdated 9 min read

For an initial apartment budget in Melbourne, Florida, current apartment averages are about $1,480 per month for one bedroom and $1,670 for two bedrooms. Three-bedroom apartments average about $2,135. These are market reference points, not quotes for a particular apartment, and your total monthly housing cost may include separate charges.

West Melbourne’s reported apartment averages are higher in the same source for those layouts. In Eau Gallie and the Lake Washington Road area, compare current individual listings rather than assuming a citywide average applies to every property.

This guide explains the market numbers, what changes an apartment’s price, and how to calculate a more realistic monthly and move-in budget.

Pricing snapshot checked October 4, 2026. Listings, fees, and specials can change.

Key takeaways

  • Melbourne apartment averages: about $1,480 for one bedroom, $1,670 for two, $2,135 for three (Apartments.com, October 2026).
  • Budget for the total monthly housing cost: base rent + required fees + optional charges + utilities and insurance.
  • One month free lowers the lease-term cost, not necessarily your ordinary monthly payment.
  • Keep move-in cash (deposit, first rent, application fees) separate from your monthly budget.

Average apartment rent in Melbourne and West Melbourne

Apartments.com’s market pages, labeled October 2026, report the following apartment averages:

Apartment sizeMelbourne average monthly rentWest Melbourne average monthly rent
Studio$1,172Not reported in the source
One bedroom$1,478$1,599
Two bedrooms$1,671$1,922
Three bedrooms$2,135$2,176
Apartments.com market pages, labeled October 2026.

Use the figures as starting points for your search. They do not establish a minimum or maximum price, include every available apartment, or guarantee that required fees and utilities are included. The unavailable West Melbourne studio figure should not be treated as zero.

Sources: Apartments.com Melbourne rent trends and Apartments.com West Melbourne rent trends.

Why different websites show different average rents

Before comparing two rent statistics, check what each one measures.

Zillow’s Melbourne market page reports $1,995 for all bedrooms and all property types, with an update date of October 2, 2026. That combines a broader group of rentals than a bedroom-specific apartment average.

Different platforms can also use different listing samples, geographic boundaries, and update schedules. A number labeled “average rent” may not describe the kind of home you want.

For a two-bedroom apartment search, use two-bedroom apartment data and current comparable listings. Do not compare that directly with an average covering houses, apartments, and every bedroom count.

Source: Zillow Melbourne rental market trends.

What price range should I use for my apartment search?

An average is a reference point, not a complete rental price range. Set an initial search band around the apartment size you need, then adjust it using current listings.

For example, if you want a two-bedroom apartment, you might begin with a $1,400-$2,000 monthly base-rent filter and then widen or narrow it. This is a suggested search filter, not a measured market range or a promise that every area has suitable availability at those prices.

At each price, check what is offered:

  • Square footage and usable room sizes.
  • Number of bathrooms.
  • Apartment condition and renovation level.
  • Appliances and laundry arrangements.
  • Recurring fees and utilities.
  • Location and the trips you make regularly.

If the listings within your budget are too small or lack features you need, change the filter or expand the area before assuming the citywide average represents your options.

How much does a two-bedroom apartment cost in Melbourne?

A useful two-bedroom comparison includes more than bedroom count.

A two-bedroom apartment with one bathroom is different from one with two full bathrooms. A smaller floor plan may also function differently from a larger apartment with storage or outdoor space.

Request the monthly rent for the exact apartment and compare its layout, condition, and charges with other available homes. Ask whether a “starting at” price applies to an apartment you can actually lease for your move-in date.

At Summerset, the current examples below show two finish levels with the same spacious floor plan. That makes it easier to see what changes when you choose renovated finishes.

Current apartment prices near Lake Washington Road

Summerset Apartments is near Lake Washington Road and Wickham Road at 2414 Summerset Drive, Melbourne, FL 32935.

Its two-bedroom, two-bath, 1,065-square-foot apartments with private terraces currently start at these rents (updated automatically from the availability list):

Apartment styleCurrent starting rent
ClassicFrom $1,329 per month
Newly renovated SignatureFrom $1,565 per month
Lowest current rent for each style. See every available apartment.

Prices change as apartments lease. Current specials are shown on the availability page, and the final quote depends on the apartment and lease terms.

Source: Summerset current availability.

Comparing prices in Eau Gallie and West Melbourne

For Eau Gallie, check the actual property address when using a rental portal’s neighborhood filter. A search headed “Eau Gallie” may include nearby locations outside the specific district you had in mind.

Around Lake Washington Road and Wickham Road, compare individual apartments for rent, square footage, condition, and total recurring charges. There is no reason to assume every apartment near the same road has the same price.

For West Melbourne, use its separate city data as context and compare current listings. The reported averages above describe a market sample; they do not mean every West Melbourne apartment costs more than every Melbourne apartment.

Make your final comparison between specific homes you can lease on similar terms. Our guide to the best Melbourne neighborhoods for renters compares each area.

What makes one apartment more expensive than another?

Several differences can help explain why two apartments with the same bedroom count have different asking rents.

Layout and size: Look at room dimensions, storage, bathrooms, and usable space rather than bedroom count alone.

Renovation level: Compare kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, counters, and appliances. Decide which upgrades matter to you.

Apartment position: Floor, outlook, windows, and location within a community can differ. Ask whether those differences affect the quote.

Included features: A lower base rent may come with separate charges for features included elsewhere.

Lease terms: Move-in date, lease length, and available concessions may change the price offered.

Ask for the reasons behind the exact quote. That is more useful than assuming a higher rent always means better value.

Base rent versus total monthly housing cost

Base rent is only one part of the budget. Request a written list of required recurring fees, optional charges, and utilities you pay separately.

A practical formula is:

The formula

Monthly housing cost = base rent + required recurring fees + chosen optional charges + separately paid utilities and insurance

The following is a hypothetical budgeting example, not a Summerset quote:

Monthly itemExample amount
Base rent$1,600
Required service charges$40
Electric and water allowance$170
Internet$60
Renters insurance$20
Total example monthly budget$1,890
Hypothetical example, not a Summerset quote.

The utility and insurance figures are placeholders for arithmetic, not local estimates. Replace them with provider quotes and your expected usage. Add pet rent or other charges if they apply.

An apartment advertised at $1,600 can therefore require a larger monthly budget. Compare homes using the same cost categories.

What additional charges should I ask about?

Ask about water, sewer, electricity, trash, internet, insurance requirements, parking, pets, and laundry equipment. Our guide to questions to ask before renting covers each one.

For a concrete local example, Summerset’s posted leasing FAQs currently list:

  • $25 monthly for trash and recycling.
  • Electric and water metered per apartment and paid by the resident.
  • Optional washer and dryer rental at $50 monthly.
  • Pet charges of $150 initially and $30 monthly per pet, subject to the posted pet policy.

Its application fee is $20 per adult, with no administrative or move-in fees. The security deposit starts from $500, subject to application review.

Confirm current terms and any applicable accommodations with leasing before applying.

Source: Summerset leasing FAQs.

How free rent changes the price comparison

A rent special can lower the cost over a lease term without changing the rent due in an ordinary month.

Consider a hypothetical 12-month lease at $1,800 with one full month of rent waived:

  • Rent before the concession: $21,600.
  • Rent concession: $1,800.
  • Rent paid over the term: $19,800.
  • Average effective rent: $1,650 per month.

The example excludes fees and utilities and assumes the concession applies exactly as stated. It does not mean the monthly lease rent becomes $1,650.

Ask when the credit is applied, which charges it covers, and whether eligibility or early termination conditions apply. Compare both the regular payment and the total cost over the lease term.

How much money do I need before move-in?

Keep upfront costs separate from your recurring monthly budget.

Ask for an itemized move-in statement covering:

  • Application charges.
  • Any holding payment and its refund terms.
  • Security deposit.
  • First rent payment or prorated rent.
  • Initial pet charges, if applicable.
  • Utility connection deposits.
  • Moving expenses.

For a simple hypothetical calculation, an apartment with $1,600 due for the first rent payment, a $1,600 security deposit, and an $80 total application charge requires $3,280 for those three items alone. Other applicable costs would be additional.

A refundable deposit is still cash you need available before moving. Do not count a later rent credit as money available at key pickup unless the written terms confirm that timing.

How to decide whether the rent fits your budget

Start with your take-home income and regular obligations. Subtract the full housing cost, transportation, food, debt payments, and other expenses, then consider whether the remaining amount works for you.

Keep two questions separate:

  • Can I qualify? Ask the property for its screening criteria and accepted income documentation.
  • Can I comfortably afford it? Use your own monthly expenses and expected costs.

Approval does not establish that a rent payment suits your personal budget. Also consider whether you can manage the ordinary monthly payment after a special has been used. If you are relocating for a new job, see where to live when moving to Melbourne for work.

How to compare apartment value without choosing only by price

Make a shortlist of apartments with comparable size, bathrooms, condition, and lease terms. Then compare base rent and the full recurring cost.

Check the practical benefits you will use: usable space, storage, appliances, outdoor space, and routes to your daily destinations.

You can also calculate base rent per square foot as one comparison tool. For example, a hypothetical $1,600 apartment with 1,000 square feet is $1.60 per square foot monthly. That calculation does not account for fees, layout quality, or condition, so it should not decide the choice by itself.

The useful question is what you receive for the full cost of the particular apartment.

Find your current price at Summerset Apartments

Compare Classic and Signature options on our current availability page and explore photos and features on the apartments page.

Tell our leasing team your budget and intended move-in date, and request a breakdown for the apartment you are considering.

Call (321) 372-9008 or email leasing@summersetmelbourne.com to ask about current pricing or arrange a tour.

Want a breakdown for a specific apartment?

Tell us your budget and move-in date, and get a $50 move-in credit with your inquiry.

Availability, prices, fees, and specials are subject to change and correction. Confirm your written quote and lease terms before committing.

Frequently asked questions about Melbourne apartment costs

What is the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Melbourne, Florida?

Apartments.com’s October 2026 market page reports $1,478 per month. Use it as a reference point and check the total charges for the specific apartment.

What is the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Melbourne, Florida?

The same source reports $1,671 per month for Melbourne and $1,922 for West Melbourne. Individual apartments vary by size, features, condition, and lease terms.

How much are apartments near Lake Washington Road?

Summerset’s current starting rents for Classic and newly renovated Signature apartments are shown in the table above. Visit the availability page for every available apartment, current specials and quotes.

Are utilities included in Melbourne apartment rent?

That depends on the property and lease. Request a written breakdown of included services, required fees, and utilities you pay separately.

Does one month free mean my monthly rent is lower?

It lowers the cost over the lease term if the concession applies, but the ordinary monthly payment may remain unchanged. Check when the credit is applied and compare the full lease cost.

Why is an apartment deposit separate from rent?

The security deposit and rent serve different purposes under the rental agreement. Confirm the deposit amount, refund terms, and handling separately from monthly rent.

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