For longer-term rentals — a month or more — the furnished-vs-unfurnished question genuinely affects both cost and hassle, and is worth understanding before committing to a lease.
Furnished rentals
The default for most short and medium-term rentals aimed at tourists and remote workers — move-in ready with furniture, kitchenware and often linens included, at a correspondingly higher monthly rate than an equivalent unfurnished unit.
Unfurnished rentals
More common for genuine long-term local rentals (a year or more), cheaper on a monthly basis but requiring an upfront furniture investment that only makes financial sense for a longer commitment.
What "furnished" actually includes
Varies considerably — always get a specific inventory list rather than relying on the word "furnished" alone, since it can mean anything from a fully equipped kitchen to just a bed and a wardrobe.
A reasonable rule of thumb
Under six months, furnished is almost always the better choice given the hassle and cost of buying and later disposing of furniture. Beyond a year, unfurnished starts to make more financial sense if you're genuinely settling in rather than staying flexible.