Are you looking for a small, affordable place to live in the city? Are you planning on living by yourself, with a roommate, or with a significant other? Multi-bedroom apartments are often expensive, so both a studio apartment and a one-bedroom apartment are good options if you don’t mind living in a smaller space. We’re here to help you understand the differences and similarities between these two types of apartments so you can decide whether a one-bedroom or studio apartment is best suited for your lifestyle and budget.
What is a studio apartment?
Studio apartments are condensed living spaces that contain the kitchen, living room, bedroom all in one area. A studio generally has a good-sized kitchen with sufficient counter space. Occasionally, you’ll see a studio apartment that has the kitchen in a separate nook that divides it from the main living area. Generally, you have enough space in a studio apartment for a small couch or easy chair as well as a small dining table.
Some studio apartments have closet space, while others have creative closet organization solutions with bars, curtains, or colorful fabrics to help bring pops of color to the room. Privacy curtains and folding room dividers can help bring a feeling of privacy to the spaces in your studio apartment, especially if you’re sharing it with someone.
What is a one-bedroom apartment?
A one-bedroom contains everything a studio apartment does, but with the addition of a separate room for the bedroom. One of the main reasons renters choose to live in a one-bedroom apartment is the space and privacy. There’s more room for a larger bed in the private bedroom than there is in a studio space. One-bedroom apartments are ideal for a couple or if you work from home, as there is more space. If you have overnight guests, you can slip away into your bedroom and close the door.
You’ll find several styles of floorplans with a one-bedroom apartment. Some come with an open-floor style with the kitchen and living area sharing the same space. Other plans feature a separate kitchen or one that is partially enclosed with a pass-through shelf into the dining room. Whichever floor plan you choose for your one-bedroom apartment, it’s nice to know you can head into your bedroom when you want privacy.
Studio Apartment vs. 1-Bedroom Apartment
Simply put, the main difference comes down to size and amenities. Studio apartments generally have the kitchen, living area, and bedroom in one main room. So, how big is a studio apartment? Well, they normally range in size from 400 to 600 square feet, but some studio apartments in major cities are even smaller.
As the name implies, a one-bedroom apartment will have a separate sleeping area from the main room and kitchen. The average size of a one-bedroom apartment is roughly 715 square feet, although depending on the city, that number can be higher or lower.
One thing that all living quarters have in common and must comply with is having the bathroom in a separate area from the living room and kitchen, according to a housing law of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. No matter what size apartment you rent, always be sure that the bathroom is in a separate room with a door that closes.
Renting either a studio apartment or a one-bedroom apartment will help you save money on rent, especially if the apartment is located in a high-rent district. Additionally, most apartments are normally located in a complex that offers conveniences like a laundry room, workout center, and often a garden or courtyard area.
Benefits of a One-Bedroom Apartment
If you can afford a one-bedroom apartment, you’ll have more space and storage for your belongings, more room to set up furniture in the living area, and privacy for sleeping when you have guests over.
If you work from home, it’s often nice to set up your office space in a corner of the living room or dining room instead of the same space where you sleep, like you would in a studio apartment. Another benefit of living in a one-bedroom apartment is that you’ll often have a larger kitchen with full-size appliances and possibly a washer and dryer hook-up.
Benefits of a Studio Apartment
The main benefit of a studio apartment is the cost of the rent. A studio apartment will almost always be more affordable than a one-bedroom, so if you’re on a budget, a studio might be perfect for you. If you don’t have a lot of possessions and furniture, a studio is a good choice. Because of the smaller size, your utility bills are often lower than if you live in a bigger space, and the area you have to clean is smaller, so you won’t have to spend as much time sweeping, mopping, and wiping counters.
While some studios can feel cramped, you can look for one that has a loft. With a loft studio, the ceilings are high to let in plenty of light, and many loft studios come with large windows or interesting industrial-type features like exposed beams or ductwork. The bedroom is normally upstairs and often exposed with just a railing around the bed and walking area.
Generally, loft studios feature a larger living area and kitchen, so if you want a bit more space than a normal studio apartment, a loft is a good option. Loft studios are highly desirable, especially for those who like living in an artistic or eclectic space. Keep in mind, because of their popularity, loft studios are often more expensive to rent.
Depending on your lifestyle, both studio apartments and one-bedrooms allow you to live in the city without paying the high rent often found in a multi-bedroom apartment. Search thousands of studio apartments and one-bedrooms on Zumper.
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