Renting a One-Bedroom vs. Studio Apartment

Renting a One-Bedroom vs. Studio Apartment

If you're apartment searching, you've likely seen the terms "one bedroom" and "studio apartment" in many local listings. But what's the difference? People often use these terms interchangeably. However, each has unique features that may influence your apartment search. Consider the pros and cons of one-bedroom and studio apartments before making your final decision.

What Is a Studio Apartment?

In its most basic sense, a studio apartment is a large open room, except for an enclosed bathroom. Somewhere within the room is a kitchenette, outfitted with the basic kitchen necessities.

Other apartment types have one or more rooms, like a bedroom or office, but a studio apartment is an all-in-one room. The only doors are a front door, bathroom door, and a balcony door on occasion. You can still have designated bedroom and living areas, depending on how you furnish your apartment.

Different Versions of Studio Apartments

To be considered a studio apartment, no walls should completely divide the living space into multiple rooms besides the bathroom. Architects can manipulate the studio apartment layout to create different versions, including:

• Alcove studios: In a typical studio apartment, residents use dividers to separate their bedroom from other living areas. In an alcove studio, architects design a division for you. Alcove studio layouts have a designated bedroom nook, like a loft, for example. The apartment still has an open concept otherwise.

• Efficiency: Think of efficiency apartments as a more "efficient" use of space. They're considerably smaller than a typical studio apartment and don't have as many amenities. The biggest difference between an efficiency and studio apartment is the kitchen. Accommodating the smaller space, efficiency apartments usually lack counter space and certain appliances, like a dishwasher or full-sized fridge.

• Junior one-bedroom apartment: A junior one-bedroom apartment is a mix between a studio and a one-bedroom apartment. Junior one-bedroom apartments are usually larger than a typical studio apartment, but not always. The biggest difference is the bedroom space. A junior one-bedroom apartment has a partially installed or permanent wall separating the bedroom from the rest of the apartment. The bedroom area isn't fully enclosed, but the partial wall provides added privacy.

Some studio apartment listings don't go into the specifics. You can typically determine which version the apartment is by looking at the layout and utilities. The listing price may be an indication, too. Efficiency apartments are generally less expensive than alcove studios, with junior one-bedroom apartments being the most costly version.

Furnishing a Studio Apartment

Decorating a studio apartment can be tricky. Residents have to tap into their interior design skills to transform one room into a kitchen, living room, bedroom, and potentially more. The best way to decorate your studio apartment is to break the area into zones. In other apartment types, you have walls that break the home into zones. In a studio apartment, you have to create your own zones using:

• A room divider

• Hanging art

• Curtains

• Color blocking

• Larger furniture, like bookshelves

Less is more. Stuffing too much furniture and decor in a studio apartment can make the room feel dense and congested. Choose your furniture strategically, and commit to a single color palette to make zoning easier.

What Is a One-Bedroom Apartment?

A one-bedroom apartment has a kitchen area, an enclosed bathroom, and a bedroom complete with four walls and a door. It typically has more storage space, too, with closets included in the apartment's layout.

One-bedroom apartment layouts vary. Some have a combined living and kitchen area, while others separate rooms with half walls or archways. Additional square footage may allow for more utilities and closet or bathroom space, but it is not always guaranteed. The determining characteristic of a one-bedroom apartment is a separate, enclosed bedroom.

Furnishing a One-Bedroom Apartment

While studio apartments require larger furnishings to divide the space into functional rooms, one-bedroom apartments require a larger investment in smaller details like:

• Organizational items for storage space

• Paintings or decorations for each room

• Carpets and rugs

• Lamps

You will likely have more storage spaces to organize and other nooks and crannies to consider in a one-bedroom apartment. If you plan to host guests, you may want to invest in a pullout bed, place settings, a larger kitchen table, and other items to accommodate the extra persons. Some people prefer having these features, while others enjoy the simplicity of a studio apartment.

What Are the Differences Between a Studio and One-Bedroom Apartment?

Although the terms are commonly used interchangeably, studio and one-bedroom apartments have some differences, such as:

• Square footage: The average studio apartment is around 500 square feet but can range anywhere from 300 square feet to 1,000 square feet. One-bedroom apartments have a similar range but a higher average of 750 square feet.

• Location: Studios are more popular in urban areas with limited space and a higher population. Many urban apartment complexes prefer building studios with smaller square footage. Less-populated suburban areas have more space to spare, so you'll find more one-bedroom apartments.

• Defined bedroom: The key difference between a studio and a one-bedroom apartment is the presence of a bedroom. Because one-bedroom apartments have more square footage, architects can easily include a bedroom in the apartment layout. Studio apartments don't have this luxury. However, you can use your interior design skills to make space in your studio apartment for a bedroom.

• Amenities: A studio apartment's limited floor plan doesn't leave much room for in-unit amenities. You'll have the basics — a fridge, some counter space, a shower, a kitchen sink — but you aren't guaranteed much else. One-bedroom apartments are more likely to have convenient appliances like a washer, dryer, and dishwasher.

• Utility costs: Although residents in a one-bedroom apartment benefit from convenience, having more utilities means having a higher utility bill. Studio apartment residents tend to use less water and electricity. Plus, it requires less energy to heat or cool a studio apartment than a one-bedroom apartment because of the difference in square footage.

The differences are small, but they may influence your final decision of which apartment type is best for you.

How Are Studios and One-Bedroom Apartments Similar?

Besides the few differences, studios and one-bedroom apartments are fairly similar. Both studios and one-bedroom apartments are:

• Popular for single residents: Compared to the average single-family house, which is around 2,301 square feet, studios and one-bedroom apartments are small. For comfort and functionality, a studio and one-bedroom apartment best accommodates a single resident or two residents if the space is larger.

• Used interchangeably: Until you break down each characteristic, studio and one-bedroom apartments share many qualities. People often use the two apartment types interchangeably when comparing them to larger housing alternatives, such as townhomes or multi-bedroom apartments.

• Less expensive than multi-bedroom homes: Multi-bedroom apartments have more square footage to fit extra rooms. With more space comes higher utility prices. Studio and one-bedroom apartments give you just the right amount of space you need with a lower monthly price.

Usually, apartment-hunters first decide they want a smaller housing alternative. Then, they weigh the pros and cons of both studio and one-bedroom apartments and make their final decision based on their capabilities.

The Pros and Cons of a Studio Apartment

Studio apartments are best for single residents with a smaller budget and those who enjoy getting creative with their decorating. Thinking about moving into a studio apartment? Consider the pros and cons.

The pros of living in a studio apartment include:

• Less expensive: As outlined earlier, studio apartments are less expensive than one-bedroom apartments. Factors that determine an apartment's rent are the amount of square footage, utilities, and other amenities the apartment offers. Because studios have smaller square footage and limited utilities, the costs are lower.

• Lower utility costs: The monthly rent for a studio apartment is low, as well as the monthly utilities owed. Having limited utilities has its advantages, like needing less energy or water during your daily routine.

• Simple floor plan: Larger homes can have a maze of rooms to decorate and furnish. Even one-bedroom apartments have extra space and walls to navigate. Studio apartments have a simple, all-in-one floor plan that is straightforward to furnish and live in.

The cons of living in a studio apartment include:

• Smaller space: Although a studio apartment's floor plan is fairly straightforward, there's less space to perform your daily activities. A smaller space also limits your options for pets and social event hosting. You likely have enough space for the occasional visitor, but hosting a large gathering will prove challenging.

• Lack of privacy: A studio apartment's open concept doesn't leave much hidden. All your guests can see your sleeping and living area, closet, photographs, and other belongings from almost every angle of your studio apartment.

• Fewer amenities: As highlighted, a studio apartment's smaller square footage allows for limited amenities.

The Pros and Cons of a One-Bedroom Apartment

One-bedroom apartments are good for single residents or two residents sharing a bedroom who have more room in their budget. Are you leaning toward a one-bedroom apartment? Consider the pros and cons.

The pros of living in a one-bedroom apartment include:

• Larger space: More square footage means more room for activities. If you're someone who likes to decorate, you may enjoy the extra wall or floor space. The added space allows you to host more people, as well.

• More privacy: As you're hosting, you don't have to worry about your guests seeing every aspect of your life. An enclosed bedroom allows you to store your valuable and personal items more comfortably. If you're a remote worker, you can also benefit from the mental separation from your work and sleep space.

• More amenities: Many one-bedroom apartments come with added amenities, like a dishwasher and in-unit washer and dryer. Added amenities make for comfortable living and save you timely and costly trips to the laundromat.

The cons of living in a one-bedroom apartment include:

• Higher costs: By choosing a one-bedroom apartment, you're going to end up paying more money for more square footage and utilities. With more utilities comes higher utility costs per month. If you have the room in your budget, these higher costs may be worth it.

• More to clean: One-bedroom apartments give you more room to live in, as well as more space to clean. Some of the added amenities, like a dishwasher and washing machine, make it easier to keep your space clean.

1. What's Your Budget?

As you're touring apartments, ask the leasing agents about their income requirements. If you have a larger budget, consider choosing a one-bedroom apartment. Or, you may choose a studio apartment if you want to allocate more of your income to savings or spending money. The right apartment for you depends on your personal goals and capabilities.

2. Where Do You Want to Live?

A one-bedroom city apartment is a lot different than one in a rural location. If you are a person who loves the bustling city and close living proximities, you'll benefit from a studio apartment. Studio apartments are most common in these city areas and can save you hundreds on rent compared to choosing a one-bedroom apartment.

You might have a harder time finding a studio apartment in rural areas. One-bedroom apartments are much more common. You may even spend less on rent for a one-bedroom rural apartment than a city studio apartment compared.
 

3. How Long Do You Plan to Rent in the Area?

Renting is a good option if you plan on living in an area for a short or undetermined amount of time. If you plan to rent for longer, you may appreciate the extra living space and privacy of a one-bedroom apartment.

If you have a smaller budget for moving, rent, and utilities, temporarily living in a studio apartment may be a good option for you. If you're participating in an internship or a student lease, a studio apartment may fit your temporary lifestyle. You may want to wait until you feel established and familiar with the area to commit to a more expensive one-bedroom apartment.

4. Do You Need More Space?

What is your daily routine like? If you find yourself constantly moving around your apartment or you enjoy having space to work out and stay active, you'll benefit from a one-bedroom apartment's square footage. Studio apartments are best for people who don't mind a more confined environment. With the strategic use of space, you can still have a dedicated movement area, but it's much harder to achieve than with a one-bedroom apartment.

5. Are You OK With Having Fewer In-Unit Amenities?

A washer and dryer are on some people's must-have list. Others don't mind the weekly trip to the laundromat. Some residents don't have the time to manually clean dishes and prefer having a dishwasher.

If you can't imagine a lifestyle without added amenities, a one-bedroom apartment may be the best option for you. Keep in mind that every apartment is different. A one-bedroom apartment isn't guaranteed to have many utilities, while some studio apartments may. Talk to the leasing agent and inquire about the in-unit utilities and complex amenities.

6. Do You Like Cleaning?

Cleaning can be very therapeutic. Some people enjoy their weekend cleaning rituals. Others with busy schedules don't have the time to clean — or they don't enjoy cleaning altogether.

Studio apartments have less space to clean, making cleaning a breeze. On average, one-bedroom apartments have more space to clean, so residents can expect additional cleaning time. If cleaning time is important to you, keep in-unit utilities in mind.

7. How Much Furniture Do You Have?

Take inventory of the furniture you have. Studio apartments require less furniture to decorate and furnish fully. If you add too much furniture, you risk making the apartment feel crowded and less homey. One-bedroom apartments are best for people with a lot of larger furniture because there is more space to furnish and live comfortably.

You also have the option of selling your furniture. You can use the money to buy smaller furniture that better fits into a studio apartment or to cover some of the moving costs.

8. Do You Have Pets?

Talk to the leasing agent about their pet policy. If you choose to live in a studio apartment, larger house pets like a dog may not enjoy the confined space. Certain one-bedroom apartments may be too small for larger house animals, too. Cats, hamsters, and other smaller pets may be a better fit. Pets may feel more comfortable in an apartment with more square footage, making a one-bedroom apartment your best option.

9. How Many People Are Moving With You?

Both studio and one-bedroom apartments are ideal for single residents. If you're moving in with a partner and plan to share a bedroom, a one-bedroom apartment will provide more breathing room and more comfortable living. It's recommended that only one resident lives in a studio apartment for privacy, functionality, and comfort.

10. Do You Like Entertaining Guests?

Are you an introvert? Or, do you prefer going to a friend's house over entertaining guests at your own apartment? If so, a studio apartment is a reasonable option for you. Studio apartments can accommodate the occasional guest but aren't ideal for a large group of guests.

11. Are You OK With Less Privacy?

When you or anyone else walks into your studio apartment, everything is visible. As you're cooking in the kitchen, all your guests sitting in the living room will be an arms reach away. The only real privacy you will have in a studio apartment is in the restroom. A one-bedroom apartment provides much more privacy. If you have a guest overnight, you can comfortably sleep in your bedroom while they relax in the living room.

Some people don't mind the openness of a studio apartment, while some prefer having their privacy.

Property Management, Inc. Can Help Find the Right Apartment for You

If you're in the Pennsylvania area, let our property management professionals at Property Management, Inc. help you find an ideal living space. We have over 50 years of experience in Harrisburg, Williamsport, State College, Reading, and many other areas, and we're dedicated to helping you find the best apartment for you.

Browse our available apartment rentals online. If you find an apartment you love, contact us right from the listing! We'll be happy to share all the in-unit utilities, amenities, pet policies, and any other information.