Studio vs. Efficiency Apartment Differences

Table of Contents

What Is an Efficiency Apartment?
What Is a Studio Apartment?
Efficiency vs Studio Apartment Differences
Why Should You Choose an Efficiency Apartment?
Studio vs Efficiency, Which to Choose?
Studio vs Efficiency Apartment Bottom Line

What Is an Efficiency Apartment?

An efficiency apartment is a type of studio that typically contains a single room and a have separate bathroom. The main room in an efficiency apartment serves as both your living room and sleeping area, and also includes your kitchen, although many efficiency units only have small kitchenettes with fewer appliances than a full-size kitchen. An efficiency apartment can also often be called a one-room studio or occasionally “single room occupancy” (SRO). Efficiency apartments are common in large urban areas and high-cost cities, where demand exceeds supply.

Efficiency Apartment Features

• Compact Design: Everything is contained within one room, emphasizing maximum utility in a small space.
• Size: Usually smaller than a studio apartment, often less than 300 square feet.
• Kitchenette: Typically includes a small kitchenette with minimal appliances, such as a mini-fridge, microwave, and sometimes a two-burner stove or hot plate.
• Functionality: Designed to be highly functional with limited space, often incorporating built-in furniture or multi-purpose items.

What Is a Studio Apartment?

A studio apartment is an apartment in which your living space and sleeping area are located within one single room. Studios also typically include a separate kitchen area and bathroom, although in some studios the kitchen is located within the main living space. 

Studio Apartment Features

• Open Layout: The living, sleeping, and kitchen areas are integrated into one large room.
• Size: Generally larger than an efficiency apartment, ranging from 300 to 600 square feet.
• Kitchen: Studios often have a full kitchen with standard appliances, such as a stove, oven, and refrigerator.
• Dividers: Some studio apartments may have partial walls, room dividers, or alcoves to create a semblance of separate spaces.

Efficiency vs Studio Apartment Differences

1. Size
2. Layout
3. Rent
4. Kitchen
5. Availability

The major differences between an efficiency apartment and a studio are that efficiency units tend to be smaller apartments than studios and that studios typically have larger and better-equipped kitchens.

Other key differences between studios vs efficiency apartments as follows:

1. Size

Efficiency apartments tend to be significantly smaller than studios. They are often less than 300 square feet in total size, whereas studios average around 450 square feet.

2. Layout

Efficiency apartments typically have an enclosed kitchen and bathroom, and sometimes a dining area and/or closet part in the living space. The exterior walls of efficiency units sometimes include at least one built-in unit, such as a desk or shelves.

3. Rent

Due to their smaller size, efficiency units tend to be have lower rents than studio apartments. If you have a tight budget, efficiency units may be more affordable. 

4. Kitchen

Unlike studios, which typically have a full kitchen, efficiency units often have a small kitchen or a kitchenette. While these areas are not always enclosed and exist within the same room as the living area, they usually have some counter space where you can prepare and eat meals.

5. Availability

Efficiency units are often more common than studios and exist in most large apartment buildings. Typically, an “efficiency premium” is applied to the rent on such units, which can cost between $5 to $25 per square foot more than a studio.

Why Should You Choose an Efficiency Apartment?

1. Flexibility
2. Affordability
3. Availability
4. Building Type
5. Privacy
6. Less Maintenance
7. Lower Utility Bills

1. Flexibility

Efficiency units can be combined! It’s possible to connect them to form larger units (just like you could merge two 1-bedroom units). For example, suppose a couple is not ready for a 2-bedroom, but you want more space than a studio. You could rent one efficiency unit and combine it with another to create a larger apartment at a lower price per square foot overall.

2. Affordability

Efficiency apartments are affordable housing options for singles or couples with no children who want a small, simple place to call home. An efficiency unit could be a great option if you fall into this category and can’t afford a studio.

3. Availability

In many markets, studios are so popular that many smaller apartments have been converted to studios. So while there are efficiency units available, you may have a hard time finding a studio in your price range. On the other hand, a high percentage of older buildings have one-room efficiencies, and if your budget is tight, you might find more options for these types of apartments in your price range.

4. Building Type

If you are looking for an apartment in a mid- or high-rise building, studios are often not allowed, so efficiency units are your best bet.

5. Privacy

Many efficiency apartments have more oversized windows than most studio apartments, which give the units a more airy and brighter feel. It is also reasonably common for efficiency units to have private balconies, which studios rarely do.

6. Less Maintenance

Since the unit is smaller, you will be spending less time cleaning it. Also, since many efficiency units are older buildings, they tend to have higher ceilings and more windows from which the sun can shine. Efficiency apartments may not have as much space as a larger apartment would, but they offer a compromise between affordability, simplicity, and cleanliness that is worth considering.

7. Lower Utility Bills

A person living in a studio apartment has less square footage and, therefore, lower heating, cooling, and lighting energy needs. Thus, efficiency units tend to have lower utility bills than studios or larger apartments.

Studio vs Efficiency, Which to Choose?

Consider a Studio Apartment If:

• You need more space for living and storage.
• You prefer a fully functional kitchen with standard appliances.
• You can afford a slightly higher rent for additional amenities and space.
• You value a versatile and open living environment.

Consider an Efficiency Apartment If:

• You are looking for the most affordable living option.
• You don’t require a full kitchen and are comfortable with a kitchenette.
• You prefer a minimalistic lifestyle with fewer belongings.
• You need a temporary or short-term living arrangement.

Studio vs Efficiency Apartment Bottom Line

Both studio and efficiency apartments offer unique benefits tailored to different lifestyle needs and budgets. Studios provide more space and better kitchen facilities, making them ideal for those who need a bit more room and flexibility. Efficiency apartments, on the other hand, are perfect for individuals seeking an affordable, compact living space with essential amenities. Efficiencies are an excellent choice for singles and couples who want to live in smaller apartments, while studios are great for those who need a bit more space.