Studio vs. One Bedroom Differences

Table of Contents

What Is a Studio Apartment?
What Is a One-Bedroom Apartment?
Differences Between a Studio and a One-Bedroom Apartment
Pros and Cons of Studios
Pros and Cons of One-Bedroom Apartments
Considerations for Choosing Between a Studio vs a One-Bedroom
Studio vs. One Bedroom Apartments Bottom Line

What Is a Studio Apartment?

A studio is a one-room apartment that consists of a combined living and sleeping space. Essentially, it’s one open area that features the combined living space and bedroom as well as a kitchen area. There are no walls, making the living room and sleeping area separate.

However, even though a studio apartment is one open space, the bathroom will be separate. This is a legal matter, as the bathroom must be an individual room with its own door. Studio apartments vary greatly in size. There are no size specifications for a studio apartment, so they can range a fair amount, but you’ll typically find that they fall somewhere between 400 and 600 square feet.

What Is a One-Bedroom Apartment?

A one-bedroom apartment is a two-room apartment that has a single bedroom and a separate living room. The bedroom will be completely separated by walls and will be its own enclosed space. This layout provides more defined spaces for different activities.

Of course, a one-bedroom apartment also has a kitchen and a separate bathroom. The one-bedroom apartment's square footage range is usually slightly more than a studio apartment. But with that being said, it’s not uncommon for one-bedroom apartments to cross into the size range of studios. In these circumstances, the difference between a studio and a one-bedroom is really just the privacy that a one-bedroom allows.

Differences Between a Studio and a One-Bedroom Apartment

The biggest differences between studios and one-bedroom apartments are privacy and price. Studios tend to be more affordable than one-bedrooms, but they have less privacy as they don't offer a separate, private sleeping space. One-bedroom apartments have a separate bedroom and living room, but this separation comes at a cost.

So how do you decide between the two? If you have the budget to afford a one-bedroom apartment, you’ll likely enjoy the living experience a little bit more. This is particularly true if you’re a couple, as living in the close quarters of a studio all the time with nowhere to escape to can become tedious and irritating. That being said, if you plan on living solo, studios are a perfect size for one person and allow you to save money on rent. 

When deciding between a studio and a one-bedroom apartment, several factors come into play, including cost, space, privacy, and lifestyle needs. 

Pros and Cons of Studios

Pros of Studio Apartments

1. Affordability
2. Flexibility

1. Affordability

The main benefit of studios is that they are likely to be a lot less expensive, particularly if you’re house shopping in cities where the rent prices are sky-high. If you’re looking at apartments with roughly the same square footage, your decision will lie primarily in whether you wish to pay the extra rent for the walls of a one-bedroom apartment.

2. Flexibility

Another benefit of studio apartments is that they are very flexible living spaces. In many ways, they offer you a blank slate, so you can arrange the home in any way you'd like. If you want an airy loft like home, you can do that in a studio. If you prefer more separation, you can also do that by renting an alcove studio or creating partitions.  

3. Efficiency

Studios are also extremely efficient, making them ideal for those who prefer minimalist living and have fewer possessions. Studios have lower utilities and are also easier and quicker to clean and maintain due to the smaller area.

Cons of Studio Apartments

1. Less Space
2. Less Privacy

1. Less Space

Studios tend to be smaller than one-bedroom apartments, so you'll have less living space. For many people, this can make living in a studio challenging. However, because studios are comprised of one large living area, it can be easier to use all of the space if you optimize it. 

2. Less Privacy

Another drawback of studios is that they offer less privacy than one-bedroom apartments. A studio has no formal separation between the living and sleeping areas, so they are less than ideal for entertaining guests or working from home. 

Pros and Cons of One-Bedroom Apartments

Pros of One-Bedroom Apartments

1. Larger than Studios
2. More Privacy
3. Great for Entertaining 

1. Larger than Studios

The biggest benefit of a one-bedroom apartment is that they tend to be slightly larger than studios. One-bedroom apartments have separate living and sleeping spaces, which typically makes them larger as they need to accommodate a private bedroom. 

2. More Privacy

One-bedroom apartments are decidedly more private than studios. Basically, in a one-bedroom, you won’t find yourself having to sleep in your living room. This can make them a much better option for people who plan on entertaining, as it won’t feel like your guests are intruding into your personal space. One-bedroom apartments are also a good choice for anyone who works from home or doesn’t like to spend too much time away from home, as the extra room allows you to feel a bit less cooped up and bored of your surroundings. 

3 Great for Entertaining

One-bedroom apartments are also beneficial for anyone who likes to entertain or plans to have guests over. Studio apartments often lack ample room for entertainment purposes. So, if this is an important factor in your decision, consider a one-bedroom.

Cons of One-Bedroom Apartments

1. More Expensive
2. Require More Maintenance

1. More Expensive

Of course, the downside of a one-bedroom apartment is that they are pricier than a studio. In some cities, the price difference may not be huge, but in cities like New York, where housing is expensive, you’re likely to pay considerably less rent for a studio than a one-bedroom. Even if the square footage of the one-bedroom and a studio is relatively the same, the pricing difference can be significant.

2. Require More Maintenance

Since one-bedroom apartments are typically larger than studios, they require more maintenance. So while having more living space might sound great, it does have some drawbacks. If the one-bedroom you’re looking at is much bigger, utilities will also cost you more monthly. You should also bear in mind that one-bedrooms are more expensive to clean, maintain and furnish than studios. 

Considerations for Choosing Between a Studio vs a One-Bedroom

Budget

One of the biggest differences between a studio vs a one-bedroom is cost. Studios are generally less expensive, making them ideal for those on a tighter budget. By determining how much you can afford to spend on rent and utilities you'll understand if you can afford a one-bedroom or if a studio is a better option. 

Space and Privacy

Consider how much space you need for your belongings and daily activities. A one-bedroom offers more room and is better for those who need separate areas for different functions. If privacy is important, especially for couples or roommates, a one-bedroom is preferable.

Lifestyle

Think about your lifestyle and how you use your living space. If you entertain often or work from home, a one-bedroom may be more suitable. Studios are great for those who prefer a minimalist lifestyle and do not need much space.

Studio vs. One Bedroom Apartments Bottom Line

Choosing between a studio vs a one-bedroom apartment can be tricky, but ultimately, the choice is yours. Some people are perfectly happy with studio apartment living, while others can’t stand not having a separate bedroom. The most important thing is to make sure that you look at a wide range of both studios and one-bedroom apartments to find one that’s the right fit for you.

Consider all deciding factors. For example, you might be happier opting for a studio apartment in a nicer area of town than a one-bedroom in a less desirable location. Or perhaps you could look specifically for loft studio apartments, which can be as big, if not bigger than, one-bedrooms, but still cheaper. Whatever you decide, you’ll be able to make the space your own and enjoy your new home.