What is a Studio Apartment and is One Right for You?

Planning a big city move? When you’re looking for a cheaper place to call home in a city, studio apartments are an excellent option. But just like any other living situation, studio apartments come with their own set of pros and cons. Knowing the details before you start your apartment hunt will help you decide if renting a studio apartment is the right fit for you. 

What is a studio apartment?

A studio apartment is a cheaper, smaller-sized living space that hosts most traditional ‘rooms’ inside one large common room. Your kitchen, dining, sleeping, and storage areas are separate rooms in a traditional home layout. But in a studio apartment, all these areas are combined into one large room. The only area that’s separated by walls is the bathroom. 

The average size of a studio apartment is between 400 – 600 square feet. Because studio apartments are on the smaller side, they’re a good match for anyone looking to live alone in an urban area, are on a budget, and doesn’t mind limiting their possessions. These apartments are even better for first-time renters who haven’t already had to furnish a larger apartment.

Is a studio apartment right for you?

Before you decide to commit to a studio apartment, you’re going to want to know the details of what a studio apartment can and can’t offer you, and if it’s going to be the right fit for what you need. To help give you an understanding of what you can expect with a studio apartment, let’s look at typical costs, layouts, and locations of studio apartments.   

The cost of renting a studio apartment  

If you’re moving to a city and are fine with downsizing your living space, you can save a decent amount of money on rent by living in a studio apartment. But keep in mind that the rental cost of a studio apartment is dependent on location. For example, in an expensive city like Los Angeles, the cost of renting a studio apartment is generally between $900 – $1,250 per month. However, it’s definitely possible to find something below $900 if you look through various apartment listing sites every day. As a comparison, the cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment in Los Angeles is typically between $1,350 – $1,550 per month.  

On the other hand, if you were looking to rent a studio apartment in a more affordable city like Pittsburgh, PA, you’ll likely find most studio apartment rentals to be between $500 – $900 per month.  

Studio apartment layouts 

One of the most interesting things about studio apartments is that the layout depends on the building’s structure and how it was designed. There’s not one main layout or floor plan – every unit tends to have its own unique features. For example, you might see one with small partitions separating the kitchen area from the rest of the living space. Or, in another, you might have a taller ceiling to make room for a small loft sleeping area. 

Some studio apartments may look like a long ‘L-shaped’ hallway, while others look like one large room. Every studio apartment comes with its own quirks. If you can, take the time to tour a few units and imagine how you would utilize that unique space. One layout that doesn’t work for someone else might be perfect for you.  

Where to find studio apartments 

Believe it or not, studio apartments aren’t just found in New York City. You can normally find studio apartments in any large city or other areas with a dense population. They’re usually near universities, public transportation, or business sectors. Studio apartments that are closer to shops and popular public transportation stops will usually cost more than other apartments that are further away. But the convenience of being closer to entertainment and certain shops can be worth it for some.    

Studio apartments vs. one-bedroom apartments

Obviously, one of the most significant differences between a studio and a one-bedroom apartment is that in a one-bedroom apartment, there’s a distinct separation between the bedroom and living space. The bathroom space also tends to be a bit more spacious in a one-bedroom unit as well. There’s the size difference to think about as well. A one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere between 600 – 900 square feet or larger.

Since one-bedroom apartments tend to be a bit bigger, they also cost more. Again, apartment costs are very dependent on location. But in general, you can expect to pay $150 – $500+ more per month for a one-bedroom apartment versus a studio. 

Studio apartments vs. two-bedroom apartments

The idea of living on your own may sound appealing to some, but it can be expensive. If you’re open to the idea of having a roommate, you can save quite a bit of money on rent and utilities. The price of a two-bedroom apartment is dependent on square footage and location. But for the most part, you can expect to pay about $150 – $350+ more than the average price for a one-bedroom apartment in the area you’re looking to live in.

So, for example, if the average price for a one-bedroom in Los Angeles is $1,450 per month, you can expect to pay roughly between $1,600 – $1,800+ for a two-bedroom apartment. It’s a bit pricier, but as long as you and your roommate split rent 50/50, you’ll be saving some serious money on rent every month. 

The bottom line

So, is a studio apartment right for you? It all comes down to your lifestyle and personal preferences. As long as you don’t mind sacrificing living space for price, a studio apartment can save you a decent chunk of change on your monthly rent in a big city. 

Frequently asked questions