Selecting an apartment is not simply about deciding where to sleep. Finding a place that fits your needs both financially and lifestyle while also making you feel comfortable is key.

Selecting between a studio and a one-bedroom apartment can be difficult for many renters who are fortunate enough to live alone or with simply a spouse. While each option has its own perks, there are drawbacks, too.

The question is: which would you prefer—a simpler, lower-rent place to live in or a little more money upfront for greater room and privacy? Whether you like a one-bedroom apartment's more space or the studio's minimalist charm, choosing between the two can have a big impact on your monthly budget as well as how you live, work, and entertain. 

The Case For Studio Apartments

A studio apartment's open floor layout incorporates the kitchen, living room, and bedroom into one sizable area. This setup's simplicity may be very appealing, particularly to those who like a minimalist lifestyle.

Additionally, they can save you money. According to Shara Seigel, a public relations specialist in New York City and owner of a studio apartment, “Studios are generally much more affordable than one-bedroom apartments.” 

The forced organization that comes with living in a studio is another benefit. When you have less room, you're not as prone to gather pointless things.

“It forces you to not have too much extra ‘stuff’ around and keep things neat/organized,” continues Seigel. Naturally, studios urge you to live a minimalist lifestyle, in which everything has its proper place. For someone who appreciates decluttered living and doesn't mind cozy quarters, this can be a welcome adjustment.

Furthermore, studios might provide greater layout flexibility. You may easily arrange the furnishings and decor in the room to suit your needs because no walls are splitting it up. Despite the small size of her studio, Seigel observes that she managed to utilize it for several purposes.

The mindset of “My apartment is my bedroom, living room, gym, and office in one.” is typical of studio residents, particularly those who work from home. According to Seigel, she works out more when her workout equipment is close to her bed than when she has to drag herself to the gym every day.

The Case Against Studio Apartments

A studio's open floor plan might occasionally feel confining, particularly in terms of privacy. It might not be enough to have all of your spaces—eating, sleeping, and working—in one room if you entertain frequently or work from home.

Studios might be effective, but they might not be the ideal choice if you need specific locations for partying or seclusion, as Seigel acknowledges, adding that “one downside is I rarely have company over — there is not much space to host or entertain.” Additionally, if you share the home with a partner, managing different mealtimes, bedtimes, and work meetings if you're both remote may be difficult and need creative thinking.

The Case For One-Bedrooms

The thing with a one-bedroom flat is that it provides a clear division of the living spaces. The living area and bedroom are separate in these apartments, giving you extra space and privacy.

Grace Moser, owner of the women’s lifestyle blog Chasing Foxes, says that the reason she loves living in a one-bedroom is because she doesn’t live alone. “When you’re living with another person, having one open space can be a bit difficult. It’s nice to have a separate living room where [my husband] can go to read and do his own thing.”

It is undeniably true that couples particularly value this additional space. Separate rooms offer more privacy and freedom than studios, especially if one individual works from home or has a different schedule.

“Since we both work from home, it’s easy to get distracted with each other and talk. But having a different space where we can both focus on our work … has been super helpful!” Moser adds.

The kitchen and dining spaces are also larger in a one-bedroom apartment. Larger kitchens are a feature of many one-bedroom flats, which can be extremely beneficial if you like to cook or have guests.

Moser says that one of the benefits of her one-bedroom is her bigger kitchen — “which means you’ll have a less crowded countertop or cupboards.” Having this additional room not only improves daily life but may also be beneficial to your emotional well-being. A home that is well-balanced and less stressful can be achieved by designating specific spaces for sleeping, relaxing, and cooking.

The Case Against One-Bedrooms

One-bedroom apartments are often more expensive than two-bedroom ones, but if you divide the rent with your partner, a one-bedroom apartment will typically be less expensive (if you enjoy doing financial and mental gymnastics).

“One-bedroom apartments can be more expensive in terms of rent and utility,” Moser points out. A studio and a one-bedroom might cost very different amounts, depending on where you live. She does point out, though, that in certain places, studios can cost just as much as one-bedroom apartments.

And then there’s clutter. “When you have more space, you also have more room to bring in more items, which can lead to more clutter,” she says. A one-bedroom apartment offers more space, but it also necessitates more deliberate organizing to prevent acquiring unnecessary items. A smaller studio, however, makes you more careful about things you bring into your house.

Bottom Line: Studio vs. One-Bedroom

Both studio and one-bedroom apartments have their own pros and cons; the only way to know which of these two is right for you is to determine your specific needs, lifestyle, and budget.

A studio can be the ideal choice if you appreciate affordability and do well in a basic setting. For those who don't want much space for guests or activities, or who spend a lot of time outside the house, studios are a good option.

They can be an excellent option for folks who don’t want to be “rent poor,” as Seigel puts it. “I’m not rent poor and therefore able to spend money on other things that are important to me — food, clothes, travel, experiences!”

The extra space of a one-bedroom, however, could be invaluable if you value privacy, require more space for entertaining, or work from home. A separate bedroom gives you a calm, relaxing space to sleep in apart from the stress of your everyday schedule. A one-bedroom apartment can make living more pleasant and practical for couples or people who just want a larger, more spacious living arrangement.

As Moser puts it, “I would choose a one-bedroom apartment over a studio. I don’t feel crowded in, and I feel more relaxed when I come home to a more spacious place. Things honestly just feel so much better.”

Would you choose a studio or a one-bedroom apartment?