How to Choose Between a Studio and One Bedroom in a Coliving Space

Congratulations on your big move to NYC! The city is arguably one of the most exciting in the world, and it has so much to offer its residents, whether you’re an artist looking to join its thriving communities or an ambitious young professional with lofty goals in the business sector. Be that as it may, the Big Apple is also one of the most expensive cities to live in. 

Renting an apartment in Manhattan can cost thousands of dollars each month, depending on its size and location. When combined with other living expenses, the NYC lifestyle can quickly prove tough to support financially. It’s no wonder, then, why the concept of co-living has become so popular in the area. 

When you search for co-living arrangments on Roomrs, you can find housing options available on custom timelines, meaning you’ll never have to be restricted by a year-long lease again. 

Still, knowing how to choose between the benefits of studio vs. 1-bedroom apartment living can be tricky, especially if you’re left wondering, “What is a studio apartment?” On that note, let’s take a closer look at what sets the two apart to help you decide which might be better for your NYC coliving experience. 

Studio vs. 1 Bedroom: The Key Difference

Let’s start by getting the two big questions out of the way: What is a studio apartment, and what is a one-bedroom? 

Studio and 1-bedroom apartments can be similar in their total square footage, but the most important difference between the two is the fact that 1-bedroom apartments have a bedroom separated from the rest of the space with a door. Studio apartments, in contrast, are characterized as one large, continuous room. 

Benefits of Studio Apartments

When it comes to deciding between a studio vs. 1-bedroom apartment, one of the primary benefits of renting the former over the latter is the difference in rent costs. For single people living in New York without pets, a studio apartment can be a great way to save money on rent and invest it toward other things. 

A studio apartment can cost hundreds of dollars less per month than even a single-bedroom apartment, especially when its square footage is smaller than average. With lower rent costs also come fewer furnishing expenses, given that the space is easier to fill. But even then, Roomrs apartments come fully furnished! 

Drawbacks of Studio Apartments

Studio apartments could be the wrong choice for any potential NYC residents looking for extra space, especially if they plan to live with a partner or any pets. Additionally, if you share your studio with anyone, establishing and maintaining privacy is often a challenge. 

If you work from home or spend a lot of time studying at home, studio apartments can make a solid work-life balance difficult to maintain as well. Since your bedroom will also be your office, you may find it tough to concentrate on your work at home. NYC is, thankfully, home to many coworking facilities that you can take advantage of, but the point still stands.

Benefits of One-Bedroom Apartments

Many one-bedroom apartments in NYC have a higher total square footage compared to studios, so you’ll have more room in your new home to spread out and decorate.

A one-bedroom apartment also makes it easier to segment space between roommates, meaning a lack of privacy will be far less of a concern. More than one person can comfortably co-live in the apartment without feeling as though they’re constantly in another’s space. 

Furthermore, the price difference between a studio and a one-bedroom apartment in the city may not be big enough to deter you if the latter is on the smaller side to begin with.

Drawbacks of One-Bedroom Apartments

If your budget is particularly tight, paying for the extra privacy and space of a one-bedroom apartment over a studio might not be feasible. And though some can be similarly priced to some larger studio apartments, they can also be much pricier, especially if their building offers desirable amenities. 

How to Choose Apartment Size 

Knowing how to choose apartment sizes in NYC is a matter of weighing each option’s typical pros and cons. The specific offerings (or lack thereof) you discover during your apartment search might make it more or less difficult to make your choice. 

Nevertheless, below are a few tips you can follow as you prepare to make your selection:

Assess Your Budget

No matter what kind of Roomrs apartment you choose, getting your finances and budget in order is essential before making the move to NYC. Create a realistic budget for living expenses and make sure the co-living apartment you choose is affordable for you based on your monthly income and other costs.

Determine Your Priorities

Once you know what your priorities are, narrowing down your options will be much simpler. If having the maximum amount of room possible in your living space isn’t your biggest priority, you don’t need to pay the extra money to rent a one-bedroom apartment over a studio. Conversely, if full privacy is a major priority for you in a living situation, a bedroom with a door is essential. 

See What’s Available in Your Ideal Neighborhood

If you’re moving to NYC to work or study at a specific building or university, the neighborhood that your apartment is in might be even more important than its size or number of bedrooms. You can make your search a bit easier by choosing your ideal neighborhoods and researching what kind of co-living arrangements are currently available there.

Which Apartment Type Is Best for Coliving?

You can create successful co-living arrangements in all kinds of apartments in NYC. While one-bedroom apartments might make things more convenient, given their increased space and privacy, you may be able to create your own areas while co-living in studio apartments and keep your rent cost low in the process.

Roomrs: Providing Co-Living Apartments in NYC’s Hottest Neighborhoods

At Roomrs, our goal is to create a wide variety of housing options for individuals who feel restricted by traditional lease agreements. With fully furnished apartments available on short notice, finding your perfect place in NYC has never been easier. Get started by browsing our available apartments today!