Studio or 1 Bedroom – Which Apartment Fits Your Lifestyle?

Apartment Hunting 101: Studio vs. 1 Bedroom

Looking for the key differences between studio and 1 bedroom apartments? Here's a quick comparison:

When choosing between a studio and 1 bedroom apartment, understanding the fundamental differences can save you time, money, and potential regret after moving in. 

The most basic distinction is in the layout: a studio combines your living room, bedroom, and kitchen into a single open space, while a one-bedroom provides a separate room with walls and a door for your sleeping area. This simple difference affects everything from your privacy to your utility bills.

Studios excel in affordability and simplicity. They're perfect for minimalists who want to live in desirable neighborhoods without breaking the bank. The open layout means less cleaning and lower utility costs, with everything you need within easy reach.

One-bedroom apartments offer that crucial element many renters crave: privacy. Having a separate room to sleep means you can host friends without exposing your unmade bed, set up a proper work-from-home space, or maintain different schedules if living with a partner.

Your lifestyle should ultimately guide your decision. Do you prioritize location over space? Do you work from home and need dedicated zones? Are you sharing the space with someone else? These factors matter more than square footage alone.

Studio and 1 bedroom: Key Differences

When comparing studio and 1 bedroom apartments, the distinction goes far beyond just having an extra room. These differences shape your entire living experience in ways you might not initially consider.

The layout is where everything begins. A studio apartment accepts the open-concept lifestyle with your living room, bedroom, and kitchen all sharing one continuous space. Think of it as the ultimate "great room" where everything happens. A one-bedroom, however, gives you that separate room with actual walls and a door just for sleeping, creating natural boundaries between your different daily activities.

Privacy becomes a game-changer when you're deciding between these options. In a studio, your entire life is on display – that pile of laundry, your unmade bed, last night's dinner dishes – it's all within eyeshot. A one-bedroom offers the simple luxury of closing a door when your mom video calls unexpectedly or when you need to hide your sleeping area from guests dropping by.

The cleaning situation differs significantly too. Studios typically require less time to tidy up – with fewer square feet and no separate spaces, you can often clean your entire home in one quick sweep. One-bedrooms demand more time but allow you to tackle cleaning in manageable chunks without feeling overwhelmed by trying to organize your entire life at once.

Your utility bills will reflect your choice as well. Studios tend to be more energy-efficient because you're heating, cooling, and lighting a single space rather than multiple rooms. As many residents find, heating and lighting one combined space simply costs less than maintaining comfortable temperatures in separate areas.

The rent gap between studios and one-bedrooms averages roughly 5% nationwide, though this varies considerably depending on location. In vibrant neighborhoods like Uptown Chicago, this difference might be more substantial, allowing budget-conscious renters to live in areas they might otherwise only dream about.

Defining a Studio and 1 bedroom Apartment

Let's get clear on exactly what makes each apartment type unique.

A studio apartment is essentially a single-room living space that combines all your daily functions into one open area. Your typical studio includes:

A main living area that serves triple-duty as bedroom, living room, and dining area; a kitchen or kitchenette, often tucked along one wall or in a small alcove; a separate bathroom (the only fully enclosed room); and no interior walls dividing the main living space.

Studios represent the essence of simplified living – everything you need within a few steps, no wasted space, and a focus on functionality.

A 1 bedroom apartment, by contrast, features clear separation between spaces:

A dedicated bedroom with walls and a door; a distinct living room area; a kitchen (which might be open to the living area or completely separate); at least one bathroom; and clear physical division between sleeping and living spaces.

This fundamental difference creates entirely different living experiences. Studios often employ creative solutions like partial walls, bookcases, or decorative screens to create the illusion of separate spaces. One-bedrooms provide actual physical separation that can be a sanity-saver.

Pros & Cons of Choosing a Studio and 1 bedroom

Both apartment types come with their own set of advantages and trade-offs that align with different lifestyles and priorities.

Studio apartments shine when it comes to affordability, with rent typically running about 5% less than comparable one-bedrooms. Your utility costs will likely be lower too, thanks to the smaller footprint. You'll spend less time cleaning and maintaining your space, which means more time enjoying your neighborhood. Studios often allow access to premium locations at more accessible price points and naturally encourage a more minimalist, environmentally-friendly lifestyle with less energy consumption.

However, studios do present challenges. Privacy becomes a luxury when you can see your bed from every corner of your home. Couples or roommates may find the arrangement testing their relationship. When you cook that aromatic curry, every fabric in your apartment will remind you of it for days. Storage options are limited, and creating separation between work and relaxation can be difficult when your desk sits three feet from your bed.

One-bedroom apartments offer notable benefits, starting with that precious privacy provided by an actual door that closes off your bedroom. Hosting friends becomes less stressful when your personal items aren't on display. Sharing with a partner becomes more harmonious when you can retreat to separate spaces. You'll have more storage options throughout the apartment and can create clear boundaries between work and rest areas. Plus, you'll enjoy more flexibility for furniture arrangement and expressing your personal style.

The drawbacks of one-bedrooms primarily revolve around cost – higher monthly rent and increased utility expenses for heating and cooling multiple rooms. There's more space to clean and maintain, which means more of your weekend devoted to housekeeping. The higher price point might put some desirable neighborhoods beyond your budget, and the extra space can sometimes lead to accumulating things you don't really need.

Budget considerations remain paramount for most renters. Studios allow you to live in neighborhoods you might otherwise need to admire from afar. That sacrifice of space might be worth it if location tops your priority list.

When it comes to entertaining, one-bedrooms offer a clear advantage. Having a living room that isn't also your bedroom means your guests don't have to perch on your bed or stare at your pillows during movie night. Your personal space remains yours alone, out of sight and mind when company arrives.

Storage solutions become especially important in your decision. Studios typically offer limited closet space, requiring creative thinking like under-bed containers and wall-mounted shelves. One-bedrooms generally provide more built-in storage throughout the apartment, giving your belongings dedicated homes that don't intrude on your living space.

Layout, Size, Cost & Market Trends

When you're deciding between a studio and 1 bedroom apartment, understanding the physical dimensions really helps you visualize your daily life in each space.

Studios pack a lot of living into a compact footprint. In Manhattan, these efficiency apartments average just 308 square feet (think the size of a hotel room), while nationwide they typically range from 200-600 square feet. One-bedroom apartments offer significantly more breathing room, usually spanning 500-700 square feet, with anything larger considered quite generous.

Here in Uptown Chicago, home to The Winnie Apartments by Flats®, our studios are surprisingly spacious at 520-560 square feet—larger than many big-city counterparts. Our one-bedrooms offer even more elbow room, ranging from 714 to 840 square feet. This extra space translates into tangible everyday benefits, from being able to host dinner parties to creating dedicated work-from-home zones.

The price difference between these apartment types reflects their size disparity. Typically, studios rent for about 5% less than one-bedrooms in the same building or neighborhood. This gap often widens in sought-after urban areas where every square foot comes at a premium.

Looking at cost per square foot reveals an interesting quirk: studios sometimes appear more expensive on paper because essential features like bathrooms and kitchens consume proportionally more of the total space. However, the bottom-line monthly rent remains lower for studios, making them the budget-friendly choice for many renters.

Your utility bills will differ between these apartment types too. With just one main space to heat, cool, and light, studios generally have lower monthly utility costs. These savings add up, especially during Chicago's famously frosty winters and humid summers.

Today's rental market shows strong demand for both apartment styles, though different lifestyles drive each segment. Young professionals, students, and first-time renters often choose studios for their simplicity and affordability. Meanwhile, couples, remote workers, and social butterflies tend to prefer one-bedrooms for the additional privacy and space.

The walkability of a neighborhood also influences apartment pricing. Using the Walk Score® system, areas with high walkability like Uptown Chicago (which scores an impressive 89 out of 100) typically command higher rents. However, living in a walkable neighborhood can significantly reduce your transportation costs since you'll spend less on gas, parking, and rideshares.

At The Winnie Apartments by Flats®, we offer thoughtfully designed floor plans for both studio and one-bedroom options, each maximizing space efficiency while creating comfortable living environments. You can explore all our available layouts online, including our popular A10 floor plan shown below.

Lifestyle Fit, Amenities & Space Maximization

Finding your perfect apartment isn't just about square footage—it's about how the space fits your daily life. When deciding between a studio and 1 bedroom apartment, consider how each layout aligns with your personal routine and priorities.

Minimalists often thrive in studio apartments. The compact design naturally encourages thoughtful purchasing and prevents the accumulation of unnecessary stuff. There's something refreshing about a space that gently pushes you to keep only what truly matters. As many studio dwellers find, less space often equals less stress.

The work-from-home revolution has changed what many of us need from our living spaces. One-bedroom apartments shine here, allowing you to set up a desk in either the living room or bedroom. When your workday ends, you can physically "commute" to a different room—a psychological boundary that's harder to create in a studio. That said, many studio dwellers successfully carve out productive work zones using clever room dividers or designated corners.

Couples considering cozy living face unique challenges. While plenty of duos happily share studios (and save money doing so), a one-bedroom offers undeniable advantages. When one partner wants to sleep while the other watches TV or has friends over, that separate bedroom becomes priceless. Different schedules become much less problematic when there's a door to close.

Pet parents should consider activity levels when apartment hunting. Both apartment types can accommodate furry friends, but the additional space in a one-bedroom gives energetic pets more room to play. At The Winnie Apartments by Flats®, we welcome your four-legged family members in all our floor plans.

Building amenities can dramatically extend your living space beyond your apartment walls. Access to fitness centers, rooftop lounges, and co-working areas effectively gives you "bonus rooms" without the added rent. These shared spaces can make studio living feel surprisingly spacious and provide one-bedroom residents with luxuries they'd never fit in their apartments.

In-unit features like washer/dryer connections, walk-in closets, and kitchen islands transform daily living. At The Winnie, we've incorporated these practical luxuries into many of our units, making both our studios and one-bedrooms feel more functional and comfortable.

Smart storage becomes essential in compact spaces. Think vertically with wall-mounted shelving and tall bookcases that maximize storage without consuming precious floor space. Multipurpose furniture like storage ottomans, convertible sofas, and dining tables with drawers pull double-duty, serving multiple needs without cluttering your space.

Should You Rent a Studio and 1 bedroom in Uptown?

Uptown Chicago offers the perfect backdrop for apartment living with its unique blend of urban energy and lakefront tranquility. The neighborhood's impressive walkability score of 89 means you can handle most errands on foot, while abundant public transportation connects you to the rest of the city.

The vibrant local scene provides endless entertainment just steps from your door. Historic venues like the Aragon Ballroom and Riviera Theatre regularly host shows, while the diverse restaurant landscape offers everything from casual comfort food to sophisticated dining experiences.

Those breathtaking Lake Michigan views available from select apartments at The Winnie add a natural oasis to urban living. The lakefront path offers miles of space for running, biking, or simply watching the waves—a priceless amenity that's just minutes from your front door.

Transit connections in Uptown make commuting a breeze, with multiple CTA train lines and bus routes linking the neighborhood to downtown Chicago and beyond. Whether you work in the Loop, North Side, or suburbs, you'll spend less time traveling and more time living.

The Winnie Apartments by Flats® offers the sweet spot between luxury and practicality in this vibrant neighborhood. Our thoughtfully designed floor plans, premium finishes, and community amenities improve both studio and one-bedroom living experiences, letting you enjoy all that Uptown has to offer from a comfortable home base.

Top Tips to Stretch Every Square Foot in a Studio and 1 bedroom

Making the most of compact living spaces is both an art and a science. Here are some proven strategies to help your apartment feel more spacious and functional:

Room dividers create the illusion of separate spaces without sacrificing square footage or natural light. Whether you choose a decorative screen, flowing curtain, strategic bookshelf, or collection of plants, these visual barriers help define zones for sleeping, working, and relaxing while maintaining an open feel.

Wall-mounted desks offer workspace without the footprint of traditional furniture. Many designs fold away when not in use, instantly changing your home office back into living space. This flexibility proves especially valuable in studios where every corner serves multiple purposes throughout the day.

Under-bed storage turns otherwise wasted space into valuable storage real estate. Platform beds with built-in drawers offer even more potential for stashing seasonal clothing, extra bedding, or rarely-used items that would otherwise consume valuable closet space.

Smart lighting dramatically impacts how spacious a room feels. Layered options with overhead fixtures, wall sconces, and table lamps create depth and dimension. Light colors and strategically placed mirrors reflect light, making rooms appear larger and more open than their actual dimensions suggest.

Lofted beds represent the ultimate space-maximizing solution for studios with sufficient ceiling height. By elevating your sleeping area, you create usable space underneath for a desk, seating area, or storage. This arrangement can effectively double your functional floor space in the right setting.

Beyond these major strategies, small touches make big differences in compact spaces. Consider using the backs of doors for hooks and organizers, installing floating shelves above doorways and windows, choosing furniture with exposed legs to create visual space, and embracing regular decluttering sessions to prevent accumulation.

At The Winnie Apartments by Flats®, we design our floor plans with functionality and aesthetics in mind. Our studio apartments feature thoughtful layouts that naturally create distinct zones for different activities, while our one-bedrooms offer flexible spaces that adapt to your unique lifestyle needs.

Frequently Asked Questions about Studio and 1 bedroom

How much cheaper is a studio than a 1-bedroom?

When budget is a top priority, the price difference between these apartment types might surprise you. Typically, studio apartments rent for about 5% less than their one-bedroom counterparts in the same building or neighborhood. But don't take that percentage as gospel – it varies tremendously depending on where you're looking.

In vibrant urban hotspots like Uptown Chicago, that gap often widens to 10-15%, making studios particularly attractive for those wanting to live in a premium location without the premium price tag. The savings become even more dramatic in notoriously expensive markets like NYC, where choosing a studio can keep thousands of dollars in your pocket over the course of a year.

At The Winnie Apartments by Flats®, we've designed both our studio and one-bedroom options with various floor plans to accommodate different financial situations. The beauty of our building is that you don't sacrifice quality or amenities by choosing the more economical option – you're simply deciding how to allocate your space and your budget.

Are utilities noticeably lower in a studio?

Yes! Your utility bills will absolutely reflect your apartment choice, with studios offering meaningful savings each month. The math is pretty simple – smaller spaces require less energy to heat and cool, which is especially relevant during Chicago's dramatic seasonal shifts.

The single-room layout of a studio and 1 bedroom makes a particularly big difference in winter months when you're not paying to heat multiple rooms. Many residents report utility savings between 15-25% in studios compared to one-bedrooms, though your personal habits will certainly influence the final numbers.

Your biggest savings typically come from heating and cooling costs, while water usage tends to remain fairly consistent regardless of apartment size. At The Winnie, we've equipped many of our units with energy-efficient appliances and individual climate controls, giving you the power to manage both your comfort and your monthly expenses.

Can two people comfortably share a studio?

Can two people share a studio comfortably? Absolutely – with some thoughtful planning and open communication. Countless couples thrive in studio settings, particularly when the space exceeds 500 square feet and features smart layout design.

The success of sharing a compact space usually depends on:

• Your relationship dynamic (romantic partners typically adapt better than roommates)
• How aligned your daily schedules are
• Your willingness to get creative with space dividers and organization
• Regular check-ins about what's working and what isn't

Many residents at The Winnie have turned their studios into cozy homes for two, using clever furniture arrangements and decorative screens to create the feeling of distinct zones within the open layout. That said, it's always wise to check occupancy guidelines before making plans, as some buildings do have limits based on square footage.

For couples who value their individual space or have significantly different schedules, a one-bedroom apartment offers undeniable advantages. Being able to close a door when your partner is sleeping while you finish that Netflix series is a luxury that can't be overstated!

At The Winnie Apartments by Flats®, we're happy to recommend which of our studio and 1 bedroom floor plans best accommodate couples based on your specific needs and lifestyle. Many find that the financial savings of studio living make the spatial compromises well worth it, especially in a neighborhood as vibrant and walkable as Uptown Chicago.

Conclusion

When it comes down to choosing between a studio and 1 bedroom apartment, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. Your perfect home depends on finding that sweet spot where your lifestyle needs and budget priorities meet in harmony.

Before making your decision, take a moment to reflect on what truly matters in your daily life:

Do those monthly rent savings of 5-15% make a meaningful difference to your financial goals? Would having a door you can close between your bed and living space significantly improve your quality of life? If you're working remotely, consider how important it is to have separation between your workspace and relaxation area.

Your social patterns matter too. Frequent entertainers often appreciate the privacy a one-bedroom offers, keeping personal items out of sight when guests arrive. And if you're sharing your space with a partner, think about how you'll steer different schedules and activities in your chosen layout.

We've found that natural minimalists often thrive in studios, embracing the freedom that comes with owning less. Meanwhile, neighborhood devotees might happily trade square footage for that perfect location – after all, Uptown Chicago offers so much beyond your apartment walls.

Here at The Winnie Apartments by Flats®, we've designed both our studios and one-bedrooms with real people and real lives in mind. Each floor plan maximizes comfort and functionality, whether you're seeking the efficiency of a studio or the defined spaces of a one-bedroom.

There's truly no substitute for experiencing these spaces in person. What looks perfect on a floor plan might feel entirely different when you're standing in it. That's why we always recommend touring multiple options – it's amazing how quickly your priorities become clear when you can compare layouts side by side.

Your apartment is just one part of your living experience. The Winnie's thoughtful community amenities, prime Uptown location, and our attentive management team improve daily life regardless of which floor plan you choose. From our rooftop views to our convenient transit connections, the full package creates a home you'll love coming back to every day.

Ready to find your perfect fit? We'd love to show you around and help you find which of our homes feels right for you. Schedule a tour of The Winnie Apartments by Flats® today and see what makes Uptown Chicago living so special.