Studio, Bachelor or Efficiency Apartment: What’s the Difference?

It can confuse you when you’re shopping for an apartment and it’s either listed as an efficiency apartment, studio apartment or a bachelor’s apartment. How do you know the difference? For all you know, they could be the same. Yet, they are not. There are small, yet subtle differences between these three different styles of small living spaces.

General Layout

The general layouts of an efficiency, studio and bachelor apartment are slightly varied. While the bachelor apartment has separate walls for a kitchen and bath, studio and efficiency apartments only provide separate walls for the the bathroom. Therefore, studios and efficiencies consist of one room and a bath while bachelor apartments are made up of of a living area and two rooms, consisting of a bath and kitchen.

Apartment Sizes – How Do They Rank?

Generally, efficiency apartments, also known as efficiencies, usually have the least amount of space. Studios are a little larger while bachelor apartments are the largest sized apartment of the three. Typically, efficiencies and studios are around 500 square feet or smaller while bachelor type apartments are sized around 500 square feet.

General Amenities

Usually efficiencies come only with minimal necessities. Some may not even come equipped with a stove, but, rather, just a microwave and small refrigerator and perhaps a dishwasher. Studios usually come with a little more upgrades in the kitchen and provide an oven and stove along with a microwave and refrigerator. Most will include a dishwasher too. Bachelor apartments come with a separate kitchen that is equipped with a refrigerator, microwave, range and dishwasher. In some instances, studios and efficiencies provide in-the-wall beds.

Kitchenettes and Kitchens

Typically, within the efficiency and studio units, the kitchen area is part of the same living space as the living room. Therefore, the kitchen area is often located in a corner of the living space. As a result, kitchen areas are often referred to as kitchenettes. A bachelor apartment usually has a full sized kitchen, albeit small, and is often referred to as a 2-room apartment.

Typical Occupants

Most efficiencies and studios are designed for the needs of college students and young professionals. They offer a low rental rate and the necessary amenities. These types of apartments then are specifically designed for people who do not spend a great deal of time at home and therefore are looking for economy with respect to a place to live. Bachelor apartments are made for people living alone or couples. Nevertheless, they are suitable for students or professionals as well. However, they have a larger appeal among single people or couples who are older who spend more of their time at home.

The three types of apartments can still be categorized as one and the same. However, the above descriptions do clarify the differences. Therefore, when you’re looking for a particular apartment, if you require minimal space or amenities, look for an efficiency. If you require a bit more space and upgrades, then a studio apartment is what you want to select. And, if you want your kitchen and bath both separate from the rest of your living area, a bachelor apartment is the best choice to make.