When people move to a new city and rent one of our fully furnished Signature Collection apartments, condos, or townhouses at CorporateStays, one of the first questions they often ask is: Should I choose a studio or a one-bedroom apartment?
The key differentiator between studio and 1-bedroom apartments is the presence of a separate bedroom. In a 1-bedroom, the bedroom area is separated from the rest of the living space, while studios are one open space. But when it comes to rentals, there’s more to consider than just layout. In this article, we’ll break down the key differences between studios and one-bedroom apartments.
We will look at comfort, privacy, budget, and more, to help you choose the best option as you explore our fully furnished rentals across the U.S. and Canada.
Studio Vs 1 Bedroom: The Clear Difference
FEATURES |
STUDIO |
BEDROOM |
Space |
It has a combined space. |
It has a separate space. |
Size |
It is small. |
It is a bit bigger than a studio. |
Maintenance |
Easier to clean and maintain. |
More tasks to clean and maintain because of its space. |
Cost |
It is affordable. |
It is more expensive than a studio. |
Best for |
Minimalist, city dwellers, young professionals/graduates, budget-conscious people, and travellers. |
Young couples and individuals who enjoy privacy or extra space. |
What Exactly is a Studio Apartment?

A setup is called a studio apartment when the living room, kitchen, and bedroom are combined into a single space. This means everything (your bed, lounge area, and kitchen) exists within one open room. However, the bathroom is always enclosed.
For example, the list of our studio apartment for rental in Montreal has a queen-size bed, a smart TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave, an in-suite laundry, and one bathroom.
Many students and recent graduates prefer living in a studio apartment. And, for good reason. It’s easy to manage and generally more affordable.
While it offers less privacy and storage space, and may not be ideal for entertaining guests, it’s budget-friendly and often available in locations you like. The studio apartment varies in size depending on the apartment.
What exactly is a 1-bedroom apartment?

A one-bedroom apartment features a separate sleeping area that is distinct from the living room, kitchen, and dining space. This type of apartment is commonly preferred by young couples and working professionals.
You’ll have more personal space in our fully furnished one-bedroom apartment in Elm-Ledbury, which is available for short, and long-term rental in Toronto. It also makes things more convenient when you have guests, as you won’t need to share your sleeping area with them.
Although it usually costs more than a studio and may take more time and effort to clean, it provides greater privacy and makes it easier to host visitors, thanks to the extra space.
Comparing Studio and 1 Bedroom Apartments Side-by-Side

Before you make a decision, take note of these areas:
1. Privacy
A studio apartment offers very little privacy because it’s all in one open area. If someone comes to visit, they’ll see your bed and everything else immediately. This can be uncomfortable if you’re a private person or you’re planning to have friends over regularly.
A 1-bedroom apartment offers more privacy, especially if you’re sharing the space with someone or entertaining visitors. You can shut your bedroom door and have your personal space while others stay in the living room.
2. Lifestyle and Daily Use
If your lifestyle is simple (maybe you just need a place to sleep, cook occasionally, and go out most of the day), a studio apartment is ideal. It’s compact, easy to clean, and everything is within reach. But if you work from home, like to entertain guests, have a partner staying with you, or just enjoy having space to stretch and relax, a 1-bedroom apartment suits you better. It gives you a mental and physical boundary between activities, which can be important for emotional well-being.
3. Storage and Organization
A studio usually has limited storage space, and because it’s one open area, it’s hard to hide clutter. You have to be creative with storage and very tidy, or the whole place can feel messy. A 1-bedroom typically comes with more closets, shelves, or even extra space in the hallway or bedroom. You also have more options to store things out of sight.
4. Maintenance
Studios are easier and quicker to clean because the space is smaller. One mop or vacuuming session and you’re done. While a 1-bedroom takes more effort and time to clean since there are multiple rooms, it can stay tidier overall since things are spread out and don’t pile up in one place.
5. Cost
Studio apartments are generally cheaper in rent and utilities. You pay less for electricity, heating, air conditioning, and maybe even water, since the space is smaller.
1-bedroom apartments cost more, both in monthly rent and ongoing bills. However, the added comfort might be worth the price, especially if you’re staying for several months or longer.
Studio Vs 1 Bedroom: Which is Better?
Your final decision should come down to this question:
- Do I need a simple, cost-effective space, or comfort, privacy, and room to spread out?
If your priority is budget, short stays, or simplicity, go with a studio. If your priority is comfort, long-term living, privacy, or sharing space, choose a 1-bedroom.
Before You Bounce…
At Corporate Stays, we have a portfolio of over 4,500 serviced apartments, condos, and townhouses available for stays of 30 nights or longer from coast to coast. If you’re an employee who has just relocated to Canada, you can also explore the employee relocation apartment options.