For many people looking to rent an apartment on a budget, choosing between a bachelor’s or a 1-bedroom setup can be a serious consideration. They sound similar, but the more you look, the more confusing it gets.
On the surface, the key difference is that a bachelor’s is one open space. Your bed, couch, and kitchen all share the same room. A 1-bedroom, on the other hand, gives you a separate sleeping area behind a door. However, when it comes to renting, there’s more to it than just the layout.
Budget, privacy, comfort, and lifestyle all play a role. The better option, however, depends on what matters most to you.
Bachelor vs 1-Bedroom Apartment: What’s the Difference?
|
FEATURES |
Bachelor |
BEDROOM |
|
Space |
A single room. |
It has separate rooms. |
|
Size |
It is smaller |
It is wider |
|
Cost |
Less expensive |
More expensive |
|
Privacy |
Less privacy |
More privacy |
|
Best for |
People with a minimalist lifestyle |
People who want more space |
|
Functionality |
Multifunctional, as an ample space can function as several rooms |
Each room has its function |
Many people confuse bachelor apartments with studios, especially because both are small, open-concept living spaces. However, a bachelor apartment, which is the focus of this article, is essentially a smaller studio apartment, typically ranging from 200 to 400 square feet.
On the other hand, studio apartments are typically around 500 to 600 square feet. The size may be bigger or smaller, depending on the unit.
What is a Bachelor Apartment?
A bachelor’s apartment refers to a small living space designed for one person. It typically consists of a single room that combines the living area, kitchen, dining area, and bedroom, with a separate bathroom.
They are compact, affordable, and ideal for people who live a minimalist lifestyle, such as those who prefer to own fewer possessions and keep things simple.
What is a 1-Bedroom Apartment?
A one-bedroom apartment is a living space that includes a separate room specifically for sleeping.
Unlike a bachelor apartment, where the kitchen, dining area, living space, and bedroom are all combined into a single open area, a 1-bedroom apartment separates the bedroom from the rest of the apartment. It simply features a private sleeping area that is distinct from the kitchen, living room, and dining space.
One-bedroom apartments are commonly occupied by young couples, professionals, or individuals who prefer more space and greater privacy. Although it’s generally more expensive than a bachelor’s apartment, one significant advantage is that it offers more room and the privacy you need to feel comfortable.
Comparing Bachelor vs 1-Bedroom Apartments
Both options have their strengths, but the right one for you depends on how you plan to live during your stay.
1. Privacy
In a bachelor apartment, because it’s all in one open space, there’s very little privacy, even from yourself. If someone visits, they’re immediately in your living or sleeping area.
With a 1-bedroom, you have a private space to retreat to. You can even have someone over and still keep your bedroom off-limits. It’s also ideal for couples or if you occasionally have someone sleep over. This is because at least there are distinct zones in the house.
2. Cost
Bachelor apartments are generally cheaper, sometimes significantly. It also depends on the city. You’re paying for less square footage and fewer rooms to maintain. They’re ideal for saving on rent and utilities.
1-bedroom apartments cost more, not just in rent but also in electricity (since you’ll likely have more lighting, a bigger space to cool or heat, and more appliances). But the comfort might be worth the extra cost, depending on your lifestyle.
3. Furniture and Setup
Furnishing a bachelor’s apartment is more straightforward and more cost-effective. A sofa bed or futon can serve both as a couch and a bed. You’re buying fewer items and spending less time arranging them.
In a 1-bedroom, you’ll likely need a real bed, a sofa for the living room, a TV stand, maybe a dining table for the kitchen area, all of which add up.
At Corporate Stays, our portfolio of over 4,500 serviced apartments is thoughtfully designed, fully furnished, and equipped with everything you need from the start. We have both bachelor and one-bedroom units available for stays of 30 nights or longer across various cities in Canada and the US.
4. Storage
Because bachelor apartments are typically small, storage space is often limited. You may have to get creative. That’s why many of our bachelor apartments, suitable for both short-term and long-term stays, feature amenities such as under-bed storage, multi-purpose furniture, or wall-mounted shelves.
One-bedroom apartments typically offer more closet space, cabinet space, and sometimes even storage nooks. If you own a lot of belongings or plan to stay long-term, this is a significant advantage.
5. Noise and Concentration
In a bachelor’s apartment, everything happens in the same space. If you’re cooking, watching TV, and trying to work in the same room, it can feel noisy or distracting. If you’re a student or remote worker, this can be a drawback. In contrast, a 1-bedroom lets you isolate noise.
You can work in the living area while someone else naps in the bedroom—or vice versa. This division makes it easier to focus, relax, and maintain mental boundaries between “work” and “rest.”
6. Entertaining Guests
Hosting people in a bachelor’s apartment can feel tight. Since your bed is always visible, and the space is small, you might feel uncomfortable having guests over. Additionally, cooking smells tend to linger more in open spaces.
In a 1-bedroom apartment, you have a proper living area. You can entertain guests without showing them your personal sleeping space, and it feels more like a home rather than a temporary setup.
7. Duration of Stay
A bachelor’s apartment is suitable for those who desire to live in a place for a short period or for individuals who spend less time at home. Additionally, for those who may need to relocate at any time, this is a good choice. For instance, you may decide to move to another province in Canada.
Corporate Stays offers the best rental apartments for both short-term and long-term stays. If you’re a business traveler, we provide executive flats specifically designed for you.
Finally, Which is Better?
If your priority is affordability, ease, and minimalism, a bachelor’s apartment could be perfect. But if you’re looking for more comfort, space, privacy, or plan to stay long-term, a 1-bedroom apartment will serve you better.
Your choice should reflect your daily habits, budget, and how much value you place on comfort versus cost. Consider how you’ll be using the space (sleeping, working, relaxing, cooking, or hosting) and let that guide your design.
