What is a Bachelor Apartment? + Pros & Cons

In the market for a new apartment? If you’re looking for smaller units nestled comfortably in your city’s downtown area, you’ve likely come across units labeled as bachelor apartments.

Bachelor apartments are small but mighty. These units are good matches for renters who aren’t as picky when it comes to their new homes.

That said, determining whether a bachelor apartment is right for you starts with knowing what to expect.

We’ve got you covered! Here’s everything you need to know about bachelor apartments. Let’s dive in!

What is a Bachelor Apartment?

A bachelor apartment is an apartment that includes a living room, dining area, bedroom, and kitchenette in a single open-format room; bathrooms are separate rooms in a bachelor apartment.

Bachelor apartments are among the smallest apartment options in the US, often smaller than studios and one-bedroom apartments.

As a result, bachelor apartments are best used as single-occupancy apartments. Another person, and even, a small pet may make the unit feel very cramped and uncomfortable.

Bachelor apartments are typically on the lower end of the price spectrum, on the cheaper end of studio price range. However, pricing for all apartments is relative to the location’s average cost of living and rental market.

For example, bachelor apartments are much more expensive in San Francisco than in Philadelphia. If you want a look at the numbers, the average rent price for a studio apartment in San Francisco is $2,427, while the average rent price for the same in Philadelphia is $1,431 monthly.

Differences Between Studio and Bachelor Apartments

In the US, bachelor apartments are frequently lumped in with studio apartments.

However, while studio and bachelor apartments share many core features, size is a major difference. A bachelor apartment is essentially a smaller studio apartment sitting within the 200 to 400 square feet.

On the other hand, studio apartments are typically around 500 to 600 square feet. In short, all bachelor apartments are studios, but not all studios are bachelor apartments!

Additionally, studio apartments typically have walk-in closets, offering additional storage space that bachelor apartments lack. That said, unless you and your partner are extreme minimalists, you’ll find it hard to fit two individuals in a bachelor apartment.

Another key difference between studios and bachelor apartments is the kitchen. Like efficiency apartments, many bachelor apartment kitchens are actually kitchenettes.

A kitchenette is smaller and has appliances that are smaller than what you would find in a standard kitchen.

That said, it’s important to understand the differences between similar apartment types during your apartment hunt.

That way, you can make an informed decision on the matter and narrow down your list of viable apartment options early on.

If you’re confused about any other rental terms, check out our rental glossary for a little clarity on even the most confusing rental terms.

Pros and Cons of Bachelor Apartments

There are many benefits of living in a bachelor apartment, as well as some significant downsides. The real choice comes down to what you’re willing to live with.

If you’re still on the fence about whether a bachelor apartment is the right option for you, it’s crucial to consider your lifestyle and preferences.

We’ll take some of the work out of it for you by simplifying the pros and cons to renting a bachelor apartment.

Pros of Bachelor Apartments

While saving money is one of the best advantages of renting a bachelor apartment, there are many more. Here’s a breakdown of the benefits of renting a bachelor apartment.

• Cost-Effectiveness: Bachelor apartments are typically much cheaper than other apartments. They will usually be cheaper than normal-sized studio apartments, as well. They are great options for renters on a strict apartment budget.
• Less Competition: In the age of consumption, people have more things than ever before. So, a bachelor apartment may not feasible. If you’re a person who owns fewer things, you can maximize the space in a bachelor apartment in a way that other renters can’t. In short, you don’t have to worry about too much competition during the apartment application process.
• Location: Bachelor apartments are most commonly found in the heart of cities. If you’re looking for an affordable place to call home that allows you to remain in the thick of things, bachelor apartments are the way to go.

Cons of Bachelor Apartments

Here’s a look at the downsides of renting a bachelor apartment.

• Size: There’s no way to get past the fact that bachelor apartments are small. The lack of space means that storing things becomes a complex task. It might even be impossible. Additionally, you can forget about having anything larger than a queen-sized bed, and even that’s pushing it.
• Occupancy Limits: Pets and partners can make bachelor apartments feel even smaller than they actually are. Beyond that, some bachelor apartments have occupancy limits. If you’re looking to live with one or more people in a bachelor apartment, check both your lease agreement and local laws for occupancy limits.

Where Do You Find Bachelor Apartments?

Bachelor apartments are generally found in metropolitan areas. More specifically, these units are found in the downtown area where residential units are more densely packed.

In some cases, bachelor apartments are located within older commercial buildings that have been converted into residential buildings. The downside of these units is that they often rely on shared bathrooms, as the original units didn’t have the infrastructure needed to support individual bathrooms per unit.

That said, if you’re on the lookout for apartment amenities, look for bachelor apartments in modern apartment buildings.

In these buildings, you’ll find things like on-site fitness centers, laundry, common spaces, and more. While you’ll lack space in your apartment, those additional amenities can more than make up for it.

Final Thoughts

Bachelor apartments have a lot to offer renters who don’t mind occupying smaller spaces. However, whether a bachelor apartment is right for you depends on your lifestyle and personal preferences.

Once you’ve got a good idea of what kind of apartment you’re looking for, take our quiz to help you find your dream apartment!