- An efficiency apartment is a small unit with an open floor plan where everything is contained in one room (living room, kitchen, and bedroom).
- Efficiency apartments can be an attractive alternative to studio apartments for singles in busy cities.
- Living in an efficiency apartment can be challenging, but it’s a great way to save money.
Efficiency is a hot topic today, especially among people who want to save money. When considering efficient living spaces, you may find units called efficiency apartments. Some renters may ask, “What is an efficiency apartment?” This guide to efficiency apartments can help you determine whether one is a good option.
What is an efficiency apartment?
An efficiency apartment is a small, open-concept unit. This apartment features a combined space for sleeping and living with a separate, closed-off bathroom. An efficiency apartment typically has smaller appliances and fixtures than other apartments.
What does an efficiency apartment look like?
Efficiency apartments look similar to hotel rooms, with a large room for sleeping and living and a separate bathroom. They may have half-walls or other visual separators to divide the open-plan space. A kitchenette usually runs along one of the walls of an efficiency apartment. Depending on their size and layout, they may also have closets.
What’s the difference between an efficiency apartment and a studio apartment?
Efficiency and studio apartments are very similar, with shared sleeping and living spaces and compact average dimensions. Both apartment types are common in converted properties, like a single-family house’s garage, basement, or attic. However, the following differences set these apartment types apart:
- Size: While efficiency and studio apartments average 500 to 600 square feet, studios can be much larger than efficiency apartments. Efficiency apartments are always between 300 and 600 square feet, while studios may be as large as 1,000 square feet.
- Appliances: Efficiency apartments often have smaller, safe-saving appliances, like mini-fridges, a small range, and cooktops. Studio apartments have full-size appliances.
- Fixtures: Efficiency apartments often have smaller fixtures, such as small sinks and counters. Studio apartments have more counter space and full-size sinks.
- Atmosphere: Studio apartments often have lofts or high ceilings that make them feel more spacious than they are. Without these features, efficiency apartments usually feel cozier.
- Location: Studio apartments are a staple apartment type across the country. Efficiency apartments are generally only found in huge cities.
- Price: While other factors can play a part, renting an efficiency apartment is usually cheaper than renting a studio apartment.
Pros of an efficiency apartment
Explore some of the pros of living in an efficiency apartment:
- Desirable locations: You can typically find efficiency apartments in bustling downtown areas. Living in an efficiency apartment usually puts you close to restaurants, entertainment, and public transportation. If you work in the downtown area, you may even be able to walk to work.
- Suitable for single living: If you live on your own, you could rent an efficiency apartment that’s big enough for you and your stuff. Renting eliminates the need for roommates since extra space often comes with a higher price tag.
- Cheaper utilities: Since you don’t have a full stove, oven, or large fridge, you won’t spend as much powering them. And with less space to light, heat, or cool, you could save on utility costs.
- Cost-effective for decor and furnishing: With less wall and floor space, you won’t need to pay as much to make the place comfy and look nice. You may even find a prefurnished efficiency apartment, saving you on upfront costs.
- Easy to maintain: Less space usually means less mess. Cleaning may be even more streamlined for you in this type of apartment.
Cons of an efficiency apartment
Consider these cons of living in an efficiency apartment:
- Little to no storage: Like studio apartments, efficiency apartments don’t come with a lot of storage space. And since an efficiency apartment is often smaller than a studio, there’s even less room for your storage, like dressers and wardrobes.
- Limited space for cooking and entertaining: If you like cooking or having friends and family over, then an efficiency apartment might not be for you. There’s not a lot of kitchen space for cooking complex, large meals or room for guests.
- No in-unit laundry: Efficiency apartments usually don’t have a laundry room or laundry appliances. However, the apartment complex or house may have a washer and dryer you could use.
- Challenging to decorate and furnish: While you may not have to spend as much money, finding furniture that fits just right in an efficient apartment can be challenging. Decorating to allow the place to look cozy but not overcrowded can also prove tricky.
Tips for living in an efficiency apartment
An efficiency apartment could be a good fit if you don’t mind a small living space. These tips can help you make the most of your rental experience.
Plan to live on your own. Efficiency apartments can get cramped with more than one person. If living alone doesn’t sound appealing, consider a small pet for extra company, or look into having roommates in a larger apartment.
Invest in quality furniture that can function as one or more pieces. A low-dresser can double as a coffee table, or a kitchen table can double as a work-from-home office. Choosing a daybed could serve as a couch or a second seating area.
Vertical space is your friend. When floor space is limited, the wall height can be an advantage. Floating shelves can be used for additional storage, or tall, skinny bookcases can store books along with personal items. Adding height gives the space more visual interest, and can even make the room feel larger. Be sure to review your lease or ask the property manager before drilling into the walls.
Mirrors can also make your efficiency apartment seem larger. If your efficiency apartment is lacking windows, placing a mirror along the opposite wall will reflect light and give the appearance of more space.
Measure everything before buying. Take measurements before investing in furnishings to ensure all pieces fit comfortably in the unit. You can also use our Apartment Layout tool that lets you plan out your space before moving in. Upload the floorplan and start rearranging furniture to your heart’s content.
FAQ: Efficiency apartments
Efficiency apartments are usually cheaper than comparable studio apartments, since they have limited amenities and often less space. However, other factors can influence the price. For example, an old studio may have lower rent than a more modern efficiency apartment. A studio in a suburban area may also be cheaper than an efficiency apartment downtown.
You’ll find efficiency apartments in the downtown areas and other desirable neighborhoods of highly populated cities like New York City and Los Angeles. They are very uncommon in smaller towns and suburban areas.
These tips can help you find a suitable efficiency apartment in your ideal area:
Have a list of must-haves: Know where you need to live, whether you need furniture, and the amenities you want in your building or area to help you pick contenders.
Know your budget: Determine how much rent you can afford to pay and research what you can afford in terms of space, location, and features. Be sure to factor in the cost of utilities too.
Use filters in your search: Efficiency apartments are often listed as studio apartments because they’re similar. On a rental search site like Zumper, set the filters to only show available studios in your target area, then assess each listing to determine if they’re for efficiency apartments.
Tour the apartment: See the apartment to make sure it’s an efficiency apartment, and try to picture yourself living there.
An efficiency apartment may be the right move for you now or in the future. Understanding what this type of apartment looks like and how to find one can make your apartment search easier.
Related content
