Finding housing can be tricky, especially for a digital nomad or a remote worker that enjoys traveling while maintaining their work schedule. There is always the possibility of finding a short-term room or staying in a hostel but what if you need more than that? Many digital nomads or location-independent workers who stay at a destination for a longer period of time have additional requirements such as a comfortable workspace, reliable WiFi, more privacy, personal space, and somewhere to cook or prepare meals. If this is your case too, a studio or a one-bedroom apartment might be a great option.

What is a studio apartment?

Studio apartments consist of one room where your bedroom and living room are in the same place. You would also get a kitchen or a kitchenette in the same area. Needless to say, the bathroom is always separate from the living area. According to Yardi Matrix, the size of the studios in the USA are usually between 350 and 425 square feet. Studios’ sizes would depend from country to country—in many places in Europe, studios are often smaller than this.

The size would also affect the layout of the studio. In smaller studios, for example, there is often a convertible sofa bed to save up on space. In bigger ones, you might have a bed as there would be more space to put a designated mattress. 

What is a one-bedroom apartment?

Unlike a studio, in one-bedroom apartments, your bedroom and your living room are separate from each other. There is also either an open kitchen in the living room or a kitchen that is separate from the living area. 

The average one-bedroom apartment in the US is around 714 square feet which is bigger than most studios. 

5 questions to help you choose between a studio vs. a one-bedroom apartment

Both studios and one-bedroom apartments can be a good option for those who want their own space. 

To decide which one is right for you as a digital nomad or a remote worker, here are 5 questions you can ask yourself:

1. What’s your budget?

Accommodation is usually where we spend the most money, especially while traveling. If you’re tight on budget, a studio is a better option. Due to its smaller size, renting a studio apartment is often cheaper than renting a one-bedroom apartment.

While defining your budget, you should also consider the extra charges if they are not included in your rent. There are some apartments where you would need to pay for electricity, gas, and internet separately. Same logic as the rent—a studio is smaller so bills are likely to be cheaper as well.

2. How much space do you need?

As a rule of thumb, one-bedroom apartments are more spacious than studios. If you are often on the road and you travel light, a studio might have enough space for you. If you are planning to stay at your destination for a while, a one-bedroom apartment might be the better choice. This way, you would have enough space to put all your belongings.

If you are renting a place with your significant other, you might want to prioritize one-bedroom apartments over studios. A studio might feel too small for two people. Although one-bedroom apartments are more expensive, the price would be less of a problem for a couple as they can split rent.

3. Do you invite many people over or have a lot of visitors?

If you often have friends and family visiting or you are a social butterfly who likes to have dinner parties, you might enjoy a spacious one-bedroom flat. Hosting people is possible in a studio too but it will definitely be harder. As there is limited space, some studios don’t have big tables, enough chairs, or enough space to put an airbed.

4. How long are you planning to stay there?

How long are you planning to call this place home? This can change your priorities. Maybe you wouldn’t mind staying at a smaller place if it’s only for one month. If you’re planning to stay for a longer period of time, renting somewhere bigger might be worth it.

5. Can it be your next home office?

Having a comfortable home office makes working at home much easier. It can help you be more productive and stay focused no matter where you are. A fast, reliable WiFi connection and a comfortable workspace are essential to remote working. So is having the right equipment—a proper ergonomic office chair and desk can be a game changer! 

While choosing an apartment, make sure that it is suitable for working from home. Ideally, your new home would have space for a desk where you can set up your intentional workspace. Setting up a home office would be easier in a one-bedroom apartment as there is more space. In studios where there is a good layout, it is also possible.

So you’ve decided between a studio vs a one-bedroom apartment… 

Now comes the exciting part—finding the apartment! Make sure to research your destination, check listings, and read reviews if applicable. If you’re staying there for a couple of months, it is probably best to find a furnished apartment, ideally with utilities included.

Anyplace has a variety of studios and one-bedroom apartments you can choose from, tailor-made for remote workers. Every apartment is fully furnished, equipped with high-speed WiFi, and has everything you need to work remotely, including a comfortable height-adjustable desk, ergonomic chair, wireless mouse and keyboard, and other equipment for video conferencing and meetings. You’ll find luxury amenities, too, such as coworking lounges, fitness centers, swimming pools, rooftop terraces, and community areas.

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Where to next? Find monthly rentals designed for remote workers on Anyplace.