An apartment is a residential unit that is part of a building, and it is the most common type of residential unit rented by most people today. Knowing the average size of an apartment is important, especially if you’re looking for a place to rent.
The reason is the average size can affect the cost of the rent of the apartment. As you know, apartment sizes will vary depending on your region or city. So, what is the average apartment size in your area? To give you a better view, here are some data about the average size of apartments per region and city.
Apartment Size by Region
As mentioned, apartment sizes will differ, depending on your region. According to the 2018 survey done by RENTCafe, the largest apartments are in the Southeastern region of the United States. The typical floor plan of the apartments in this region has an area of about 1,007 square feet (sq. ft.)
As for small-sized apartments, these rental units are found in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. The average size of the apartments in this region is 805 square feet.
Below is the list of the average size of apartments per region.
- Southeast – 1,007 sq ft
- Midwest – 947 sq ft
- Northeast – 945 sq ft
- Western – 938 sq ft
- South – 931 sq ft
- Southwest – 930 sq ft.
- Mid-Atlantic – 886 sq ft
- California – 858 sq. ft.
- Pacific Northwest – 805 sq. ft.
Apartment Size by City
Cities with Largest Apartments
Given that the region with the largest average apartment size in the Southeast region, it is not surprising that Tallahassee earns the first spot in this list of cities with the largest apartments, with an average of 1,038 sq. ft.
Aside from that, the analysis also presented that large apartments are common in low-cost cities or suburban areas compared to high-cost cities. For example, four cities in the state of Georgia have reached the top ten of this list. To be specific, Marietta is the second city on the list, with an average apartment size of 1,025 sq. ft. Decatur, on the other hand, comes in fourth due to its 1,000 sq. ft. average. The sixth place is Norcross, with an average of 991 sq. ft. Finally, the eighth on this list is Atlanta, with an average of 987 sq. ft.
Below is the list of the top 20 cities with the largest apartment size
- Tallahassee, FL – 1,038 sq. ft.
- Marietta, GA – 1,025 sq. ft.
- Columbia, SC – 1,006 sq. ft.
- Decatur, GA – 1,000 sq. ft.
- Birmingham, AL – 992 sq. ft.
- Norcross, GA – 991 sq. ft.
- Gainesville, FL – 990 sq. ft.
- Atlanta, GA – 987 sq. ft.
- Virginia Beach, VA – 973 sq. ft.
- Henderson, NV – 970 sq. ft.
- Raleigh, NC – 962 sq. ft.
- Jacksonville, FL – 959 sq. ft.
- Knoxville, TN – 956 sq. ft.
- Baton Rouge, LA – 949 sq. ft.
- Orlando, FL – 949 sq. ft.
- Charlotte, NC – 948 sq. ft.
- Scottsdale, AZ – 946 sq. ft.
- Greenville, SC – 946 sq. ft.
- Huntsville, AL – 946 sq. ft.
- College Station, TX – 945 sq. ft.
Cities with Smallest Apartments
As mentioned, small apartments are common in high-cost cities; thus, it is not surprising that Seattle is the first on this list, with an average apartment size of 711 sq. ft. The second and third place is a tie between Manhattan and Chicago, with an average of 733 sq. ft. Following the two cities are Washington (736 sq. ft.) and San Francisco (737 sq. ft.). Other cities in the top 10 are Tucson (738 sq. ft.), Los Angeles (771 sq. ft.), Glendale (781 sq. ft.), Phoenix (783 sq. ft.), and Minneapolis (785 sq. ft.).
Below is the list of the top 20 cities with the smallest apartment size.
- Seattle, WA – 711 sq. ft.
- Manhattan, NY – 733 sq. ft.
- Chicago, IL – 733 sq. ft.
- Washington, DC – 736 sq. ft.
- San Francisco, CA – 737 sq. ft.
- Tucson, AZ – 738 sq. ft.
- Los Angeles, CA – 771 sq. ft.
- Glendale, AZ – 781 sq. ft.
- Phoenix, AZ – 783 sq. ft.
- Minneapolis, MN – 785 sq. ft.
- Wichita, KS – 787 sq. ft.
- Detroit, MI – 791 sq. ft.
- Cleveland, OH – 796 sq. ft.
- Mesa, AZ – 801 sq. ft.
- Philadelphia, PA – 801 sq. ft.
- Portland, OR – 802 sq. ft.
- Albuquerque, NM – 804 sq. ft.
- Pittsburg, PA – 811 sq. ft.
- Toledo, OH – 811 sq. ft.
- El Paso, TX – 812 sq. ft.
Average Size Based on the Type of Apartment
Studio Apartment
A studio apartment has a compact design, and it houses everything in a single room except for the bathroom. As such, in this type of apartment, your bedroom and living room are one because there are no walls to break up space. Additionally, a studio apartment will also have a kitchen and a separate bathroom.
Because a studio apartment has a compact design, you need to be creative in your furniture placement and design strategies. By placing your furniture in the right places, you can establish which part of the unit is for eating, sleeping, and entertainment.
Typically, a studio apartment will have a maximum size of 600 sq. ft, and it gets to as small as 300 sq. ft. Because a studio apartment is quite small, it is best for single individuals. Couples may opt for this type of rental unit; however, space may not be enough for two people, especially if you have a lot of things.
1-Bedroom Apartment
Compared to a studio apartment, a 1-bedroom apartment has walls that separate the bedroom from the living room, kitchen, and bathroom. As such, you can easily identify the area for sleeping, eating, and entertaining guests.
Typically, a 1-bedroom apartment will have a size ranging from 550 to 1,000 sq. ft. For single individuals, you can opt for a 1-bedroom apartment with a size of about 550 to 750 sq. ft. Couples, on the other hand, should choose a larger unit, with a size of 750 to 1,000 sq. ft.
2-Bedroom Apartment
A 2-bedroom apartment has an average size of 1,000 to 1,200 sq. ft. As its name implies, this rental unit has two bedrooms. As such, it is a great apartment for roommates and couples with children. Some single individuals and couples without kids also opt for this type of apartment because they can turn the other bedroom into an office space or guest room.
3-Bedroom Apartment
A 3-bedroom apartment has an average size of 1,200 sq. ft. and above. This type of apartment is best for roommates and a family of four.
Typically, a 3-bedroom apartment will have two or three bathrooms. Aside from that, its kitchen and dining area is also more spacious compared to the other types of apartments.
Other Factors to Consider When Choosing an Apartment
The apartment size is an important factor to consider because it will help you determine if space is enough for you, your family, and your belongings. Still, there are other factors you need to consider, which include the following:
Price
Aside from the apartment size, you also need to consider your budget. Of course, the cost of apartment rent will also vary depending on your city. As such, you can do online research of the estimated cost. That way, when you go apartment hunting, you’ll have an idea of the price. If your budget is not enough, you can also find roommates who can help cover the cost.
Quality of the Apartment
Keep in mind that the actual appearance of the apartment will be different from the photos. For this reason, it is best to personally inspect the apartment before renting it. Aside from that, you should also look for health and safety issues, such as rodents, bug problems, dirty air filters, leaky faucets, and electrical problems. As much as possible, you have to make sure that the apartment is in good condition before renting it.
Location
Another important factor to consider when looking for an apartment is its location or neighborhood. As much as possible, you need to check the community or neighborhood rules before signing the lease. Aside from that, you should also know the traffic and parking regulations in the neighborhood. Plus, you should also determine if the community is safe by checking the area’s safety record.
Apartment Style
As you know, an apartment is a residential unit in a building, which can vary from a penthouse, condominium, or townhouse. From there, you need to consider the apartment style because they may offer different amenities. Plus, some apartments are ideal for families, while others are best for couples or single individuals. Also, some apartment styles will have different layouts. For example, some may have balconies and open kitchens while others don’t. Thus, you need to consider your lifestyle and opt for an apartment that can provide your desired amenities.
