Standard Apartment Square Footage Measurements

Finding an apartment that perfectly suits your needs can be a tricky balancing act. You want enough space to live comfortably without paying for more than you require. Understanding average apartment sizes can help set realistic expectations when searching for a new rental. From studio apartments to three-bedrooms, here is what you can expect for standard apartment square footage.

Over the past two decades, the average size of newly constructed apartments in the U.S. has decreased. In 2000, the average was 1,031 square feet. By 2018, that number dropped to 882 square feet. This downward trend in square footage is especially pronounced for studio apartments. The average studio shrank from 573 square feet in 2008 to 514 square feet in 2018.

Average Square Footage by Apartment Type

Studio Apartments

Studio apartments typically range from 400 to 600 square feet. The average for a studio apartment is around 500 square feet, providing enough room for a sleeping area, small kitchen, bathroom, and living space. Studios appeal to single occupants looking for affordable housing with a smaller footprint.

While studios measure the smallest of standard apartments, they frequently come with a higher cost per square foot. Renters can expect to pay on average $3.19 per square foot for a studio apartment compared to $2.26 for a one-bedroom unit.

One-Bedroom Apartments

One-bedroom apartments usually span 550 to 800 square feet with an average size of 650 square feet. This provides space for a bedroom, living room, kitchen, and one or two bathrooms. One-bedrooms meet the needs of single people and couples without children.

The extra bedroom does add more rentable square footage. But the average price per square foot for a one-bedroom, $2.26, remains higher than two-bedroom units. One-bedroom units allow renters to avoid paying for unused space while still offering ample room.

Two-Bedroom Apartments

Two-bedroom apartments range from 700 to 1,200 square feet, averaging around 900 square feet. These units accommodate couples, roommates, and small families. The floorplan typically includes a master bedroom, smaller second bedroom, one or two bathrooms, living room, dining area, and full kitchen.

Two-bedroom units provide the best value based on the cost per square foot. Renters pay an average of $1.73 per square foot for two-bedroom apartments. The additional bedroom splits the cost over more feet.

Three-Bedroom Apartments

Families and larger groups opt for three-bedroom apartments spanning 1,000 to 1,600 square feet. The average size falls around 1,200 square feet. These spacious units feature three bedrooms, multiple bathrooms, an open kitchen and living room, and abundant storage.

Three-bedroom apartments come with a higher total rent. But the per square foot cost ranges from $1.50 to $1.90 with an average of $1.73. The extra bedrooms allow the cost to stay relatively low per square foot.

Average Square Footage by Number of Rooms

In addition to looking at total apartment sizes, it helps to understand the average area for individual rooms. While layouts vary, these averages provide an estimate of typical room dimensions.

Living Room

Living rooms in one to two bedroom apartments span an average of 145 to 320 square feet. Units with smaller living areas compensate with larger bedrooms and vice versa. New studio apartments have an open concept with living space averaging 270 square feet.

Kitchen

Modern apartments emphasize open kitchen layouts flowing into the living room. The average kitchen size is around 100 square feet. Studio kitchens fall on the smaller side around 70 square feet. Larger units may have room for a kitchen table or eating bar.

Bedrooms

Master bedrooms in one to two bedroom apartments range from 115 to 240 square feet on average. The second bedroom in a two-bedroom apartment averages around 100 square feet. Studio bedrooms double as living space, coming in around 200 square feet.

Bathrooms

A single bathroom measures approximately 40 to 60 square feet. Units with two bathrooms split this square footage between a master bathroom and second bath. Newer open concept bathrooms span up to 100 square feet.

Average Square Footage by Apartment Layout

Apartment layout also influences average size. Open concept designs provide more spacious living within a smaller footprint. Traditional layouts delineate rooms but offer less flexibility.

Open Concept

Open concept apartments remove walls between the kitchen, living room, and sometimes master bedroom. This makes rooms feel more expansive. Smaller open concept units can feel more livable than traditional layouts. Open layouts work well in both urban studios and larger apartments.

Separate Rooms

Traditional apartments completely separate each room. This closed off layout results in smaller room sizes to fit within the total square footage. However, defined rooms offer more privacy. Families and roommates often prefer the separation of a traditional layout.

Average Square Footage by Location

Average apartment size also fluctuates based on location. Rural and suburban areas tend to have more generous proportions than urban city spaces.

Urban Apartments

Studios and one-bedrooms comprise many urban apartment buildings. Limited space in cities results in average sizes from 400 to 750 square feet. Builders cater to single occupants and couples with open layouts in these compact units.

Suburban Apartments

Suburbs offer more land enabling larger apartment complexes. Two and three-bedroom units are common with square footage ranging 700 to 1,200 square feet on average. These sizable suburban apartments appeal to roommates and families.

Rural Apartments

Apartment living is less prevalent in rural areas. But apartment complexes found here provide the most square footage, averaging 900 to 1,400 square feet. Two and three-bedroom units are standard to accommodate families.

Factors That Determine Average Square Footage

Several factors shape the typical size of apartments across different markets.

Building Age and Style

Older buildings tend to have spacious, distinct rooms. New construction favors open layouts with smaller individual rooms that maximize perceived space. Contemporary building styles and finishes lend themselves to open floorplans.

Apartment Amenities

Unit amenities like laundry rooms, balconies, walk-in closets, and two bathrooms require allocation of apartment square footage. Minimizing amenities allows for larger living areas.

Rental Costs Per Square Foot

Developers weigh the balance between unit sizes and the profitable price per square foot. Limiting square footage while charging higher rent per foot maximizes returns.

How to Determine Ideal Square Footage for Your Needs

When touring apartments, you can use the average sizes as a baseline. But your individual needs should drive your perfect square footage.

Consider Number of Occupants

Factor in the number of people living in your apartment. Allow at least 400 square feet per person to allocate sufficient common and private space.

Factor in Furniture and Storage Needs

Consider what furniture you need to fit in each room and accommodate hobbies, entertain, and interests. Also plan for adequate built-in or standalone storage and closet space.

Keep rental costs and value in mind when deciding between apartment sizes. Opt for more square footage if it meets your space needs and fits your budget.

Determining standard apartment sizes by type, layout, and location sets expectations for your apartment search. But also look at how you plan to live in the space. With some foresight, you can find an apartment with the perfect amount of square footage for your lifestyle.