Room, studio or apartment: which suits you?
The differences at a glance
The terms are used interchangeably, but there are clear differences that shape your rent and search strategy.
- •Room: your own bedroom, shared kitchen and/or bathroom (non-self-contained). Usually the cheapest.
- •Studio: one self-contained space with its own kitchen and bathroom. Compact, but entirely yours.
- •Apartment: a self-contained home with separate rooms, its own kitchen and bathroom. Larger and usually more expensive.
Which suits you?
If affordability matters most and shared facilities are fine, a room makes sense. If you want privacy and your own front door, choose a studio or apartment. Keep in mind that this supply is scarcer, so speed and alerts help extra.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a studio and an apartment?
A studio is one self-contained space with its own kitchen and bathroom; an apartment has separate rooms (such as a separate bedroom). Both are self-contained; an apartment is usually larger and more expensive.
Which is the cheapest?
A room is usually the cheapest because you share facilities. Self-contained homes (studio, apartment) cost more but offer more privacy.
Official sources
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Start free with alertsPuck van Dalen is editor-in-chief at KamerSnipe and writes about the Dutch rental market, tenants' rights and searching smartly for a room or apartment.