Ever assumed you’ll only be able to afford a studio apartment, even though you long for more space? Here’s some good news. These six stunning units each rent for the price of (or less than) a studio apartment in the same metropolitan area. The apartments in each matchup are roughly equal in terms of monthly rent and location. But one is much bigger. If you’ve ever wondered if it’s possible to find an affordable — and roomy — apartment for rent in Charleston, SC, or Denver, CO, the answer is yes!
Small-town charm in the Midwest: $734, Links at Parkville in Kansas City, MO
You could squeeze into a 489-square-foot studio in the northern suburbs of Kansas City — or for almost the same price, you could rent a two-bedroom apartment in nearby Parkville, MO. The Links at Parkville offer a pet-friendly pad that’s twice as big (1,025 square feet!). It’s also close to charming Historic Downtown Parkville. This bustling business district beside the Missouri River is known for its antiques shops, lively restaurants, and community festivals.
Room to put down roots: $1,285, Montclair Terrace Apartment Homes in Portland, OR
Amenities at Montclair Terrace Apartment Homes include wood-burning fireplaces, contemporary kitchens, and wood-style flooring. Plus, a two-bedroom, 1,000-square-foot rental unit here costs $1,285 per month. That’s $40 less than a similarly equipped 461-square-foot studio in Portland’s Northwest District. You’ll be a bit farther from downtown, but you’ll reap the benefits of Portland’s Raleigh Hills neighborhood. This area is prized for its suburban vibe and easy access to nearby Beaverton, OR’s shops and restaurants.
Home on the waterfront in Tampa Bay: $1,235, Sweetwater Cove in Tampa, FL
For $1,228 per month, you could rent a 575-square-foot studio in South Tampa, FL. Or for less than $10 more, you could land a waterfront rental at Sweetwater Cove, just 5 miles away in Tampa’s Town and Country area. That extra cash will get you an updated three-bedroom apartment with more than twice the space of the studio (1,180 square feet). Plus, it’s right on Tampa Bay, and this apartment community has its own boat ramp and boat storage! Commuters and jet-setters can reach Downtown Tampa and Tampa International Airport in minutes.
Live the high life in the Lowcountry: $1,504, Element Carolina Bay in Charleston, SC
Think you’re sold on a 529-square-foot studio in Charleston’s beautiful historic district? Well, for $1,504 per month ($191 less than the studio!), you can rent a three-bedroom, 1,419-square-foot apartment in West Ashley. This laid-back neighborhood is one of Charleston’s oldest suburbs and boasts its fair share of shops, restaurants, and historic sites. In fact, the first permanent English settlement in the Carolinas was established here in 1670 at the Charles Towne Landing Historic Site.
Curb appeal and community feel: $1,819, WestLink at Oak Station in Denver, CO
For $1,819 per month, WestLink at Oak Station offers three-bedroom, 1,277-square-foot units with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. Even better is the rental community’s location. It’s in picture-perfect Applewood, an in-demand community sandwiched between downtown Denver and the foothills of the Rockies. The streets here are lined with trees. The world-class hiking trails of Golden, CO, are 15 minutes away by car. And all for less than the 614-square-foot, $1,950-per-month studio in nearby Cherry Creek!
More for your money in San Francisco: $3,350, Parkmerced in San Francisco, CA
As expected, an apartment in downtown San Francisco is going to cost you. (A 400-square-foot studio in the Civic Center area is $3,500 per month — ouch!) But if you head 8 miles southwest to the city’s Parkmerced neighborhood, you’ll get a lot more for your money. Parkmerced is a pet-friendly rental community on 150 landscaped acres abutting Lake Merced. You can snag a two-bedroom, 1,083-square-foot high-rise apartment here for $3,350 per month. The nearby Muni M-Line promises an easy commute downtown. But there’s plenty to do closer to home. Hike with your dog at Fort Funston, surf at Ocean Beach, or sample the neighborhood food and drink.
