What Is a Bachelor Apartment? Rental Definition and Examples

A bachelor apartment, also called a bachelor suite or bachelor flat, is one of the most straightforward and affordable housing options you can find in any major city. It's a small, one-room living space with an open area for your bed, kitchen, and living room. The bathroom is the sole room that is separate. The layout of this type of apartment is meant to be efficient. A bachelor apartment can be perfect for you if you value having a simple, cheap place to live in a convenient location over having a lot of rooms.

Bachelor apartments have been around for more than a hundred years, and people still like them. They are still popular with students, young professionals, and anyone who wants to live in a cheap place that is nevertheless easy to get to the city. But what is bachelor apartment, and what does this kind of unit actually mean? Let’s break it down.

Bachelor Apartment Meaning and Definition

The bachelor apartment's meaning is easy to define: it’s essentially one open room plus a bathroom. This space includes your sleeping area, a small kitchen or kitchenette, and your living area altogether. There are no separate rooms with walls or doors dividing these sections, which makes the apartment feel like a flexible, single living zone.

If you’re wondering how to define a bachelor apartment compared to other unit types, think of it this way:

Bachelor apartment definition: A self-contained, single-room unit with a bathroom.
Bachelor suite meaning: Same as above, sometimes used to describe slightly more upscale versions.
Bachelor flat: More commonly used in Europe, but refers to the same thing.

This compact style of housing is designed for a minimalist lifestyle, to keep costs low while still offering everything you need for daily living.

studio apartment typically consists, living space, studio apartment

Bachelor Apartment vs. Studio vs. One-Bedroom

What is the Difference Between a Bachelor's and a Studio?

This is one of the most common questions. A bachelor apartment and a studio apartment are similar, but not quite identical. Both combine your living, dining, and sleeping spaces into one open room. However, a studio is usually a little larger and may have more obvious divisions — for example, a sleeping nook or space clearly intended for dining.

In a bachelor apartment, everything is more blended together. Your bed might be just a few feet away from your kitchenette. The design encourages you to maximize space with smart furniture, room dividers, or multi-purpose items.

Bachelor Apartment vs. One-Bedroom

A one-bedroom apartment, on the other hand, separates the bedroom with walls and doors. That gives you more privacy, more space, and usually a larger kitchen and living area. Naturally, it also comes at a higher price point.

The main differences between a bachelor flat and a one-bedroom are how much they cost and how you live. A bachelor is good for someone who doesn't mind having everything in one room and wants to save money on rent. A one-bedroom is better for someone who needs more solitude, space to entertain, or room for two people to live more comfortably.

Why Choose a Bachelor Apartment?

Bachelor apartments aren’t just about saving money — they represent a lifestyle choice.

Pros of a Bachelor Apartment

Affordability: Usually cheaper than one-bedroom units, especially in central neighborhoods.
Location: Many bachelors are in prime areas close to transit, universities, or downtown.
Low maintenance: Less space means less cleaning and fewer things to clutter your life.
Flexibility: Open layouts allow creative decorating, with room dividers, shelving, or multi-use furniture.

Cons of a Bachelor Apartment

Space limitations: Small kitchens, limited storage, and tighter floor plans.
Privacy: If two people live together, the lack of separation can feel cramped.
Noise and cooking smells: With no separate kitchen, food prep and living areas blend.
Not ideal for long-term family living: Designed more for singles or couples, not families.

Bachelor Apartments for Rent in Montreal — Real Examples

There is a lot of demand for small rentals in Montreal, especially near metro stations and colleges. At Montreal Aparthotel, we make bachelor apartments easy to get to by offering furnished rentals for short and long stays with clear monthly prices. Here are some things you might find:

Private room near Berri UQAM metro station

15 m², fits two people, priced at C$850/month. Ideal for students or budget-conscious renters who want to stay in the heart of the city.

Furnished bachelor at Angrignon metro station

The larger, fully equipped 39 m² option costs C$1,350 a month. Professionals who need greater comfort without having to pay downtown prices will find this ideal.

Affordable furnished studio near the metro

Compact 20 m² unit at C$990/month. A great choice for singles or students who prefer a balance between affordability and comfort.

One-bedroom furnished apartment at Longueuil metro station

Although not technically a bachelor, this 45 m² unit at C$1,325/month shows the price difference between a bachelor and a larger one-bedroom.

These postings demonstrate the variety, ranging from small, inexpensive rooms to somewhat larger bachelor's with contemporary conveniences. Easy access to downtown Montreal is ensured by the proximity of metro stations.

separate bedroom, bedroom apartment

Who Should Rent a Bachelor Apartment?

Bachelor apartments aren't for everyone, but for some groups, like me, they're ideal.

Students: Affordable, close to campus or transit, and easy to maintain.
Young professionals: Great for those who spend more time out than at home and value location.
Minimalists: Ideal if you prefer less clutter and a simpler lifestyle.
Newcomers to Montreal: A bachelor makes an excellent starting point when you first arrive in the city.

It can also work for couples who don’t mind the lack of privacy, though most find that upgrading to a one-bedroom eventually makes sense.

Final Thoughts

A bachelor apartment, then, is what? It is, in essence, a small, one-room apartment built for economical, effective living. The idea is the same whether you refer to it as a bachelor suite, bachelor apartment, or simply a minimalist rental: you receive all the necessities in one large area, with a bathroom hidden away separately.

Bachelor apartments are very popular in Montreal since they provide an affordable option for living near the excitement. By offering furnished apartments with upfront monthly rent that includes no surprises or hidden extras, Montreal Aparthotel makes the experience even simpler.

When looking at bachelor apartments for rent in Montreal, think about how important budget, convenience, and location are to you. If so, you might find that a bachelor apartment suits your way of life.

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