What Is a One-Bedroom Apartment?

When you look for a place to live in Canada, especially in Montreal, you might have seen listings for one-bedroom apartments and wondered what that meant.

At first, it sounds obvious. One bedroom, one apartment — simple enough, right? But if you’ve spent more than a few minutes scrolling through rental listings, you’ll know that “one bedroom” can mean a dozen different things depending on the building, the layout, and even the local rental culture.

If you're new to the city, whether you're a student, a professional, or a couple moving in together, knowing what a one-bedroom apartment really includes can save you time, stress, and maybe even some awkward surprises after you've signed the lease.

So, What Is a One-Bedroom Apartment?

Let’s start with the basics.
A one bedroom apartment is a self-contained living unit that has — quite literally — one separate bedroom, apart from the living area, kitchen, and bathroom.

This isn’t like a studio apartment, where everything sits in one large room — your bedroom, kitchen, and living space all blended together. Instead, a one-bedroom has actual walls and a door separating your sleeping area from the rest of the apartment.

That small difference gives you something valuable: privacy. It’s the ability to shut the door, unwind, and create personal space that feels like a real home.

In Quebec, you’ll often see these listed as “3½ apartments” — the “½” meaning the bathroom. So, you get three main rooms (bedroom, kitchen, living room) plus that half-room for the bathroom.

Why People Love the Layout

One-bedroom units are kind of the “sweet spot” in city living.
They’re not as compact as studios but still manageable and affordable compared to two- or three-bedroom units.

A single bedroom apartment gives you enough space for comfort, but not so much that it becomes a cleaning nightmare. Most range between 500 and 750 square feet, depending on the building. That’s just enough for your essentials — a bed, a sofa, maybe a desk — and still some storage space to keep life organized.

And if you’re in Montreal, you’ll notice that many 1 bedroom apartments are in walkable neighborhoods — close to cafés, grocery stores, and public transport. For a lot of renters, that mix of location and convenience is unbeatable.

The Difference Between a One-Bedroom and a Studio

Here’s where it gets confusing for first-time renters.

A studio is essentially one big open area with a bathroom attached. You sleep, eat, and work all in the same space. It’s practical if you’re a minimalist or if you spend little time at home.

A 1 bedroom apartment, though, changes how you live day to day. Having separate rooms makes it easier to create structure — you can cook in one space, relax in another, and sleep in peace.

Let’s be honest — if you’ve ever tried to host guests in a studio, you know it can get awkward. In a one bed room apartment, you can keep your bedroom private while the living room stays ready for company. It’s a small luxury that makes a big difference.

Why Choose a One-Bedroom Apartment in Montreal

1. Comfort Meets Simplicity

Montreal apartments come in all shapes and styles — modern glass condos downtown, brick triplexes in the Plateau, and quiet buildings in Verdun. The beauty of one bedroom apartments is that they work anywhere. You can have a cozy nest for one or a compact, affordable home for two.

For singles, it’s a perfect mix of freedom and comfort. For couples, it’s a manageable step before buying or upgrading later.

2. Privacy Without Excess

Having that separate bedroom means you can keep your living and sleeping zones apart. You can work from home in the living area, then close the door and rest without seeing your laptop or laundry pile.

And if you live with someone — a partner, or even a quiet roommate — that physical separation keeps harmony at home.

3. Cost-Effective and Practical

Let’s talk about price. Rent for a 1 bedroom apartment in Montreal typically ranges between $1,700 and $2,200, depending on the location and amenities. Sure, you can find smaller or cheaper units, but one-bedrooms usually hit that perfect balance between budget and lifestyle.

Utilities are lower than in larger apartments, and there’s less space to furnish — meaning less money spent overall.

If you want an even easier setup, you can rent a furnished one bedroom apartment. At Montreal Aparthotel, for instance, all units come fully equipped — furniture, kitchen, Wi-Fi, and everything you need to move in right away. It’s a practical choice for students, professionals, or newcomers who don’t want the hassle of buying and moving furniture.

Easy to Maintain

Cleaning a 1 bedroom appartment doesn’t take much time — and that’s part of the appeal. You can tidy the entire place in under an hour. That’s more time for what really matters — whether it’s exploring the city, working, or just relaxing.

Smaller living spaces also encourage simplicity. You’ll find yourself keeping only what you truly use. And if you ever move again, you’ll appreciate not having to pack a mountain of stuff.

Designed for Modern City Life

Montreal is a city that moves. Festivals, restaurants, students, and professionals — everyone’s on the go. A one bedroom apartment fits that rhythm perfectly.

You can live close to where you study or work, skip long commutes, and still have enough space to breathe. And for remote workers, a single-bedroom unit with good light and a little desk area makes the work-from-home setup feel natural.

Couples love the balance, too. You have space for two people to live comfortably without paying for an extra unused room.

Neighborhoods Worth Exploring

If you’re planning to rent single bedroom apartments in Montreal, here are a few neighborhoods that renters often consider:

• Downtown (Ville-Marie): Great for students and professionals. Close to universities, offices, and nightlife.

• Plateau-Mont-Royal: Trendy, full of art, coffee shops, and vintage stores.

• Verdun: Affordable, quiet, and next to the river — perfect for walks or bike rides.

• Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie: Family-friendly, full of parks and bakeries.

• Griffintown: Modern buildings, perfect if you prefer newer units with elevators and gyms.

Each area has its own vibe, so the best approach is to explore and see what fits your lifestyle best.

Furnished or Unfurnished: Which to Choose?

Here’s a quick comparison:

If you’re new to the city or planning a shorter stay, a furnished one-bedroom apartment for rent is the easiest path. You can focus on living your life instead of managing moving trucks and furniture deliveries.

That’s why many newcomers start at Montreal Aparthotel — flexible lease terms, fully equipped units, and a location close to schools, restaurants, and transit.

Final Thoughts

So, what is a one-bedroom apartment, exactly?
It's the best of both worlds: not too small like a studio apartment and not too expensive like a multi-room apartment. It gives you privacy, enough space, and a place that feels like home.

A one-bedroom apartment is perfect for singles, couples, and anyone who wants to make their life easier. It's just the right size for most people.

That balance is very important in a city like Montreal, where life moves quickly and home should be easy. A one-bedroom unit is a smart, modern choice that fits right into your life, whether you're here for a semester or planning to stay for good.

And if you want something move-in ready, Montreal Aparthotel has furnished one-bedroom apartments for rent waiting — designed to make you feel at home from the moment you arrive.