Renting an apartment usually costs less, includes more of the maintenance and comes with amenities, but you get less space and privacy. Renting a house gives you more room, a yard and fewer shared walls, but rent, utilities and upkeep are usually higher. The right choice depends on your budget, household and lifestyle.
Here is how an apartment and a house compare on cost, space, maintenance and everyday life, plus the hidden costs of renting a house that are easy to miss.
Apartment vs House at a Glance
| Apartment | House | |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | Usually lower for the same number of bedrooms | Usually higher |
| Utilities | Smaller space to heat and cool; water or trash sometimes included | Higher; you often pay every utility yourself |
| Space | Less living space and storage | More rooms, storage, often a garage or basement |
| Outdoor space | Balcony or shared grounds, if any | Private yard |
| Maintenance | On-site maintenance team in many buildings | Landlord handles repairs, but you may do the yard and snow |
| Amenities | Gym, pool, package room, laundry room | Whatever the house has |
| Noise and privacy | Shared walls, floors and hallways | No shared walls |
| Parking | Assigned spot, garage fee or street parking | Driveway or garage |
| Pets | Often size or breed limits, pet rent | More flexible, depending on the landlord |
| Location | More often near city centers and transit | More often in suburbs and residential streets |
Renting an Apartment: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Lower total cost. Rent is usually lower, and a smaller space costs less to heat, cool and furnish.
- Less upkeep. No lawn, no gutters, no snow shoveling. In many buildings a maintenance request is handled by someone on site.
- Amenities. A gym, pool or package room can replace a membership or a trip to the post office.
- Location. Apartments are more common near city centers, jobs and public transit.
- Security. Controlled entry, neighbors close by and staff on site.
Cons
- Noise. Footsteps above you, music next door and hallway traffic.
- Less space. Storage in particular is often tight.
- More rules. Quiet hours, pet limits, parking permits and restrictions on grills or decorating.
- Extra fees. Amenity fees, parking fees and pet rent can add up.
Renting a House: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Space. More bedrooms, more storage and often a garage, basement or attic.
- A yard. Room for kids, pets, gardening or a grill.
- Privacy and quiet. No one living above or below you.
- Room to share. A house split between roommates can cost each person less than a one-bedroom apartment. Our rent split calculator shows each person's share by room size.
- Often more flexibility on pets, especially with an individual landlord.
Cons
- Higher rent and utilities. You heat and cool more space, and water, trash and sewer are often in your name.
- Yard work and snow. Many house leases make the tenant responsible for them. Read the lease.
- Slower repairs. An individual landlord may not have a maintenance team, so ask how repairs are handled.
- Longer commutes if the house is further from where you work.
Apartment vs House Costs: What Renting a House Really Costs
When you compare an apartment and a house, compare the full monthly cost, not just the rent. For a house, add:
- Utilities the landlord does not cover: often water, sewer and trash on top of electricity and gas
- Lawn care, or the tools and time to do it yourself
- Snow removal, in colder states
- Furniture to fill the extra rooms
- Renters insurance with enough coverage for more belongings
- A longer or costlier commute
Ask for last year's utility costs. The landlord or the current tenant can often tell you roughly what the bills were. Add them to the rent before you decide, then check the total against how much rent you can afford.
Apartment vs House: Which Is Right for You?
An apartment is usually the better choice if you:
- Live alone or as a couple
- Want the lowest monthly cost
- Want to live near the city center or transit
- Do not want yard work or maintenance
- Are moving out for the first time or may move again within a year
A house is usually the better choice if you:
- Have children, a large dog or several pets
- Need a home office or extra storage
- Are sharing with several roommates
- Value quiet and privacy over amenities
- Plan to stay two years or more
What About a Townhouse or Condo?
A townhouse sits in between: more space than an apartment and often a small yard, but shared walls with the neighbors. A rented condo is an apartment owned by an individual, so you get building amenities with a private landlord. Both are worth a look if neither an apartment nor a house fits.
Questions to Ask Before You Sign
- Which utilities are included, and which will be in my name?
- Who is responsible for the yard, snow and gutters?
- How do I request repairs, and how fast are they usually done?
- What fees are there on top of rent: parking, amenities, pets?
- Can I see the lease before I apply?
Take our full list of questions to ask when renting an apartment to the viewing; most apply to a house too. On move-in day, record the condition with a move-in checklist.
Apartment vs House: Common Questions
Is it cheaper to rent an apartment or a house?
An apartment is usually cheaper for the same number of bedrooms, and utilities are usually lower. A house can be cheaper per person when several roommates share it.
Why are houses more expensive to rent?
You rent more space, land and privacy, and there is only one household to cover the owner's costs, rather than many units sharing them.
Who pays for repairs when you rent a house?
The landlord handles most repairs to the structure, plumbing, heating and appliances. Yard care, snow removal and small jobs such as replacing bulbs and filters are often the tenant's responsibility. Check your lease for the details.
Is it harder to rent a house than an apartment?
Not usually, but there are fewer houses for rent, so good ones go quickly. Have your documents ready, including proof of income and references, before you start viewing.
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