Studio vs one-bedroom in Austin: what you save and what you give up

How much do a studio and a one-bedroom cost in Austin?

Apartments.com shows Highland studios around $1,181 per month and one-bedrooms around $1,431. That is a $250 gap each month, or $3,000 across a year. These are market averages as read on November 2, 2026. They are not Centro prices.

Here are the two numbers side by side.

Averages hide a wide spread. A building’s price depends on its age, its amenities and the unit. Treat the table as a map of the neighborhood, not a quote. To see what a specific community charges, read its listing. Centro Studio Homes lists studio floor plans from $699 to $1,114 per month as shown on 2026-11-02. Prices change daily; check current pricing on the floor plans page.

Why does the gap matter? Because rent is your largest bill. A $250 monthly difference is a number you can plan around: a car payment, a savings goal or a cushion for fees. Our guide to studio apartment costs in Austin breaks down what a studio costs in full.

What do you give up with a studio?

You give up a door and floor area. A studio apartment is one room, so sleep, meals, work and storage share the same space, air and light. A one-bedroom adds a door between your bed and everything else.

The trade-offs show up in daily life:

Not all of these are losses. Some people prefer one open room. It is easier to clean and to heat or cool. See our post on how to zone a studio and the studio layout and storage guide for ways to create separation without a wall.

What do you save with a studio?

You save on rent, on one-time fees that scale with rent, and on furniture and cleaning time. The rent gap is the largest piece. Fees and furniture add to it.

Rent. At the Highland averages, the studio saves $250 a month.

Move-in fees. Apartments.com says that, excluding first and last month’s rent, move-in fees are generally 33% to 50% of the monthly rent price. Applied to the averages above, that gives a rough range:

This is an estimate from a general rule, not a quote. Real fees depend on the property. Ask for a written list. At Centro, studio deposits start at $500 and the application fee is $50 and non-refundable. See the deposits page for the full terms.

Income needed. Apartment List says landlords will often only consider applicants with a gross monthly income of 3x the monthly rent. The math on the averages:

That is the common rule, not Centro’s own. Ask the leasing office for Centro’s criteria. Learn more in our guide on income needed to rent in Austin and the 3x income rule.

Furniture and cleaning. A smaller space needs less furniture, less to clean and less to heat and cool. Those savings are real but hard to put a number on. Utility costs depend on the unit and the provider, so ask the office which utilities you pay.

When does a studio make more sense?

A studio makes sense when price and simplicity matter more than separation. If you can live well with one room, the savings are steady, and the setup is simple. If you need a door, a one-bedroom may fit better.

Ask yourself these questions:

1. Can I sleep where I cook? If smells or light bother you at night, plan a curtain or a shelf, or choose a one-bedroom.
2. Do I work from home most days? If you take calls, you may want a door. Centro lists a cowork space in its community if you want a place outside your home.
3. Do I host often? A studio fits a few guests. A larger group is tight.
4. How much do I own? Large furniture, a big wardrobe or many hobbies need space and storage.
5. What is my budget ceiling? If $250 a month changes your plans, the studio gap is worth taking seriously.

There is no right answer. The best choice is the one you can afford and still enjoy at home. Our studio apartments in Austin page covers studio living in more depth.

How do you compare two places fairly?

Compare the total monthly cost and the one-time costs, not the headline rent. Two listings with the same rent can differ by hundreds of dollars once you add fees, parking, pets and utilities.

Use this checklist for each place:

1. Total monthly cost. Rent plus required monthly fees. See total monthly price for the term.
2. One-time costs. Deposit, application fee, administrative fee and pet charges.
3. Specials. Free weeks or discounts, and how they apply. See weeks free.
4. Utilities. Which you pay, and what a typical bill is.
5. Lease length. Shorter or flexible terms often cost more. See lease term.
6. Space. Ask for room size and storage details, and measure on the tour.

Our page on starting price vs total monthly cost shows how a listing’s headline number can differ from what you pay. Use our apartment tour checklist to gather the same facts at each tour.

Does Centro offer both?

No. Centro Studio Homes lists studio floor plans only: a 1st floor studio and a 2nd floor studio. It does not list one-bedroom homes. If you need a separate bedroom, a one-bedroom at another community is the match.

If a studio fits, here is what Centro publishes:

Prices are as listed on 2026-11-02. Fees are estimates and actual amounts may vary. Pricing and availability are subject to change. Centro says 306 studios were rebuilt in 2019-2020 from the studs out. See the 1st floor and 2nd floor pages for each plan.

The studio sits in the Highland neighborhood. Read about the area on our Highland Austin apartments page. If $699 to $1,114 fits your budget and one room suits you, the next step is to see it.

Next step

Compare the studio plans, then book a tour to see one in person. Use the schedule a tour page or call (737) 317-8369.