According to the 2015 National Housing Survey, there are 48.5 million rental units in the United States. That covers the smallest efficiency to the largest rental house and all configurations in between.

You might be on the move. Hunting for a rental unit is no easy task and there’s so much to consider.

How much space do you want/need? How much rent can you afford every month? What amenities do you want from the neighborhood you live in?

Finding the perfect rental is a constant negotiation. What about renting a house? What are the benefits of renting a house vs. apartment living?

Check out this guide to help you find the rental unit that’s right for you.

The Perks of Apartment Renting

Apartment living is a right of passage. Once you leave school, you look to strike out on your own but don’t have the money for a house downpayment. That is if you even have a goal for eventual homeownership.

There are a few pros to discuss when you’re looking to rent a house vs. an apartment.

Cost

Renting an apartment is cheaper than renting a whole house depending on the location. You know when you’re apartment hunting that the more bedrooms there are in a unit, the more you’ll pay.

A whole house could have three to five bedrooms.

Other costs make apartments a more cost-effective option. Most apartments only charge for two utilities like gas and electricity. House rentals often include water and sanitation payments.

Neighborhood

Do you like to live close to the action in a big city? An apartment is great for this. You’re more likely to find an available apartment vs. an individual house in the densely populated city corridors.

Apartments are great options for those who desire a city’s walkable amenities like public transportation, nightlife, and restaurants.

Easy Maintenance

An apartment means less space for you to take care of. You’ll spend less time cleaning and more time entertaining or enjoying city life.

Your landlord is also on the hook should any problems arise. Faulty appliances, roof leaks, or structural damage is the financial responsibility of your landlord.

Apartment Rental Drawbacks

Apartment living isn’t for everyone. Some people rent their first apartment and can’t wait to get out. Here are the serious drawbacks of apartment living.

Close Proximity

If you’re living in an apartment, you’re much closer to other people. While a house might be close to another house, you won’t live in the same building as others.

Depending on the apartment, you’ll be able to hear the people in other units talking, playing music, and arguing.

Lack of Space

Most apartments benefit from minimalist living. There might be closets, and if you’re lucky a storage unit in the basement.

The same goes for living with a roommate or a partner. Are you someone who prefers their own space? Or are you comfortable living in a shared space?

House Rental Perks

Depending on the location, a whole house might give you more bang for your buck. Your ability to cohabitate with more people can drop your rent and utility payments.

Even if you live alone or with a partner, there are definite perks to house rental you should know.

Space

Deliberating renting an apartment vs. renting house units comes down to space. How much do you need?

A family with children or a young couple who likes to entertain benefits from the space offered by a whole house.

Pets

Rental houses often come with yards. While your furry dog friends are loyal enough to live with you anywhere, they benefit from the extra green space a house rental gives.

This means your buddies have a place to frolic without daily trips to the local dog park.

Increased Privacy

Knowing there are other people just on the other side of your apartment wall can be a drag. You can’t be as loud as you want, or they’re so annoyingly noisy.

You don’t have to worry about a downstairs neighbor sleeping through the afternoon for an overnight shift. Likewise, you don’t have to worry about renters in other units disturbing you at inconvenient times.

House Rental Drawbacks

With more space comes more responsibility. Renting a house is a great option, but it comes with increased bills and maintenance.

Chores

When you rent a house, you’re on the hook for upkeep in ways you’re not when you rent an apartment. The landlord may expect you to mow the lawn and shovel snow from the sidewalk.

You’ll also have more space to clean inside. Multiple bedrooms, bathrooms, and a larger kitchen mean more work.

Lack of Nightlife

Though not 100% true, your house rental will likely be distant from city nightlife. If you love living in a walkable neighborhood full of dining and entertainment, a house might not be the best option.

Higher Costs

More space often means more rent. Depending on location, your month-to-month costs will be higher.

Landlords often dictate that house renters pay elevated utilities, too. Expect to pay for water, sewage, and sanitation bills each month.

Buying Apartment vs. House

You’ve rented both, and now you think it’s time to buy. If you love the apartment living lifestyle, buying a city condominium or apartment is right for you.

If you enjoy the privacy and space of a house rental, buying a house will be the best option. No matter what you want to buy, finding a real estate broker is the first and most important step.

Renting a House vs. Apartment

Renting the right dwelling is a negotiation process. You have to compare how much you can afford and what you need and try to find the middle. Renting in the hip city neighborhood means higher rent and less space.

Renting a house in a quiet community away from the city means elevated rent but more space for you and your family. So much about renting a house vs. apartment renting is about determining your priorities.

Check out the rest of our posts for more helpful real estate tips.

Jane