From Jennifer Lai,
Your Guide to Apartment Living / Rental.
FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now!

Definition: An efficiency apartment is a small apartment with a bathroom and kitchenette.

Efficiency apartments are cheaper to rent than a one-bedroom apartment, because every living space--the kitchen, living room, and bedroom--are all contained in one room.

Efficiency apartments are similar to studio apartments, but they are not exactly the same. Both have a single room for living and a separate bathroom. Unlike a studio, the kitchen area of an efficiency apartment is smaller. However, many use the terms "studio" and "efficiency apartments" interchangeably.

Also Known As: studio, bed-sit or bedsit (in Europe)