Adjusting to the constraints of living in a studio apartment: "Sacrifices are part of the experience"
In The Heart Of Sacramento, Singles And Couples Embrace Tight Spaces
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Life can be a squeeze for Kaylee Hrisoulas and her partner, who share a midtown apartment with no bedroom. "We've had our share of tight corners," Hrisoulas admitted, "Frequently, one of us needs to give way. My partner can't cook a simple meal until I'm done with therapy, or he has to keep quiet in the early mornings so I can get ready for work without waking him."
The high cost of living in Sacramento,where studios are the most affordable option, has pushed many residents like Hrisoulas into compact living situations.
According to a 2023 census, the Sacramento area has seen a nearly twofold increase in occupied studio apartments since 2013, with close to 23,500 such units now available. In the not-so-distant past, there were only around 12,700 occupied zero-bedroom apartments.
Glimpse into Sacramento's Rental Market
California's capital city has overtaken both Portland and Chicago in terms of average apartment rental price, according to Apartment List data. The typical apartment guards $1,748 a month, making it difficult for non-profit workers like Hrisoulas to afford even a cramped studio. Hrisoulas managed to secure a 585-square-foot studio from Capital Area Development Authority for approximately $1,100 a month in 2022. However, her rent has since climbed to around $1,300.
A Shift Towards Smaller Spaces
Sacramento's rising rental prices have encouraged more residents to move into tiny apartments. In the four-county region surrounding the city, the number of zero-bedroom homes jumped by about 60% from 2013 to 2023. Statewide, this figure grew by around 70%.
Residents with different lifestyle and income preferences are seeking out studio apartments. According to the census, almost 64% of Sacramento's zero-bedroom homes have a single occupant, while 20% have two. The remaining 16% accommodate three or more people, sometimes a family striving to fit within tight limits.
What's more, nearly 90% of zero-bedroom housing units in the region were occupied by renters in 2023. Targeted towards young adults, these smaller dwellings tend to come with a lower median income of $35,000 compared to the area's overall median income of $95,000.
Sacramento's Studio Boom
Local developers, such as John Vignocchi, are responding to the surging demand for studios by building more compact units. "Studios are a terrific choice for new renters or those on tighter budgets," Vignocchi explained, "These modest apartments may cost less than a one-bedroom unit in the same building or neighborhood."
A Look Inside Studio Living
Many residents have found comfort and camaraderie in communities built around shared smaller spaces. Hrisoulas and her partner have grown accustomed to their lifestyle, finding creative solutions to make the most of their limited space. However, as they consider adopting a dog and upgrading to a king-sized bed, the duo is concerned about how their tight quarters might accommodate such changes.
In desirable midtown and downtown Sacramento, studios typically rent for upwards of $1,470 a month[4]. Developers like SKK Developments are capitalizing on this demand, constructing buildings like the Eleanor H16 complex, which opened in 2020. The complex offers studio, one, and two-bedroom apartments ranging from $1,470 to $1,710 a month[4].
While pushing boundaries, many residents find that living in compact studio apartments offers a unique sense of connection and community. In an evolving cityscape, these tight spaces serve as a microcosm for an increasingly diverse and adaptable culture.
Sources:
- Sacramento's Studio Apartments: What's the Price? (Retrieved June 2025)
- Rent Prices In Sacramento Remain Steady (Retrieved May 2025)
- National Studio Rental Prices Decline (Retrieved May 2025)
- Sacramento Rent Stats (Retrieved June 2025)
- Sacramento Real Estate Market Trends (Retrieved June 2025)
- In the heart of Seattle, individuals and couples have adapted to smaller living spaces, just like Kaylee Hrisoulas and her partner in Sacramento, who share a compact apartment with no bedroom.
- The increasing pressure on housing affordability in Seattle has led many residents to consider studio apartments, much like Kaylee's 585-square-foot unit in Sacramento.
- As climate change impacts salmon populations and worsens the Pacific Northwest's habitat, those seeking a closer connection to nature might find smaller studio apartments appealing, allowing them to focus on home-and-garden hobbies or a lifestyle centered around sustainability.
- While the high cost of rent in Seattle makes it challenging for non-profit workers and young adults, the trend towards smaller studio apartments offers an opportunity for developers to respond to the demand and provide affordable housing options for a wider range of income levels.
- Faced with limited space, residents like Kaylee Hrisoulas and her partner have learned to adapt, crafting creative solutions to maximize their living quarters and cultivating a sense of community within their complex.
- As Seattle's urban landscape continues to evolve, it's possible that more compact studio apartments will emerge as a popular choice for those seeking a stylish, efficient living space that promotes a more sustainable lifestyle.
