1K vs 1BHK: What’s the Real Difference in Size and Value?

When you’re searching for a place to live in India, you’ll see two common options: 1K, a single-room apartment with a kitchen, often called a studio. Also known as studio apartment, it’s designed for one person who wants everything in one open space. Then there’s the 1BHK, a one-bedroom, one-hall, one-kitchen layout. Also known as one bedroom apartment, it separates sleeping, living, and cooking areas into distinct rooms. The difference isn’t just in the name—it’s in how you live.

Think of a 1K like a studio apartment: one room does it all. You sleep, eat, and work in the same space. It’s common in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru, where space is tight and budgets are low. Landlords often list these as "1K" to avoid the higher price tag of a 1BHK. But here’s the catch: some 1Ks are barely bigger than a walk-in closet. Others are surprisingly spacious, with clever storage and partitions. You need to see it in person. A 1BHK, on the other hand, gives you a closed bedroom. That means privacy. Quiet nights. Room for a guest. It’s what most couples or people who work from home prefer. But it also costs more—sometimes 20% to 40% more than a 1K in the same area.

What’s driving the choice? If you’re single, young, and moving for a job, a 1K might be all you need. If you’re planning to stay long-term, or want to rent out a room later, a 1BHK gives you flexibility. Landlords in India often inflate square footage in 1BHK listings by counting balconies or storage nooks as living space. That’s why you need to ask: "What’s included in the measurement?" Some 1Ks come with a separate kitchen area, blurring the line between the two. And don’t assume a 1BHK is always bigger—some are just a bedroom added to a tiny 1K. The real difference is in layout, not just square feet.

And then there’s the cost. In cities like Pune or Hyderabad, a 1K might rent for ₹8,000 a month. A 1BHK in the same building? ₹12,000. But if that 1BHK has poor ventilation, no parking, or an old AC, is it worth it? You’ll find listings for both types across India—some in government housing schemes, others in luxury towers. The key is knowing what you actually need. Do you want to entertain? Store clothes? Sleep without hearing the fridge hum? That’s what separates a 1K from a 1BHK—not the label, but your daily life.

Below, you’ll find real posts from people who’ve lived in both. Some regretted choosing a 1K too soon. Others saved thousands by skipping the 1BHK. No fluff. No marketing. Just what works—and what doesn’t—in India’s rental and buying market right now.