Small Space, Big Living: The Story of Studio Apartments

Living in just one room apartment might seem limiting at first, but the “studio” has become a symbol of modern urban life—efficient, affordable, and surprisingly full of potential. Whether tucked into a high-rise in New York, a central neighborhood in Skopje, or a quiet block in Tokyo, studios offer a unique blend of simplicity and style.

With the right layout and mindset, these compact spaces can feel expansive, flexible, and deeply personal—proving that smart design often matters more than square footage.

Contents:

1. A Brief History of Studio Apartments
2. Pros and Cons of Studio Living
3. Maximizing Space: Design and Organization Tips
4. Studio Apartments Around the World
5. Studio Living in Skopje: Garsonjera as a Way of Life
6. Conclusion

History and Etymology of the Studio Apartment

The concept of the studio apartment – a single room serving as living area, bedroom, and often kitchen – has origins more glamorous than one might think. Far from being a modern invention of cramped city life, the idea emerged in the 19th century amid New York City’s booming arts scene. Back in the late 1800s, wealthy art students and young creatives in NYC took up residence in purpose-built one-room flats. These early studios were actually designed for artists: they featured high ceilings and large windows for ample light, functioning both as living quarters and art studios. In fact, one of the first studio apartment buildings was the Tenth Street Studio Building constructed in 1857 in Manhattan – a place where painters like William Merritt Chase lived, worked, and hosted salons. The term “studio” thus literally referred to the artistic work studios that doubled as homes.

Meanwhile in Europe, similar small urban dwellings existed under different names. Notably, the French had the word “garçonnière,” which literally comes from garçon (“young man” or “boy”) and referred to a bachelor’s pad or apartment. This idea of a compact bachelor apartment spread across Europe. The Macedonian language (as well as Serbian, Bulgarian, Greek and others) adopted a version of this term – „garsonjera“ (garsonjera) – to describe a small one-room flat. In Macedonian usage, garsonjera traditionally means a tiny one-room apartment intended for a single person (typically an unmarried man). Historically, a garsonjera was often very basic, sometimes without a separate kitchen (perhaps just a kitchenette or a hot plate in the corner). The colorful term emphasizes its roots as a space for a bachelor or anyone living solo. Over time, of course, studio apartments are no longer only for artists or bachelors – they’ve become a mainstream housing option around the world, but the old names stuck. Whether you call it a studio, bedsit, efficiency, or garsonjera, the idea is the same: a compact, self-contained living space where everything happens in one room.

Interestingly, studio apartments as we know them today really took off globally in the early-to-mid 20th century. By the 1920s, both the United States and Japan saw a rise in one-room flats to accommodate the influx of people moving to cities. The first modern studios appeared about 100 years ago in cities like New York and Tokyo, as an affordable solution for urban housing shortages. From there, the trend spread to other crowded capitals – London, Paris, and beyond – wherever young singles or couples needed a simple, cheap place in the city. The etymology also spread: for example, in Austria a studio is still called a Garçonniere (spelled without the cedilla), and in Greece gkarsoniera (γκαρσονιέρα) likewise means a small flat, showing how the French term left its mark. But whatever local name it goes by, the studio apartment has become synonymous with city living for those who prioritize location and cost over square footage.

Pros and Cons of Living in a Studio Apartment

Living in a single-room home is a unique experience with plenty of upsides and downsides. Let’s break down some of the key pros and cons of studio apartment life, especially if you’re considering downsizing or moving into one.

A cozy studio apartment’s main room in Minneapolis, USA – with the bed, living area, and workspace all sharing one open space. In a studio, one room serves multiple purposes, so daily life is simplified and efficient. This all-in-one setup comes with distinct advantages but also a few challenges to be aware of.

Pros of Studio Apartments:

• Affordability: One of the biggest draws of a studio is that it’s usually cheaper to rent or buy than larger apartments. If you’re on a budget or saving up, a studio’s lower price tag and utility costs can be a huge benefit. You won’t be paying for extra rooms you don’t use.
• Lower Maintenance: Less space means less to clean and furnish. Chores like vacuuming or dusting take a fraction of the time they would in a bigger home. This makes studios appealing for people who want a simple, low-maintenance living situation.
• Cozy Comfort: There’s something charming about having all your favorite things within arm’s reach. Studios can feel very cozy and personal, like your own little nest. Many people enjoy the snug atmosphere and find it easy to decorate and make the space their own. In fact, because it’s just one room, you can splurge a bit on decor or quality furnishings and really give it character without breaking the bank.
• Urban Convenience: Studios are often found in central, desirable city locations. For the price of a studio, you might snag a spot right in the city center where a multi-room apartment would be unaffordable. That means easy access to work, universities, nightlife, and public transport. You trade space for location. Many young professionals and students happily make that trade-off to cut down commute times and be in the heart of the action.
• Simplicity & Independence: Living in a studio encourages a more minimalist lifestyle – you learn to prioritize what you really need. It can be freeing to not accumulate clutter. Also, if you’ve only ever lived with family or roommates, getting your own little place (even if it’s small) can feel wonderfully independent. No roommates raiding your fridge or leaving dirty dishes – the space is truly yours.

Cons of Studio Apartments:

• Limited Space: The most obvious con is the lack of space. In a studio you won’t have a separate bedroom to escape to – your bed often sits just a few feet away from your fridge and wardrobe. There’s minimal room for storage, so you have to be mindful of clutter. If you own a lot of stuff or have hobbies requiring equipment, a studio can feel cramped quickly.
• Privacy & Hosting: With no separate rooms, privacy is hard to come by. It’s tough to have overnight guests or even daytime visitors if, say, one person wants to sleep or work while the other watches TV. Everything’s in one room, so noise and light are shared. Hosting gatherings is tricky too; you can maybe fit a couple friends for a movie night, but a dinner party or having family stay over is not really feasible. Lack of distinct areas for entertaining, working, sleeping means you sacrifice some comfort when others are over.
• One-Note Living: When your bed is in your living room, it can blur the boundaries of life. For instance, you might find it hard to “disconnect” at night since your work desk (if you have one) is only steps from your bed. There’s no separate office or bedroom door to shut for quiet time. Some people end up feeling cabin fever in a studio because there’s no variety of spaces – it’s the same scene all day and night.
• Organization Challenges: Fitting everything in one room requires creativity. Studios can easily descend into chaos if you’re not organized. Storage is limited, and you might struggle with where to put things like luggage, winter clothes, sports gear, etc. Closets (if there even is one) are usually small. You’ll likely need to invest in smart storage solutions to use every inch wisely. Without good organization habits, a studio can feel cluttered and smaller than it really is.
• Potential for Messiness: In a larger apartment, you can toss your laundry in a bedroom and shut the door when guests come over. In a studio, every corner is on display at all times. This can be stressful for messier folks – there’s no “out of sight, out of mind.” Any untidiness is immediately visible. Keeping the place tidy isn’t just aesthetic, it’s a necessity to comfortably live in the space. If you let dishes pile up or clothes cover the floor, you’ll literally be tripping over your mess in no time!

Overall, studio living is a trade-off. You gain simplicity, save money, and often score a prime location, but you give up space and privacy. For some, the convenience and coziness far outweigh the drawbacks; for others, the walls might close in after a while. It really depends on your lifestyle. Are you someone who just needs a home base to sleep and keep your stuff while you’re out and about? A studio could be perfect. If you work from home or crave personal space to spread out, it might be challenging. Knowing these pros and cons can help you decide if the studio life fits your life.

Design and Arrangement Tips for Small Studios

One amazing thing about studios is how creative you can get with the interior. Living in a single-room home doesn’t mean sacrificing style or functionality – in fact, it inspires some truly clever design solutions. If you’re looking at a studio apartment (or already in one) and wondering how to make 20–30 square meters feel comfortable, here are some tried-and-true design and arrangement tips:

1. Create Separate “Zones”: Even without walls, you can define areas for sleeping, lounging, working, and cooking. Use furniture and decor to visually break up the space. For example, position a open-back bookshelf or a simple room divider to separate your bed from the living area. A rug under a small sofa can delineate a “living room” zone distinct from your “bedroom” area. This way, you don’t feel like your bed is in your kitchen. Having a sense of distinct spaces – even within one room – will make it feel more like a traditional home and less like a college dorm. It can also help you mentally separate work vs. relaxation if, say, your desk area feels apart from your sleeping area.
2. Multipurpose Furniture is Your Friend: In a studio, every piece of furniture likely needs to pull double (or triple) duty. Seek out transforming or modular furniture that saves space. Think of a sofa that opens into a bed for guests, or a bed frame with drawers underneath for storage. Folding tables or wall-mounted drop-leaf tables are fantastic – they can serve as your dining table or work desk when needed and then fold away. Consider nesting tables that tuck under each other, or an ottoman that can hide blankets and also act as extra seating. There are clever designs like expandable dining tables, or bookshelves that incorporate a fold-out desk. Furniture designed with studio living in mind will let you maximize utility without crowding the room.
3. Maximize Vertical Space: Look up! When you can’t build outward, build upward. Utilize your walls for storage to free up precious floor space. Install shelves high on the walls for books, decor, or storage boxes. Tall, narrow bookcases or cabinets can take advantage of height without a big footprint. In the kitchen area, use a pot rack or wall-mounted organizers. Hanging things (plants, lights, coats, you name it) draws the eye upward and opens up floor area. If your ceiling is high enough, a loft bed is an awesome option – raising your bed off the ground creates usable space below for a desk or closet. Even a raised bunk-style bed with your dresser or a cozy reading nook under it can effectively give you a “second level” in a one-room home. By stacking storage vertically and using wall space, you’ll keep the room feeling open and avoid cluttering every corner.
4. Light and Bright Makes it Look Bigger: To combat the small size, leverage some visual tricks. Light, neutral colors on walls and furniture can make the space feel more airy and spacious. Avoid very dark heavy furniture that can dominate the room. Mirrors are practically magic in a studio – a big mirror on the wall will reflect light and create an illusion of depth, doubling the sense of space. Also, take advantage of any windows: keep window treatments light (sheer curtains or blinds that let sun in) because natural light will make your studio feel less claustrophobic. A well-lit room, whether from sunlight or adequate lamps, feels larger and more welcoming. Basically, brightness = openness. So paint it white or a pale color, use metallic or glass accents, and don’t skimp on lighting.
5. Stay Organized and Clutter-Free: In a studio, tidiness isn’t just neat, it’s necessary. Adopt smart storage habits to keep things out-of-sight when not in use. Use the space under your bed – put your off-season clothes or linens in flat under-bed bins. Opt for a coffee table or ottoman with hidden storage inside. Utilize closet organizers or hanging shelves to maximize any closet you do have. Make use of corners with corner shelves or by tucking a vertical storage unit in. And most importantly, edit your belongings regularly. In a one-room apartment, the rule is “for everything you bring in, something else should probably go out”. A cluttered studio can feel overwhelming, so minimalism will be your ally. Regularly declutter paperwork, donate clothes you don’t wear, and use wall hooks or door organizers to get things off surfaces. By keeping your possessions streamlined and stored smartly, your petite home will feel comfortable rather than cramped.

By following these tips – dividing your space, choosing the right furniture, building up not out, brightening up, and decluttering – even the tiniest studio can transform into a chic, livable abode. There are entire websites and Pinterest boards dedicated to stylish studio apartment ideas because with a bit of ingenuity, small-space living can be not only feasible, but fun and uniquely you. Remember, living small forces you to be intentional with design, and the result is often a space that truly reflects your personality and needs (since you curated every inch of it!).

Studio Apartments Around the World: Big Cities, Small Homes

Studio apartments are a staple of big city life across the globe. In many metropolitan areas known for sky-high housing costs, studios offer a relatively accessible entry into city living (or at least a comparatively less exorbitant one). Let’s look at a couple of famous examples – New York City and Tokyo – to see how studio living plays out and what it costs in those environments, and touch on other global trends.

New York City: The “Big Apple” is notorious for its expensive and compact apartments. Here, studios are extremely common – from brownstone buildings in Manhattan to newer high-rises in Brooklyn, a huge share of New Yorkers live in studios or one-room “junior one-bedrooms.” Why? Because space is at such a premium. As of mid-2025, the average rent for a studio in New York City is around $3,200 per month! (Yes, that’s just for a studio – welcome to NYC.) In Manhattan alone, it’s often higher, and tiny studio units in prime neighborhoods can easily go for $3,500-$4,000 a month or more, especially if they’re in a doorman building with amenities. Buying a studio condo in Manhattan is also pricey – easily hundreds of thousands of dollars. Despite the cost, studios remain popular in NYC because they are still often the most affordable way to live alone in the city. Many recent graduates, actors, artists, and young professionals opt for a studio in NYC rather than sharing an apartment with roommates. Culturally, it’s almost a rite of passage for young New Yorkers to tough it out in a teeny-tiny apartment – think of all the movies and TV shows with characters in closet-sized NYC flats. The allure is having your own place in an amazing city, even if it means your bed folds into the wall (Murphy beds are a thing in NY) and your “kitchen” is just a mini-fridge and hot plate. Over the years, NYC developers have even toyed with “micro-apartments” – super small studios under 200 square feet – to create more affordable units. In short, New York exemplifies studio living as a city lifestyle choice: you trade space for the excitement and opportunity of the city that never sleeps.

Tokyo, Japan: If you think New York apartments are small, Tokyo might surprise you even more. Tokyo is famous (or infamous) for its extremely compact living spaces. It’s common for a Tokyo “one-room” apartment (what we’d call a studio) to be as small as 15–20 square meters (around 160–215 sq ft). These tiny units, often called “wan ruumu” (one-room) or 1K (one room + kitchenette) apartments, are prevalent throughout the city. On average, a studio (one-room) apartment in Tokyo rents for roughly ¥60,000 to ¥100,000 per month, which is about $600–$800 USD. In central upscale wards like Shibuya or Chiyoda, the average studio rent is on the higher end of that range – around ¥90,000+ ($700-ish) a month. For that price, you might get just 20–25 square meters of space. These apartments typically have a combined living/sleeping area, a tiny kitchenette (often just a single burner and a mini-fridge), and a “unit bath” (prefabricated compact bathroom). It’s a tight squeeze! Yet, studios are hugely popular in Tokyo among students, single working people, or anyone starting out in the city. Culturally, many Japanese singles don’t entertain guests at home much – social life happens outside in restaurants, cafes, etc. – so having a small home is manageable. Plus, Tokyo is incredibly safe and clean, so even a small unit can be quite comfortable. Interestingly, Japan has taken creative small-space living to another level with things like capsule apartments and share houses, but the basic studio (often called a “one-room mansion” in Japanglish) remains a staple. Much like in New York, some developers in Tokyo have experimented with ultra-small units (some under 10 m²!) to meet demand in the most crowded parts of the city. Living in a Tokyo studio might mean adapting to a very minimal lifestyle – multi-use everything, loft beds, no hoarding of possessions – but thousands do it, valuing the ability to live in one of the world’s most vibrant cities.

Elsewhere in the world, studio apartments are common wherever urban density and housing costs make larger apartments scarce. In London, for example, you’ll find plenty of studios (often called studio flats or bedsits) especially in areas popular with students and young professionals. A tiny studio in London might be called a “bedsit” if it’s really just a single room in a subdivided house with a shared bath, or a self-contained studio flat if it has its own small bathroom. Prices in London vary by location, but much like New York, expect to pay a premium for the postcode – central London studios can cost as much as one-bedroom apartments further out. Paris famously has chambres de bonne (former maids’ quarters in old buildings) which are essentially mini-studios under the eaves, often 10–15 m² in size, once considered lowly servants’ rooms but now snatched up by students and interns despite the size (and six-floor walk-up with no elevator!). From Hong Kong to San Francisco, wherever space is limited, creative small apartments thrive. In many Asian cities, micro-studios or “service apartments” for single professionals are on the rise. It’s all about maximizing urban land use. The trend in dense cities is clear: studio apartments aren’t going away – in fact, they’re a key part of how cities house their populations. They offer a (relatively) accessible option for singles or couples without kids to live centrally and affordably (or at least more affordably than a multi-room place). The lifestyle trade-offs – smaller living quarters in exchange for being close to jobs and city amenities – are common across cultures. And as more people move to cities, studios continue to be an important piece of the housing puzzle, often representing the first rung on the housing ladder for young adults.

Studio Apartments in Skopje: The Garsonjera Life

Now let’s zoom in on our local scene: Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia. How do studio apartments fit into Skopje’s housing market and lifestyle? Quite prominently, as it turns out. In Skopje, the studio or garsonjera has long been a popular option for students, young professionals, and small households. With the city’s growth in recent years, demand for these compact homes has remained strong – both for living and as investments.

First, a bit about availability and pricing of studios in Skopje (>>>for sale<<<, >>>for rent<<<) These units are found all over the city, but especially in certain neighborhoods. In the City Center (Centar) and areas like Debar Maalo – known for their lively cafe culture and amenities – you will find plenty of “garsonjeri” for sale in older buildings and new complexes alike. Because these central areas are so desirable, prices per square meter are on the higher side. For example, in Centar/Debar Maalo, apartments can range roughly from €1,800 up to €3,000 per m² for newer or renovated properties. That means a 30 m² modern studio in the heart of Skopje could cost on the order of €70,000–€90,000 to buy. On the other hand, if you go to more peripheral municipalities, prices drop. In neighborhoods like Kisela Voda or Gazi Baba – which are slightly outside the core but still well-connected – studio apartments are more affordable, around €1,500–€1,800 per m². So that same 30 m² could be €39,000–€52,000 in those areas. For brand-new luxury high-rises (yes, Skopje has a few now), you might again see prices creeping up toward the higher end. Overall, a typical small studio (20–40 m²) in Skopje will often be priced in the €30k–€50k range to purchase, depending on location and condition.

For renting, studios in Skopje are considered the budget-friendly choice for single renters. Monthly rent for a garsonjera can vary quite a bit by location and newness of the building. In less expensive districts or older buildings, you might find basic studios for around 150–180 euros per month (which is about 9,000–11,000 MKD). These would be no-frills places perhaps a bit farther from the center. In more central neighborhoods or for a nicely furnished modern studio, rents tend to be higher – often 250–300 euros/month and up. For instance, student-oriented studios (like those near universities or in private student dormitory buildings) commonly range around €270–€300 per month. A newly built studio in a trendy part of town with AC, new furniture, etc., could even ask €350+. Still, compared to renting a one-bedroom (which might be €350–€500 in a good area) or a two-bedroom (often €400–€600+), the studio remains the cheapest way to live solo in Skopje. It’s worth noting that many rentals here come furnished, which is great for students or expats staying short-term – you can basically move right into a garsonjera with just your suitcase.

The modern Cevahir Towers in Skopje – a high-rise development featuring many new apartments (including studios) that cater to urban buyers and renters. In recent years, Skopje’s skyline has added some flashy residential towers and new complexes, and a chunk of those new units are indeed studios or one-bedroom apartments. The reason is simple: high demand for small units. Real estate agents in Skopje often note that apartments under ~45 m² are the easiest to sell and rent out, because they appeal to the largest pool of people. Young adults, students from other towns, newlyweds just starting out, single professionals, even retirees looking to downsize – all these groups find a studio or small one-bed sufficient and budget-friendly. Investors have caught onto this as well. Buying a couple of garsonjeri to rent out can be a smart investment, since they yield decent rental returns (often around 6% gross yield, which is solid) and there’s a steady stream of tenants (students every year, etc.). In fact, during the recent real estate boom, prices for small apartments in Skopje shot up more than larger ones. Some central areas saw up to a 40% increase in square-meter prices post-2020, partly because new construction lagged behind demand. And much of that demand was for studios and small flats – people believe these are easier to rent out or resell, so they snapped them up. It’s a bit of a virtuous cycle: high demand keeps values rising, which in turn reinforces the idea that a garsonjera is a good investment.

From a lifestyle perspective, who typically lives in a garsonjera in Skopje and why? A few key groups stand out. University students are big studio occupants – especially those who come from other cities to study in Skopje. Instead of living in a shared dormitory room, students with the means (or whose parents help out) often rent a small studio so they can have their own private space during college. It’s still usually cheaper than a larger apartment, and they enjoy the independence. There are private student housing buildings that offer studio-style units – basically modern dorms that are actually small studios with their own mini-kitchen and bath, which go for that €250-300 range as mentioned. For a student, having a garsonjera means you can study without distraction, keep odd hours, and not worry about a roommate’s habits. Plus, you’re in the city, close to campus and nightlife.

Another group is young professionals – say, someone in their early 20s or 30s who just got a job in Skopje. Maybe you’re a recent grad who landed a job at a company in the capital; a studio in areas like Karpoš or Aerodrom might be ideal. Karpoš is a municipality that’s quite popular for renters – it’s still central (just west of the very center), has plenty of shops and cafes, and is home to many of the city’s universities (the large campus in Karpoš hosts engineering, math, etc.). A 25 m² studio there offers a convenient commute and a lively neighborhood at a relatively moderate rent. Aerodrom, on the other hand, is a massive residential area on the east side, known for a mix of older socialist-era blocks and shiny new high-rises (like the pictured Cevahir Towers). Aerodrom is a bit further from the historic center but has all amenities and good transport. It’s popular with many young families and professionals. Studios in new buildings there are sought after by people who work in Skopje but maybe don’t have a family yet – they enjoy the new construction (often with modern insulation, elevators, etc.) and the fact that it’s a quieter, greener area.

Then we have the archetypal bachelor or bachelorette – the single person of any age who, much like in the original French meaning of garçonnière, just wants their own little pad. Culturally, in Macedonia, it used to be common for young people to live with parents until marriage. But that’s slowly changing; more young adults are renting their own place in their twenties for independence. A garsonjera is perfect for that transition – it’s affordable and just enough space for one. Even older singles or divorced individuals might opt for a studio, finding it the right size for their needs. They’re easy to maintain and you can make a cozy home without the fuss of a larger property.

Lifestyle in a Skopje studio is arguably well-suited to the local culture for those demographics. For one, many Skopje residents spend a lot of time outside the home – whether at work, visiting friends, walking in the city park, or sitting at a coffee bar on the weekend. If you’re the type who is out and about often, you might not mind that your living quarters are just a small room to sleep and keep your stuff. Additionally, the city is relatively safe and social, so living alone in a small place doesn’t feel isolating – you can step out and be at a кафеана (cafe/bar) or the Main Square in minutes if you live centrally. One common remark of people who live in studios is that the entire city becomes your living room – you entertain friends outside mostly, you use local parks as your backyard, etc. In Skopje, you’ll see this pattern: studio dwellers enjoying the urban lifestyle, dining out or meeting friends frequently, thus not needing a big kitchen or lounge at home.

Of course, there are local twists to studio living too. Some older гарсоњери in Skopje are in communist-era buildings where the design might separate a tiny sleeping alcove or have a closed balcony converted into a kitchenette – so not all “studios” are one-room in the modern sense; a few have a partition or tiny extra room. But generally, the concept holds. The drawbacks of studio life – limited space, etc. – exist here as anywhere, but many in Skopje see it as a stepping stone. It’s often a first apartment when you move out from family, or the type of place you rent for a few years early in your career. Later on, as people progress or start families, they often upgrade to a larger apartment. That said, with rising real estate prices, studios are even becoming long-term homes for some who choose to stay single or childfree. And with the investor interest, you also have a segment of folks who don’t live in them, but buy garsonjeri to rent on platforms like Airbnb or to long-term tenants.

In summary, Skopje’s studio apartment market is lively and essential. The garsonjera provides an affordable, convenient home for many city residents and newcomers. Whether it’s a student enjoying their first taste of independence in a 25 m² flat in Debar Maalo, an entrepreneur living close to the action in Centar, or a landlord renovating a studio to capitalize on rental demand, the studio apartment plays a key role in the fabric of Skopje’s urban life. It’s proof that you don’t need a huge space to live well – sometimes that one cozy room in just the right location is all you really need to feel at home in the city.

References:

1. Charlotte Beach, “The History Of The Studio Apartment Is More Glam Than You’d Think.” Hunker (Jul 9, 2022) – Origins of studio apartments in 19th-century NYC, initially as live-in art studios for wealthy creatives.
2. Македонска Википедија – „Гарсониера — мал, еднособен… стан, наменет за самец (неженет човек). Зборот потекнува од францускиот garçon (момче).“ Definition of garsonjera, noting it’s a small one-room flat for a bachelor, from French garçon.
3. Realting.com Wiki – “The first such apartments appeared about 100 years ago in Japan and the USA. Today, such housing is very common in New York, London, and other cities…” Explanation of studio apartments’ emergence and their prevalence in major cities facing housing shortages.
4. Realting.com – Advantages and disadvantages of studios: low cost and easy decoration as pros, versus lack of privacy and storage challenges as cons.
5. Kiana Opre, “Living in a Studio Apartment: Tips and Tricks for Maximizing Space.” Neighbor.com Blog (June 25, 2024) – Recommends maximizing vertical space and using multipurpose furniture, clever storage (closet organizers, under-bed bins), etc., to make small studios livable and stylish.
6. Apartments.com – New York, NY Rental Market Trends (June 2025): Reports the average rent for a studio apartment in NYC is around $3,234 per month, compared to $4k+ for one-bedrooms and higher for larger units. Illustrates how pricey New York studios can be relative to other cities.
7. MATCHA Japan Travel Guide – Tokyo Rent by Area (2024): Notes that the average rent for a studio apartment in Tokyo ranges ~¥60,000–¥100,000 citywide, and in central wards like Shibuya it’s about ¥93,500 for a one-room unit. Highlights Tokyo’s small apartment norm and cost.
8. Global Property Guide – North Macedonia Rental Yields (Q1 2025): Shows a typical studio in Skopje costs ~€36,000 to buy and rents for around €180/month, about a 6% yield. Useful for understanding average pricing and investment return on Skopje studios.
9. Level.mk – Skopje Real Estate Best Locations (2025): Lists neighborhood price ranges. For example, Centar & Debar Maalo at €1,800–€3,000 per m² (prime central areas), versus Kisela Voda/Gazi Baba at €1,200–€1,500 per m² (more affordable outskirts). Indicates relative cost of studios depending on location in Skopje.
10. Erasmus Play – Student Housing in Skopje: Mentions that a studio apartment in a student residence in Skopje typically costs €270–€310 per month. This exemplifies the upper-end rent a student might pay for a modern studio.
11. Žana Popovska, Kosovo Online (Feb 15, 2023) “Real estate price surge in the region…” – Skopje real estate agent notes small apartments (up to 45 m²) are most sought-after and in high demand. Also details that in attractive Skopje areas, prices rose ~40% post-pandemic due to supply shortages and high demand.