Comparing a co-living room to a studio or one-bedroom apartment isn't as simple as comparing the rent numbers on a listing. The sticker price is only part of the real monthly cost, and the setup cost before you even move in is a piece people often forget to count.
Chattanooga's overall average rent sat around $1,480/month as of September 2026, up slightly from the year before, according to RentCafe's market data. That average covers every unit size. RentCafe puts the average studio at $983 a month and the average one-bedroom at $1,311, and actual rents vary with the neighborhood, building age, and season. For the latest figure, see our latest Rent Check.
Private Room at Gladewood Commons: $850 to $1,100/month
- Utilities included
- Wi-Fi included
- Furnished, so no move-in furniture cost
- Shared kitchen, living, and dining space
- Keyless entry and on-site laundry
Studio Apartment
- Rent typically doesn't include utilities, so electric, water, and internet arrive as separate bills
- Usually unfurnished, so furniture is an upfront cost if you’re starting from scratch
- Entirely private space with no shared common areas
- Often requires a security deposit and sometimes a separate application fee
One-Bedroom Apartment
- Same utility and furnishing considerations as a studio, at a higher rent point
- More total square footage and full separation from any shared living
- Typically the highest upfront cost of the three once deposit, furnishing, and setup are factored in
Look past the rent line
A studio or one-bedroom's advertised rent often doesn't include utilities, internet, or furniture, all of which add up fast in the first month. Co-living bundles those into one predictable payment and removes the furniture cost entirely.
What you're trading either way
- Co-living: utilities, Wi-Fi, and furniture are included, so setup is simpler and the monthly cost is predictable, in exchange for shared common spaces.
- Studio/1BR: full privacy and your own complete unit, in exchange for separate utility bills and more upfront setup.
There's no universally "right" answer. It depends on your budget, your timeline, and how much you value complete privacy versus a predictable, all-in monthly cost.