When you start looking for apartments in Portland, the first question that comes to mind is whether the rent difference between a studio and a 1-bedroom is really that significant. The next question naturally leads to the differences between 2-bedrooms and 3-bedrooms. By examining these in order, you can see the structure of the Portland rental market.

First, looking at studios, the average rent according to Zumper is around $1,172. The size varies slightly by source, but it is generally estimated to be between 400 and 470 sqft. A 1-bedroom averages $1,395, which is about $220 higher than a studio, and the size increases to around 650 to 700 sqft.

Next, the curiosity shifts to 2-bedrooms. The average rent for a 2-bedroom is $1,695, which is about $300 higher than a 1-bedroom. The size is estimated to be between 900 and 1,000 sqft. Finally, a 3-bedroom averages $2,264 according to RentCafe, with a size of 1,191 sqft, creating a rent gap of nearly $570 compared to a 2-bedroom.

You might wonder why the rent gap increases as you move to 3-bedrooms. This is because recent new constructions in downtown Portland and the Pearl District have focused on studios and 1-bedrooms. While there is a steady influx of single-person households and young professionals, there is relatively less new supply of larger units with 3 bedrooms or more, making them more scarce and reflected in the rent.

So, what type of units do people primarily seek? Studios are popular among new employees living alone or short-term residents. 1-bedrooms are preferred by single-person households or couples needing a workspace for remote work. 2-bedrooms cater to both roommate shares and newlyweds, while 3-bedrooms are suitable for families with children or three roommates living together.

• Studio: about $1,172
• 1-bedroom: about $1,395
• 2-bedroom: about $1,695
• 3-bedroom: about $2,264 / 1,191 sqft

The widening rent gap signifies that the burden increases more steeply with each additional room, which is also the background for more households delaying the choice of larger units or seeking roommates to share costs.

If you are a Korean household, it is advisable to first set your budget based on a 2-bedroom in Portland. If you want a 3-bedroom for school districts, looking at outer areas with relatively active new construction may help reduce the rent gap.