Apartment vs. Townhome: Which Is Right for You?

Both apartments and townhomes can work well for renters, especially if you’re looking for low-maintenance housing with a community feel. Townhomes tend to be more expensive, according to Zillow data: As of August 2026, the national median asking rent for an apartment was $1,695, while for a townhome it was $2,250. Here’s more about how apartments and townhomes differ, and how to choose which is right for you.

Difference between an apartment and a townhome

Apartments come in many sizes, but all types of apartments share some common characteristics: They’re individual housing units within a larger building, each with its own private entrance, kitchen, and bathroom. An apartment building might have only a handful of units, or hundreds.

Both apartments and townhomes (also called townhouses) share walls with neighboring units, but while a unit in a large apartment building might share walls on all sides, townhomes share only one or two. They might have a neighbor on either side, but a townhome extends from the ground level up to the roof, with no other units above or below. 

Here are some of the major differences:  

Layout and size

Apartments are typically found in large buildings or complexes, often high-rises with multiple units on each floor. Most apartment units are single-story (even the ones in multi-story high-rises). They can range in size from tiny to expansive, and from studios to multiple bedrooms, though smaller is definitely more common. According to Zillow’s 2025 Renters Housing Trends Report, the typical renter lives in a 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom apartment. 

Townhomes are sometimes called rowhomes because they’re usually built in rows of several attached units. An end unit is fully attached to its neighbor on one side, from ground level to roof, while a middle unit is attached on both sides. They tend to have relatively small footprints, but because they’re laid out vertically across multiple stories, they're also often larger than apartments. Townhouses exit directly to the outside, rather than to a common hallway, like most apartments do (though garden apartments or ground-level units also open directly to the outdoors). 

Privacy and noise 

Townhomes share fewer walls with other units than most apartments, offering more privacy and less chance of hearing your neighbors. They function more like a freestanding home than an apartment, which often shares common areas like hallways, elevators, lobbies, and laundry rooms. In general, townhome residents are less likely to see or hear their neighbors than apartment dwellers. 

Outdoor space

Private outdoor space can be hard to come by in apartments, particularly in dense urban areas. Some units may have a balcony (which may or may not be big enough for furniture), but apartments generally do not have yards. Buildings often have shared outdoor space in the form of a courtyard or roof terrace, though, and some luxury complexes might even have playgrounds, running paths, dog parks, and more.

Townhouses are a different story. Because each one stands on its own plot of land, they often have their own small yards. With several yards each right next to the other, these may not feel as private as a freestanding single-family home’s yard, but they are designated space that “belongs” to each unit. 

Parking

Each community is different: Some rentals might have plenty of free parking, some charge a hefty premium for it, and some don’t offer parking at all. Having to make do with street parking can be a major downside, but both apartment buildings and townhome complexes often have a common parking lot where each unit has a designated spot. If this is the case, the spot and cost (if any) should be clearly spelled out in your lease. Some townhouses actually have driveways and private garages on their ground floor, with the living quarters above.

Cost

Townhomes tend to cost more than apartments — over $500 a month more, according to Zillow data. As of August 2026, the national median asking rent for a townhome was $2,250, compared to $1,695 for an apartment. The cost difference is mainly because townhomes tend to be bigger, with more bedrooms than a typical apartment. Their vertical layout allows them to fit more living space into a small footprint. 

Pros and cons of renting a townhome vs. apartment

Both rental options offer opportunities for neighborly socializing, which you may or may not see as a plus. Here are some of the benefits and drawbacks of townhomes vs. apartments:

Townhome pros

• More space: The vertical configuration allows for more square footage and storage space despite a relatively small footprint.
• More separation: Multiple rooms on multiple floors make it easy to keep living, kitchen, and bedroom spaces separate.
• Outdoor space: Townhouses often have dedicated front and/or backyards, so residents can easily enjoy fresh air and sunshine without having to share a common area.

Townhome cons

• Higher cost: Townhouses are more like freestanding homes than apartments, and as such, they cost more. Despite paying more, though, you still share walls with neighbors.
• Harder to find: Rental townhomes aren’t as common as apartments. Zillow’s Renters Housing Trends Report found that 56% of renters live in an apartment, while only 8% live in a townhouse or rowhouse.
• Stairs: Because townhomes typically span multiple floors, you’re constantly climbing up and down stairs. They may be a bad fit for people with mobility issues. 

Apartment pros

• Lower costs: Apartments tend to be cheaper than townhomes, which is great for renters on a budget or trying to save money to buy a house. 
• Shared amenities: Perks like roof decks or gyms can be a powerful draw: In Zillow’s 2025 Renters Housing Trends Report, 41% of renters who renewed their lease cited the rental’s common amenities as a reason. 
• Sense of community: Apartment dwellers see their neighbors every day. Many enjoy the kinship and shared community that come from living in the same building.

Apartment cons

• Noise and people: With so many units sharing walls, apartment dwellers often hear and see their neighbors.
• Lack of space: Not all apartments are small, but many are: 42% of renters live in spaces that measure less than 1,000 square feet, per Zillow’s Renters Housing Trends Report. 
• Little outdoor space: Some apartments have balconies, but most have no private outdoor space. 

Are townhomes more expensive than apartments?

Townhouses are more expensive than apartments, because they tend to be bigger and have more bedrooms. Zillow data from August 2026 found that across the U.S., the median asking rent for a townhome was $555 more than the median asking rent for an apartment. 

Here are the cheapest major metro areas in the U.S. to rent an apartment:

Here are the cheapest major metro areas in the U.S. to rent a townhome:

Source: Zillow data, August 2026

Is it better to get a townhome or apartment?

In the apartment vs. townhome debate, the choice that’s best for you depends on your finances, your personal preferences, and the kind of lifestyle you’d like to lead. 

You may want to rent an apartment if:

• You want a lower-cost option
• You don’t need a lot of storage space
• You travel a lot or don’t spend much time at home 
• You’re new in town and don’t know many people yet — shared amenities and lots of neighbors can be the beginnings of a social life

You may want to rent a townhome if:

• Outdoor space is important to you
• You have a lot of stuff or work from home and need the extra space
• You don’t mind a lot of stairs
• You prefer having a bit more quiet and privacy than apartments allow

How to find an apartment or a townhome on Zillow

Whatever your budget and preferences, Zillow can help you find an apartment or townhouse that suits your needs. Follow these 5 steps:

1. Input your city or ZIP code of choice into Zillow’s Renter Search Center.
2. Select your desired price range and number of bedrooms and bathrooms.
3. Under “Property type,” select either “Apartments/Condos” or “Townhomes.”
4. If you like, use “Filters” to further define your preferences for features like pet friendliness, parking, amenities, and more.
5. Save your search and look through the listings to find options you like and book a tour or apply.

Final word on apartments vs. townhomes

Apartment rentals are more common than townhome rentals, and they’re typically more affordable, too, but they also tend to be smaller. Apartments share more walls than townhouses, so you're more likely to hear your neighbors, and they also share access to common areas. Townhouses might be a better fit for those who can afford to pay more for more space and privacy, while apartments might be better for renters looking for a lower-cost option.