Furnished vs. Unfurnished Apartments: What’s Included in Each?
December 18, 2024
If you want to rent an apartment in New York City, you need to decide between a furnished and an unfurnished apartment. Knowing what each choice means can make a big difference whether you're moving for work, starting a new chapter, or looking for temporary housing. This blog post will examine the debate between a furnished apartment and an unfurnished apartment, outlining what comes with each and assisting you in selecting the choice that best fits your way of life.
What Is a Furnished Apartment?
There is everything you need for daily life in a furnished apartment. These apartments are ready to move into right away, with all the basic furniture and tools you need. Urban Furnished has more than 250 fully furnished apartments in Manhattan, New York. These apartments have high-end amenities and stylish decor to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
What’s Typically Included in a Furnished Apartment?
- Living Room: Sofa, coffee table, lamps, and sometimes additional seating or décor items.
- Bedroom: Bed (often with a mattress), nightstands, and wardrobes or closets.
- Kitchen: A dining table, chairs, gadgets like a stove, fridge, and microwave, and often cookware and utensils.
- Bathroom: Shower curtains, storage racks, and sometimes toiletries.
- Extras: As part of the rent deal, many furnished apartments in Midtown also include Wi-Fi, linens, and utilities.
What Is an Unfurnished Apartment?
Unfurnished apartments are like blank canvases; they give renters a chance to decorate and furnish them however they like. Most of the time, they come with the basics like water and lights, but you'll need to provide everything else.
What’s Typically Included in an Unfurnished Apartment?
- Basic Fixtures: Light fittings, built-in cabinets, and sometimes appliances like a stove or refrigerator.
- No Furniture: You’ll need to bring your own sofas, beds, and dining sets.
- Minimal Amenities: Utilities like electricity and water are usually not included in the rental price.
The Pros and Cons of Furnished Apartments
Pros:
- Move-In Ready: Ideal for those seeking immediate occupancy without the hassle of buying furniture.
- Short-Term Flexibility: Perfect for temporary stays or professionals relocating for work.
- Cost Savings: Eliminates the upfront cost of purchasing furniture and appliances.
- Prime Locations: Many of the best furnished apartments in NYC are in areas that people want to live in, like Midtown and Manhattan.
Cons:
- Higher Rent: Furnished apartments often come with a premium price tag.
- Limited Customization: You may not be able to personalize the space to your taste.
- Responsibility for Damage: Tenants are typically liable for wear and tear on provided furnishings.
The Pros and Cons of Unfurnished Apartments
Pros:
- Lower Rent Costs: Unfurnished apartments typically have lower monthly rent prices than furnished apartments.
- Personalization: The blank slate allows you to furnish and decorate according to your preferences.
- Long-Term Viability: Ideal for tenants planning to stay for several years and invest in furniture.
Cons:
- High Initial Costs: You’ll need to budget for furniture and appliances.
- Time-Consuming Setup: Moving in requires more effort and planning.
- Minimal Flexibility: Unfurnished apartments are better suited for long-term commitments.
Comparing Furnished and Unfurnished Apartments: Key Factors to Consider
1. Length of Stay
- For short-term stays, furnished apartments are the clear winner.
- Long-term tenants might find unfurnished options more cost-effective.
2. Budget
- Furnished apartments come with higher monthly rents but save on furniture costs.
- Unfurnished apartments require an upfront investment but are cheaper over time.
3. Convenience
- Furnished apartments, like midtown furnished apartments, are great for people who want to live in comfort and with little setup.
- Unfurnished apartments require more time and effort to set up but offer greater personalization.
4. Lifestyle Preferences
- If you prefer a hassle-free experience, opt for a furnished apartment in NYC Manhattan.
- If you enjoy designing your own space, an unfurnished apartment might be a better fit.
Who Should Choose Furnished Apartments?
Furnished apartments are ideal for:
- Business Travelers: Relocating professionals who need convenience and flexibility.
- Students and Interns: Those on temporary assignments or studying in NYC.
- First-Time Renters: Individuals looking for an easy move-in process.
Who Should Choose Unfurnished Apartments?
Unfurnished apartments are best suited for:
- Long-Term Residents: Tenants planning to stay in one place for years.
- Families: Those with existing furniture or specific design preferences.
- Budget-Conscious Renters: Individuals looking to save on monthly rent.
Final Thoughts: Furnished vs. Unfurnished Apartments
Your needs, income, and way of life will determine whether you should rent a furnished or unfurnished apartment. Furnished apartments, like the ones Urban Furnished has to offer, are very convenient and great for people who like comfort and freedom. Instead, long-term renters can make their own unique homes in unfurnished apartments that don't come with furniture.
What kind of apartment do you like best, and why? In the comments, please share your ideas, thoughts, or experiences.

Airbnb Luxe was officially launched in 2019, 11 years after the official launch of Airbnb. Much like the name suggests, Airbnb Luxe is designed to supply tenants, specifically those who qualify, with the most luxurious short term rentals imaginable. With over 2,000 alternatives to choose from globally, many of which being lease apartments in New York, Luxe apartments have become a behemoth in the high-end rental market. While there have been a few setbacks in recent months, specifically the LL18 zoning laws which have had a negative impact on the short term rental market, it hasn’t hindered the rise of Airbnb Luxe. With the luxury travel market gaining a whopping 1.3 billion in its global market value, Airbnb seized on this glowing opportunity. With the annual growth rate projected to grow 7.6% between now and 2030, is Airbnb Luxe the future of short term rentals in NYC? Airbnb Luxe: What Sets It Apart? While Airbnb certainly has no shortages of gorgeous rental properties and lease apartments, what Luxe has to offer is truly immaculate. The main factors that determine what exactly qualifies a rental as luxury are usually the size, the location, amenities and what the experience has to offer. The location must be in a particularly prestigious area, some even with historic value. The short term rentals that Airbnb Luxe has to offer include properties like castles, villas and manor houses. Castles, which have tremendous value are classified as luxury properties due to their gargantuan size, indescribable architectural design and the history behind the location as well. Some are located in rural areas while others can be found in urban areas like NYC. Villas are classified as luxury rentals due to their large square footage both inside and out. They are also known for their architecture, the large park or gardens that can normally be found around them and the activities that come along with your stay like a park or swimming pool. Manor houses or stately homes are known for their interior heights, the usage of elevators inside the house, highly advanced security systems, and beautiful gardens with panoramic views. With some of these lease apartments in New York, some of which going for 13,000 a month, high-end business travelers, High-net-worth individuals, executives, and celebrities have increasingly turned to Airbnb Luxe for their stays, seeking a combination of luxury, privacy, and convenience. Those folks tend to be the main target demographic for these types of short term rentals. The Shift in NYC's Rental Market: From Lease Apartments to Short-Term Luxury One of the most glaringly obvious reasons for the shift in short term rentals would be that in this day and age, hotels are quite literally charging tenants around 2,000 a night, depending on which hotel they stay at. As the city has become more of a global center-point for business and recreational travel, the rental landscape has evolved. Short term luxury rentals allow tenants to live like locals, experiencing the best neighborhoods in Manhattan and Brooklyn without the commitment. In addition to the obvious appeal of upscale amenities, beautiful locations and services, these properties offer flexibility that traditional lease apartments simply can’t compete with. The demand for these kinds of short term rentals has fueled a growing trend toward properties that cater specifically to this high end clientele. Properties that once centered solely around long term tenants are now available as high end and short term options. With the luxury market projected to grow even further, it’s clear that the line between lease apartments and short term rentals is becoming increasingly blurred in New York City. As the popularity of Airbnb Luxe continues to grow and captivate the city’s wealthy demographic, it raises the question: could the future of NYC's rental market lean more heavily toward short term luxury living rather than long term lease apartments? Will High-End Short-Term Rentals Become a Mainstream Option? We are witnessing a big shift in the zeitgeist as Airbnb luxe shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. As rent prices continue to soar through the roof, less people are coming to New York City with the ambition to live there full time. By the same token, more and more people are cruising through the city with the ambition just to stay there temporarily, thus being the crux of short term rentals seeing this new found rise in prominence. The idea of settling down in the city is beginning to become outdated and replaced with short term rentals as a much more financially viable option. Remote work continues to be a fixture in the modern workforce and more people are rethinking their relationship with physical spaces. The concept of “home” is evolving from a fixed, permanent place to a more fluid, transient one. High end short term rentals cater to this growing demographic of individuals seeking luxury and comfort for as long or as briefly as they need. As a result, Airbnb Luxe could become a mainstream option for those who want the best of both worlds: the opportunity to live like a local in one of the world’s most exciting cities, without the constraints of traditional leases. This evolving trend suggests that the future of New York City’s rental market may very well involve a broader acceptance of short term luxury living, alongside the more traditional long term leasing model. Conclusion The rise of Airbnb Luxe is reshaping the rental playing field in New York City, making high end short term rentals a more enticing option for both business travelers and visitors/tourists. As rent prices soar and long term living becomes less sustainable for many, short term rentals in NYC are quickly gaining traction, offering flexibility, luxury, and exclusive experiences that traditional lease apartments in New York can’t match. With the demand for upscale accommodations in prime neighborhoods growing, it's clear that short term luxury rentals are not just a passing trend but a significant shift in the market. As we move into the future, it’s possible that more individuals will opt for these luxurious, temporary living spaces, further colliding the worlds between lease apartments and short term stays. The evolving preferences of both locals and visitors alike suggest that high end short term rentals will play a key role in shaping NYC’s rental market for years to come.

In a colossal city like The Big Apple, the options you have for where you’re going to stay are just as massive as the city. Obviously, you wouldn’t just show up to the city without having previously established a financial gameplan. Naturally, the prices will vary depending on several factors: the borough you land in, the time of year, inflation, your credit rating, the websites for short-term rentals in NYC you use—the list goes on. Corporate apartment rentals in NYC have recently seen a renaissance in usage in the 2020’s. While hotel options are exuberant, short-term rentals offer more flexibility, bigger living space, and more often than not, better deals. However, navigating the seemingly endless cycle of rental platforms and prices can be tricky, especially when trying to stick to a budget. In this article, we will carefully examine the best tips budget for your stay and how and where to find the best short term rentals and corporate apartment rentals. In NYC, prices for short-term rentals can alternate drastically. A small studio apartment in a central location like Manhattan can start for around $150 per night during the off-peak season, but prices can easily escalate to $300 or more during peak tourist season. Corporate apartment rentals in NYC might cost you anywhere from $3,000 to $7,000 for a month-long stay, depending on things like amenities and how far it is from public transportation and the city highlights. Top Websites for Short-Term Rentals in NYC One of the first steps anyone should take when searching for the right short term rental in NYC is using the power of our good friend the internet. Websites like Virgo and Airbnb are ideal for comforting getaway travels to clear your head while Furnished Finder and Sabbatical Homes are for the business travelers looking for the best corporate apartment accommodation. ● Airbnb – Best for travelers and those seeking unique, home-like accommodations. ● Vrbo – Another strong runner-up for vacation rentals, often offering larger properties or whole homes. ● Furnished Finder – Perfect for professionals looking for corporate apartment rentals in NYC. They specialize in longer stays such as 30 or more days with fully furnished options. ● Booking.com – While traditionally a hotel booking site, it is also upgrading to offer short-term apartment and vacation rentals, which are often more competitive in terms of pricing for business travelers. ● Sabbatical Homes – A niche site that caters to academics and professionals looking for short-term rentals. It’s especially good for those who need more specialized accommodations. Budgeting Your Stay As mentioned above, tenants can stay in NYC in a short term rental or corporate apartment for 30 days or more. So not only are you going to have to budget accordingly but you’re certainly going to have to pack accordingly. There are several factors that everybody has to consider when budgeting for your NYC stay. These things include cleaning and maintenance fees, property taxes, property management fees, utilities, furniture appliances, and guest appliances. How much you will end up paying depends on a number of factors. These factors include the location of where you are staying, the amenities that are included in your apartment which would naturally affect the cost of your stay and of course the duration of your stay plays a significant role in how much you’ll end up paying. Corporate Stays: What to Expect from Corporate Apartment Rentals in NYC Corporate apartments are more often than not located in central Manhattan. Tenants can expect fully furnished furniture. Since these are specifically designed for business folks to conduct their affairs, you can expect gorgeous amenities. These include business lounges, in house washers and dryers, basic utilities such as cable, a phone, high-speed internet. They can also include fitness centers, pools, saunas, or even yoga studios for those moments that every hustler needs to step away from their assignments for a bit. Some even go so far as to have things like an outdoor recreational area for barbecues and other things of that nature. The delightful furniture that comes with a corporate furnished apartment includes stylish sofas, coffee tables, dining table and chairs, nightstands, artwork and wall decor, curtains and blinds and rugs. While all of these amenities sound familiar to that which you can find in any expensive hotel, the design and layout of these corporate apartments are to cover all the bases in what is supposed to feel like a home-like environment. Living in a post-pandemic world that while most of the turmoil of that time is long behind us, it did somewhat permanently alter the way in which we conduct business. Millions of people stayed home from the office and conducted their business from the comfort of their own homes which is a crucial example why these home-like corporate rentals have seen such a rise in popularity. Additional Tips for Saving Money As we all know New York City can be expensive, but with a sense of strategy and pre-planning, you can save and cut costs without sacrificing the comfort and enjoyability of your stay. Here are a few additional tips to help you save money during your short-term rental stay. Always make sure to book in advance. With the help of the aforementioned websites for short term rentals in NYC, booking weeks or even months in advance is the most pragmatic approach to getting the best deal available. Rental prices can increase or decrease based on demand, and booking early allows you to take full advantage of better deals before prices spike. Although neighborhoods like Manhattan can offer some of the best corporate housing available, for the sake of saving money in your search, it may be wise in this instance to book somewhere else. In particular, a corporate apartment that is close to public transit. Areas like Queens, Brooklyn or Washington heights can all offer a less expensive alternative that’s a fraction of the price while simultaneously being close to public transportation. Another piece of advice is to not settle for the first listing you see. Use price comparison websites or apps that compare rental listings, like Kayak, Tripping, or Airbnb’s own pricing tools, to look at rates across multiple platforms. You may find the same apartment listed at different prices on different sites. One final tip is to look for discounts and promotions. Always check if there are any promo codes or special offers available before finalizing your booking. Conclusion And there you have it! We’re currently living in an exhilarating new time in the world of vacations and staycations. As the world continues to evolve, sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse, it’s always important to make the most of it. People who are always away on business are surely taking full advantage of this new means of corporate hospitality and they are doing so by using technology and websites for short term rentals at their disposal.










