"Renting a Condo vs. Apartment — Pros and Cons Compared"
NearMor · "2026-04-08" · 6 min read
What Is a Condominium?
A condominium (condo) is a building divided into individually owned units for sale or rent. Owners share common property such as the lobby, swimming pool, fitness center, and parking.
Pros
- Full amenities — Swimming pool, fitness center, library, co-working space
- Security system — CCTV, key card access, 24-hour security guard
- Great location — Usually near BTS/MRT and shopping malls
- Move-in ready — Fully furnished with appliances
Cons
- Higher rent — On average 2,000-5,000 THB/month more than apartments
- Common area fee — Monthly common fee, may be included in rent or charged separately
- Smaller rooms — Studios start from 22-28 sqm
What Is an Apartment?
An apartment is a building wholly owned by a single owner who rents out rooms on a monthly basis. There is no shared ownership.
Pros
- Lower rent — Starting from 3,500-6,000 THB/month in Bangkok
- Larger rooms — Typically 30-50 sqm at the same price point
- No common fee — Water and electricity charged by actual meter
- Flexible lease — Some offer monthly contracts without 2-month deposit
Cons
- Fewer amenities — Most don't have pools or fitness centers
- Less security — May not have key card access or 24-hour guards
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Condo | Apartment |
|---|---|---|
| Average Rent (BKK) | 8,000-15,000 THB | 4,000-8,000 THB |
| Room Size | 22-35 sqm | 30-50 sqm |
| Amenities | Pool, Fitness | Parking, Laundry |
| Security | High (Key card, CCTV) | Moderate |
| Water & Electricity | May be higher (juristic rate) | Actual meter rate |
| Lease Term | 6-12 months | 1-12 months |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, a condo or an apartment?
Generally, apartments are 2,000-5,000 THB/month cheaper than condos. However, condos typically include amenities that apartments don't, such as swimming pools and fitness centers.
Do I have to pay the common fee when renting a condo?
It depends on the landlord. Some include the common fee in the rent, while others charge it separately. Always clarify before signing the lease.
Which should students choose?
For students on a budget, apartments are usually the better choice — lower rent, larger rooms, and more flexible lease terms.
Summary — Which Should You Choose?
Choose a condo if you want full amenities, high security, and a location near BTS/MRT.
Choose an apartment if you're on a budget, want a larger room, and don't need a pool or fitness center.
Search for both condos and apartments on NearMor — compare prices, locations, and amenities all in one place.