Single, Medium, Master or Studio? How to Choose a Room Type in KL

Scroll through any room listing in Kuala Lumpur and you will see the same four words again and again: single, medium, master and studio. They sound simple, but the difference in size, privacy and price is bigger than most first-time renters expect.

Here is what each room type usually means, and how to pick the one that fits your budget and lifestyle.

Single room

The smallest and most affordable option. It usually fits a single bed, a small wardrobe and a study table, and you share the bathroom with other housemates.

• Best for: students and young workers who are out most of the day
• Typical rent in our KL units: around RM550 to RM800 a month
• Check: is there a window, and is air-conditioning included?

Medium room

Big enough for a queen bed, a proper wardrobe and a desk. Some listings call larger ones a “big medium room” or “balcony room”. The bathroom is still shared.

• Best for: one person who wants more space, or two people sharing
• Typical rent in our KL units: around RM750 to RM950 a month
• Check: how many people share the common bathroom?

Master room

The largest bedroom in the unit, with its own attached bathroom. This is the main reason people pay more for it: no queue in the morning.

• Best for: couples, or anyone who values privacy
• Typical rent in our KL units: around RM1,000 to RM1,200 a month
• Check: is the room big enough for two people's things?

Studio or whole unit

A studio is a self-contained unit with its own bathroom and a small kitchen, so you do not share anything. A whole unit means renting the entire apartment.

• Best for: people who want full privacy, or families and groups
• Check: who pays the utility bills, and are they in your name?

How to choose

1. Start with your budget. Remember you also pay 2 + ½ months' deposit upfront, so the room you choose affects your move-in cost too.
2. Count the people. One person can be happy in a single room. Two people usually need a medium or master room.
3. Decide how much you care about a private bathroom. If it matters, go for the master room.
4. Check the commute. A cheaper room far from the LRT can cost you more in time and Grab fares.
5. Ask about the housemates. Is it a female-only unit or mixed? How many people live there?

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a medium room and a master room?

The master room has its own attached bathroom and is usually the biggest room. A medium room shares the common bathroom.

Can two people share a medium room?

Often yes, but some owners charge more for a second person. Ask before you view.

Are utilities included in the rent?

It depends on the owner. Some rooms include Wi-Fi and part of the bills, and air-conditioning may be charged separately by a sub-meter.

Is a balcony room the same as a medium room?

It is usually a medium-sized room with direct balcony access. Check whether the balcony is shared with other housemates.

Looking for a room?

We manage furnished single, medium, master and studio rooms in Setapak, Cheras, Sentul, Kepong and Ampang. See available rooms or read our guide to room rental deposits in KL.