1bed or 2bed!

1bed vs 2bed

Hello all! I’m moving into my first solo apartment, as I’ve had houses with roommates in the past. I’m 27 male, and I have about 20k saved. Hence why I want to move out from having a roommmate and be on my own. It’ll be my first time in about 5 years living alone. I’m looking into getting a pet.

Both options are after budgeting and savings considered.

Apt 1 is 1100sqft 2bd 2ba Laundry room(full room dedicated) Small complex Close to work Nice finishes Eh-area. (5.5/10) Lots of storage 2nd floor out 2 floors. Suburban Commute to work is 16minutes

Apt 2 is 730 sqft 1bed 1ba Laundry in unit(stacked) New construction (still very early) Nice finishes Niceish area (7/10) Closer to downtown Commute to work is 23 minutes

1 has no move-in specials. My total remaining cash left would be ~$820

2 has a special where the app/admin fees, 360$ applied to 2nd months rent, the 1st month is free And the 4th month is free. (Think: free march, 360$ discounted April, free May.) around a 3k value all together.

2 would leave me with ~$970.

So all in all, 150$ more a month, no incentives for a MUCH larger space (370sqft) a laundry room, being slightly closer to work but much larger apartment, space for gaming/work setup, extra bed.

vs

a smaller cheaper apartment that’s still very nice and close to downtown.

Please give me your thoughts if you were in this situation. :) thank you so much for your time!