A condo and an apartment building look the same from the outside. Normally when you enter into an apartment or even a condo they are basically set up the same. You'll find your living quarters, a few bathrooms, a living room, dining room, kitchen and sometimes a laundry room inside the apartment or condo. What the major difference between the two is that a condo has an association that you pay dues to each month. You'll purchase the living space and pay a monthly payment to an association to keep up the appearance of the grounds and building. However, if you have an issue inside the condo it is your responsibility to hire a plumber or electrician to fix these problems. In a condo, you are free to enhance your living space, change the appearance, and make it more personal to your likings.
An apartment is owned by a company or an individual who owns the land and the building. The owner rents out these apartments each month to people. You can either have a lease or live there on a month to month basis. If you have any problems with the plumbing or the electricity the owner of the building is responsible to have this fixed. In an apartment, they do have some rules that need to be followed and some apartment owners won't allow you to have pets. Where a condo is yours and you own the airspace and can have pets inside your home.