Are you looking for a shared living space option but not sure whether to go for a Coliving or Hostel option? No need to worry, we have you covered! In this blog, we will discuss the differences between Coliving spaces and hostels, as well as their pros and cons. After this read, we are sure you will be able to make an informative decision on the type of communal housing NYC has to offer and whether a Coliving space or Hostel will suit your individual needs better. 

What is the difference between Coliving and a Hostel?

Coliving is becoming a new trend, especially in New York. In a coliving space you will find a communal kitchen, bathroom, living area and study area, apart from your private bedroom. A business or individual might rent out an entire house or building to coliving tenants, that is basically an all round package deal for a set monthly fee. 

Hostels were originally created for short term stays. People were looking into cheaper accommodation options and therefore hostels were born. Owners would take a single room and put a good couple of beds in it for shared living space, with some taking anything from 4 beds to 16 beds in one room, depending on the size of the room. They also offer shared facilities and most basic amenities.

What are the Pros and Cons of Coliving?

Pros

Here are some of the top 3 benefits:

Cost Effective

All services are included in the monthly fee helping you budget better and making it a more cost effective solution.

Practical

Residents receive a fully equipped kitchen, free  Wi-Fi, basic amenities, gym, spa, pool and communal study space. There is also no rental agreement, just a short term lease agreement.

Community

Noone wants to feel lonely, it is great to know you have some friends at home you can talk to. 

Cons

These downfalls can easily be solved by setting healthy boundaries with your roommates:

Privacy

Privacy in shared living spaces is always a concern, but at least you do have a private room you can escape to.

Conflicts

Some individuals have a lack of respect for others, and you may find some negative behaviors that you don’t agree with in the communal areas. Simply head on to your private room. 

What are the Pros and Cons of Hostel living?

Pros

Here are the top 3 pros of hostel living:

Affordable

As you are renting a space in a room, this accommodation will be a much cheaper option.

Amenities 

All basic amenities are included.

Community

There is a solid sense of community in a hostel living situation.

Cons

Some of the main gripes of hostel living:

Privacy and Security

Privacy is a concern in a hostel environment as you do not have a private room to escape to, even your bedroom is shared with others.

Limited space

There is always a problem with limited space in a hostel.

Not the best facilities 

The facilities are not always kept well or cleaned regularly.

In conclusion, we can note that if you prefer having some privacy or somewhere to turn to if you need some privacy then a coliving option would be better suited to you. If you don’t mind the privacy issues of hostel living and need to choose this option to meet your budget, hostel living will be better suited to you. Now that you can differentiate between what coliving and hostel living is all about, we are sure you can make a comfortable decision on which option will suit your living requirements better.