How Co-living Housing is Different from Hostels

October 17, 2023

Living in a city for a short period can be expensive, especially when you are trying to budget for food, transportation, and other living expenses. If you are looking for an affordable place to live in San Francisco, co-living housing may be a good option for you. But what is co-living housing and how is it different from hostels? Keep reading to find out!

What is co-living housing and how is it different from hostels?

Co-living housing is a type of housing where residents share common living spaces and amenities. Co-living is different from hostels in a few keyways:

  • Shared housing offers more privacy than hostels. Residents have their private bedrooms and bathrooms.
  • Co-livings are typically located in safe, convenient areas of the city.
  • Co-living housing provides residents with access to communal spaces, such as kitchens, living rooms, and laundry facilities.
  • Shared housing typically offers monthly or weekly cleaning services.

While looking for regular apartments is a good option to consider, co-living houses are more affordable than a regular apartment. They often also include the amenities in the price!

If you are looking for an affordable place to live in San Francisco, co-living housing may be a good option for you. Co-living housing offers residents privacy, safety, and convenience at a fraction of the cost of traditional apartments or houses.

The benefits of co-living housing over hostels

When traveling, there are a few different types of accommodations to choose from: hostels, hotels, or co-living spaces. Now The benefits of co-living housing over hostels and hotels are the following:

  • Co-living can offer a more comfortable stay for longer travel periods (think one month or more).
  • It offers more privacy.
  • Shared housing is typically located in safe, convenient areas of the city.

Hostels are a type of accommodation that has beds for rent in a dormitory-style setting. Co-living housing is similar to hostels in that they both offer affordable accommodations in the city. However, co-living housing is more private than hostels and typically located in safer, more convenient areas of the city. Co-living spaces also offer residents access to communal spaces and monthly or weekly cleaning services.

co living san francisco

How to choose the right co-living housing for your needs

When choosing a co-living space, there are a few key questions to keep in mind:

  • What is my budget?
  • How long will I be staying in San Francisco?
  • What are my needs and wants?
  • Which type of co-living housing would be best for me?
  • Where do I want to live in?
  • Which amenities are important to me?
  • What type of lease do I want?

Once you have answered these questions, you will be able to narrow down your search and find the perfect co-living space for your needs.

Types of co-living housing

There are a few different types of co-living spaces in San Francisco:

Co-working and co-living spaces: These spaces offer residents a place to live and work. Co-working and co-living spaces typically have communal spaces, such as kitchens, living rooms, and laundry facilities. At HIVE we offer this type of living space, you can learn more about what we offer here.

Co-housing communities: Co-housing communities are made up of private homes or apartments that share common areas, such as courtyards, gardens, or laundry facilities. Co-housing communities often have a sense of community and offer residents the opportunity to interact with their neighbors.

Micro-apartments: Micro-apartments are small, private apartments that typically have all of the amenities of a traditional apartment, such as a kitchen, bathroom, and living area. Micro-apartments are becoming increasingly popular in San Francisco as they offer residents a more affordable option.

Shared housing: Shared housing is when two or more people live together and share common living spaces, such as a kitchen, bathroom, or living room. Shared housing is a great option for those who want to save money or meet new people.

Traditional apartments: Traditional apartments are private, self-contained units that typically have a kitchen, bathroom, and living area. Traditional apartments are the most expensive option, but offer residents the most privacy.

san francisco airbnb

The cost of co-living housing compared to hostels

Comparing the cost of co-living to hostels, Co-living spaces are a more affordable option, especially if you are looking for a longer-term stay. Hostels typically have nightly rates, while co-living spaces have monthly or weekly rates. Co-living spaces also offer discounts for longer stays.

When choosing a co-living space, location is important. Co-living spaces are typically located in safe, convenient areas of the city. This is important to consider if you will be using public transportation or walking to get around. Co-living spaces in SoMa, for example, offer easy access to public transportation and are within walking distance of the Financial District and many restaurants and cafes.

Leases

When considering a co-living space, it is important to think about what type of lease you are looking for. Co-living housing typically offers monthly or weekly leases. Monthly leases are a good option if you are planning on staying in San Francisco for an extended period of time. Weekly leases are a good option if you are only planning on staying for a short period of time or if you want the flexibility to move around.

At HIVE we offer month-to-month leases as well as 4-month leases for those thinking of staying a little longer in the city!

Amenities

When you're moving in to a new place, it is important to think about what amenities are important to you. Co-living spaces typically offer communal spaces, such as kitchens, living rooms, and laundry facilities. Some co-living spaces also offer private bedrooms and bathrooms. Other amenities to consider include monthly or weekly cleaning services, Wi-Fi, and cable TV.

here to stay in san francisco without a car

Tips for living in a co-living space successfully

Here are a few tips for living in a co-living space:

  • Keep your belongings organized and out of the way.
  • Be considerate of other residents.
  • Follow the house rules.
  • Keep your space clean and tidy.
  • Respect other people's privacy.

following these tips will help you live successfully in a co-living space.

Co-living spaces are a great option for travelers and residents alike. They offer affordable, private accommodations in safe, convenient locations. Co-living spaces also offer access to communal spaces and monthly or weekly cleaning services. If you are considering a co-living space, be sure to consider your budget, length of stay, and needs and wants.

Conclusion

Co-living housing is a great option for those who are looking for more privacy and independence than what hostels offer, while still wanting to be around others. If you’re considering co-living as an option, take some time to think about what your needs are and how much you’re willing to spend. Do some research on the different options available to you and ask questions of the landlords or managers.

If you're interested in what living at HIVE is like, you can check out our testimonials. Or if you're interested in applying and becoming a part of this co-living, you can fill out your application here! With careful planning, co-living can be a great way to reduce your living expenses and have some fun new experiences with people from all over the world. By following these tips, you can be sure that your co-living experience is a positive one.