Choosing the right accommodation can make or break your travel experience.
Coliving vs hostels, what’s the difference? They both have shared living spaces and offer affordable living and a sense of community. But despite their similarities, the experiences they provide can differ drastically.
If you’re torn between the two, this post will guide you through the pros and cons of each, helping you to find the one that perfectly aligns with your travel style.
Rooms & Amenities
The hostel experience is similar to a hotel in terms of the number of available rooms. In contrast, a coliving is similar to an Airbnb in that it’s usually a house with fewer rooms.
Colivings tend to have fully equipped kitchens and hostels usually have more basic amenities when it comes to cooking. Hostels are more functional and minimalist and act more as a place to sleep compared to colivings which have more of a home-like feel.
Are you an introvert or an extrovert? Extroverts can thrive in hostel environments which are often social and vibrant. Hostels typically have more rooms, which means more people, and more opportunities to socialise. If you’re more introverted and prefer a quieter environment that still has opportunities to socialise, you may feel more at home at a coliving.
Cost Comparison
If you’re seeking budget travel options, hostels are generally cheaper due to the standard format being a shared dorm room. Colivings often have higher costs due to having private rooms and more amenities on offer like a full kitchen.
One of the key differences of a coliving vs hostels is that hostels are typically geared towards short-term travellers. Colivings allow you to get good deals on monthly stays if you’re looking for something longer-term.
Hostels often charge extra for things like locker storage and towels, but at a coliving, these necessities are included in the price. Many hostels have hidden costs and may charge for wifi and even bedding.
Community & Connection
The types of people you may encounter at a coliving can differ as well. Hostels often attract backpackers and gap-year students, while coliving spaces attract entrepreneurs, freelancers, and digital nomads.
Due to colivings attracting longer-term guests, this means people can foster deeper, long-term relationships. Sometimes hostel connections can feel brief and fleeting due to many people only staying for one or two nights.
Hostels have large common spaces which are designed to create spontaneous social interaction. You’ll find events like game nights and barbecues, while coliving spaces attract a more professional crowd looking to network and build relationships.
Coworking & Networking
When choosing travel accommodation, consider how much work you plan on getting done. Coliving spaces often provide dedicated areas for coworking which makes them ideal for digital nomads.
At a hostel, there may not be a suitable workspace beyond the communal lounge or dining area. If you prefer to work in a quiet environment, you may find a hostel a little distracting. And if you work unconventional hours, it may be difficult to do that in a shared dorm room, especially if you have video call meetings.
One of the core coliving benefits is a balance between work and relaxation, with workspaces integrated into your living environment. Most hostels are more focused on leisure and play rather than work.
Coliving vs Hostels: Why We Prefer Coliving
We like to think that coliving exists in its own category. A coliving has the comfort and privacy of an Airbnb, combined with the social benefits of a hostel, and the productive environment of a coworking space.
So coliving vs hostels — it really depends on your goals and what kind of traveller you are. If you prefer longer-term stays over shorter ones and yearn for deeper connections, you would be a perfect fit for coliving.
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