Co-living spaces, PG  accommodations, and hostels are the most pocket-friendly options for people who are willing to stay longer than a few nights. These three living spaces exist for different purposes and they have distinct operations and set of rules from one another.

PG and Co-living are similar to a certain extent but they are very different in terms of amenities and perks they offer. The reason for this is that PG is operated by individuals who rent out rooms to guests within their homes. Whereas, co-living is operated by businesses that provide rooms on rent within entire units to people who are like-minded and who value the idea of communal living.

By now, you must be guessing as to how are co-living spaces any different from these two. Let’s clear it out. Co-living spaces are managed by businesses that host events, gatherings and offer professional services. PG has furnished homestays that give you the same experience as any hostel or co-living space would but, without any community or social involvement.

Hostels are on the middle grounds between hotels and dorm rooms. Hostels provide bunk beds, shared bathrooms, and communal spaces. Hotels and Airbnb are great options only when you are planning for long-term stays because otherwise, it will be very expensive. This post is a direct and complete guide that distinguishes between PG, Hostels, and co-living spaces. It will give you a clear idea to determine which option is best for you.

What is PG and what are its benefits and drawbacks?

PG – Paying Guest Accommodation allows you to rent a part of the house from the owner or the landlord, for a fee. In return, the owner provides you with basic amenities like food, laundry, and other utilities. The concept of PG is great for students who do not prefer to live in dorms and it also provides respite to professionals moving temporarily for work purposes.

However, this has benefits and drawbacks of its own.

Benefits:

  • Cost-saving
  • Access to a local network
  • Strong security

Drawbacks:

  • Conditions aren’t guaranteed so you must ensure if it will work for you in terms of amenities, safety, and security.
  • Limited flexibility
  • Limited perks

 

What is a Hostel and what are its benefits and drawbacks?

Hostels have multiple beds in a room and they have shared bathrooms. Hostels are like hotels, they have a reception area, dining area, cooking area, cleaning services, internet facilities, and laundry. However, these facilities are of a lower level than what hotels have to offer. These have a few benefits and drawbacks too.

Benefits:

  • Cost-saving
  • Access to basic amenities
  • Access to a community  and new social connection

Drawbacks:

  • Very noisy and crowded
  • Limited security
  • Not always clean and hygiene levels are very low as a lot of people use commonplace.

What is Co-living and what are its benefits and drawbacks?

Co-living is in itself a category. It is an amalgamation of Co-living spaces like PG’s, hostels, Airbnb’s, and hotels. Co-living spaces are businesses that rent out entire apartments or homes to their residents. These are fully furnished with affordable accommodation for a like-minded community.

The paid fee gives access to internet facilities, community events, a fully stocked kitchen, laundry services, and basic amenities such as soap, toilet paper, perishables, etc. Luxuries like a gym, spa, swimming pool, co-working spaces, and unparalleled network opportunities can also be availed.

Let us discuss its benefits and drawbacks:

Benefits:

  • Cost-saving
  • Exposure to an inspiring community of people with different backgrounds
  • Incredible perks because the main focus of the business is to support the community they serve
  • High-level security
  • Flexibility – the residents do not need to sign a lease agreement. Moreover, they only need to give a brief period of notice before they plan to move out

Drawbacks:

  • It can be noisy sometimes
  • Not every co-living space has all good amenities.