Coliving vs Traditional room renting
Digital nomads are redefining the way we work and live. For these professionals who combine travel and remote work, finding the right place to live is crucial.
Two popular options are coliving and traditional room renting. In this article, we will compare these two alternatives and explain why coliving might be the better option for digital nomads. We will also provide practical tips for choosing the perfect place to live.
What is Coliving?
Coliving is a shared living concept that combines privacy and community.
Generally, it includes private spaces (rooms) and communal areas (kitchens, living rooms, shared offices) designed to foster social interaction and collaboration.
Colivings often offer additional services such as cleaning, community events, and workspaces, making them especially attractive for digital nomads.
Features of Coliving
Shared Spaces: Common areas like kitchens, living rooms, and work zones.
Included Services: Cleaning, Wi-Fi, maintenance, and sometimes meals.
Community: Events and activities to foster social interaction.
Flexibility: Short-term lease agreements and options to change locations.
What is Traditional room renting?
Traditional renting involves leasing a property (apartment, room, etc.) individually, usually under a long-term contract. This type of living offers greater privacy but fewer opportunities for social interaction and flexibility.
Features of traditional renting
Privacy: Completely private spaces without shared common areas.
Autonomy: Freedom to personalise and manage the space as you wish.
Fewer services: Generally, only basic services like water and electricity are included in the rent.
Long-term contracts: Less flexibility with rental agreements usually lasting several months or years.
Comparison: Coliving vs Traditional room renting
1. Cost
- Coliving: Includes all services in a monthly fee, making it easier to manage expenses and potentially more cost-effective when considering all additional costs (internet, cleaning, furniture).
- Traditional renting: May be cheaper in terms of base rent, but additional costs and the responsibility of furnishing and maintaining the property can add up significantly.
2. Community and networking
- Coliving: Ideal for digital nomads seeking a community. It offers opportunities for networking, collaborations, and friendships through community events and activities.
- Traditional renting: Fewer opportunities for socialising and networking, as you live more isolated.
3. Flexibility
- Coliving: Designed to be flexible, with short-term lease agreements and options to change locations easily.
- Traditional renting: Less flexible with generally long-term contracts and penalties for breaking the lease early.
4. Services and convenience
- Coliving: Offers a range of services that make daily life easier (high-speed Wi-Fi, cleaning, maintenance). Ideal for those who prefer to focus on their work and enjoy more free time.
- Traditional renting: Requires more time and effort to manage basic services and home maintenance.
5. Productivity
- Coliving: Shared workspaces and environments designed for productivity can enhance the performance of digital nomads.
- Traditional renting: While you can create your own workspace, the lack of a collaborative environment can be a disadvantage for some.
Practical tips for choosing a place to live as a digital nomad
1. Assess connectivity
Ensure the place offers a fast and reliable internet connection, essential for remote work.
2. Check the location
Choose a central location with access to public transport, shops, and other important amenities. Investigate the safety and accessibility of the area.
3. Analyse the costs
Compare total costs, including services, furnishing, and other hidden expenses. Make sure they fit your budget.
4. Explore the community
If you choose coliving, research the community and the events they offer. An active and supportive community can significantly enhance your experience.
5. Consider amenities
Check the additional amenities and services offered by the coliving, such as gyms, coworking spaces, and common areas. These can add value to your experience.
For digital nomads, coliving offers numerous advantages over traditional renting. It provides a vibrant community, included services, flexibility, and environments designed for productivity, making life much simpler and more enjoyable.
If you are a digital nomad looking for a place to live, seriously consider coliving as a superior option that suits your dynamic and connected lifestyle, check out our coliving and coworking plans.
