Are Colivings Really Cheaper Than an Airbnb?

They can be, sometimes, but not always.

In this article, I’ll be breaking down the cost differences between doing your own monthly Airbnbs and joining a coliving while traveling. The cost of the accommodation is just the beginning of the comparison.

The biggest misconception I had before joining my first coliving is that I was going to be saving money by staying in a shared accommodation. In reality, there is more baked into the cost of a coliving besides the accommodation. You certainly can find a private accommodation that is cheaper than a coliving. On the other hand, you get a better value by staying in a coliving. Ultimately, it depends on what you value when staying long-term in a new city.

The value of a coliving isn’t just a place to shit, shower, sleep, and eat. The real value is in the community and the coworking space. The memories and friendships you create are worth more than any $200 savings.

Are you a skeptic? I was at the beginning. Let’s break down a comparison, and by the end of the article you can decide what is actually cheaper.

If you have no idea what I’m talking about and want to know more about what a coliving is, check out this article: What Is a Coliving?

What’s Actually Included: Airbnb vs. Coliving 🥊

Below is a general comparison of what is included for a monthly Airbnb vs. coliving. These are generalizations, and each property will have its own unique differences. However, across many experiences, I can confidently say these are often accurate.

Swipe horizontally to compare.

	Monthly Airbnb	Coliving
Private room & bathroom	Yes.	Yes, however, shared rooms are also available for more affordable fees.
Coworking space	Rarely has a dedicated working space	Yes, it usually comes with a desk in your room and a group coworking space. Some colivings even have private call rooms that you can reserve!
Activities	Not included	The paid excursions are usually not included. However, you have a group of people you can go grab coffee with, make dinner with, have a movie night, or make a day trip to the beach. Most often, others are planning group activities, and you can jump in where you want!
Community	None	Built in and already included
Local guide	Your Airbnb host could answer some questions.	Most owners are involved and are from the area. Most also love to get to know their guests. They always have a community manager who may not be from the area directly but will be organizing events and creating opportunities for community.
Meals	Not included	Most colivings don’t have food included, but group dinners happen naturally, and splitting the cost is usually quite affordable.
Utilities	Included	Included
WiFi	Included	Included
Laundry access	Varies, but usually private	Communal access
Cleaning services	Usually not included	Weekly cleanings usually included
Kitchen access	Private	Communal access

Real Cost Example: Medellín

For this example, I’ll be comparing a month-long stay at the Nomadico location in Medellín vs. CO404 (another popular coliving in Medellín) vs. Airbnb, which you can book for an entire month in a similar area.

The walkability score was pulled directly from walkscore.com on a scale of 1–100.

Prices are based on a 30-night stay for 1 guest, in USD.

Swipe horizontally to compare.

Category	Nomadico Medellín: Private Studio	CO404: Private Room + Bathroom	CO404: Shared Dorm	2BD Apartment (Airbnb)	Premium Loft (Airbnb)
Accommodation	$1,023–$1,600	$1,248	$528	$919	$1,950
Deposit	20% of total	20% of total	20% of total	Full amount due	Full amount due
Coworking space	Included	Included	Included	$200/month for nearby coworking space	Dedicated workspace included
Laundry access	On-site and available for a fee	Laundromat nearby, $6/load	Laundromat nearby, $6/load	In building, for a fee	Included
Kitchen access	Private kitchenette + communal kitchen	Communal kitchen	Communal kitchen	Private	Private
Cleaning	Daily cleaning for common spaces + weekly room cleaning included	Daily cleaning for common spaces + weekly room cleaning included	Daily cleaning for common spaces + weekly room cleaning included	Not included (~$25/cleaning)	Included
Extra amenities	Rooftop space, jacuzzi, call booths	7 call booths, rooftop space, and outdoor kitchen	7 call booths, rooftop space, and outdoor kitchen	None	Hot tub, AC, and gym
Gym	$39	$39	$39	$39	Included
Neighborhood	Belén	Laureles	Laureles	Belén	Laureles/Belén
Walkability score	95	96	96	94	96
Minimum stay	7 nights	4 nights	4 nights	No minimum	No minimum
Cancellation policy	Free 30 days before	Not specified	Not specified	Free 30 days before	Free cancellation
Total estimated	$1,086–$1,711	$1,311	$591	$1,282	$1,950

Total cost assumes 1 load of laundry per week ($6/load), weekly cleaning, and a monthly gym membership.

Honestly, the comparison makes it pretty clear to me where the real value of a coliving is. It has a lot more amenities already included, which lends itself to an easier booking experience. As much as I love working from my bed, having a proper desk and working chair is better for my hips and focus.

So, Are Colivings Actually Cheaper?

Maybe this is the wrong question, because it’s more important to decide what is important to you.

The truth is, I hate to do this to you, but as you can see, it actually depends. If you value convenience, community, a proper coworking space, weekly cleaning, and a more all-inclusive price, then colivings are the way to go. If you value total privacy and control over your space, then there are plenty of Airbnbs that will fit your budget.

Once you add in a proper coworking space membership, that is where the price really tips in favor of a coliving. If you are working remotely and need more than a small side table in your Airbnb, this is where colivings really win. They usually have massive spaces with tons of desks and private call rooms, and some have monitors. There is also something to say about being in a space of other productive nomads.

The one cost factor that isn’t included is the community. Here is where I get cheesy, because it’s true, but the “cost” of the community is really priceless. It’s hard to put a price tag on being a built-in group of people to go to dinner with, laughing in the kitchen while making dinner, and meeting people from all over the world.

I can’t tell you the number of people I have met in colivings that are now my good friends who I see in other places around the world. Even better are the memories of random karaoke nights that ended with dancing on the tables and eating ice cream out of the tub. These are things you can’t find on Viator or Get Your Guide. It would be hard to replicate without being in a coliving.

Certainly, there are times when I am ready for a quiet private space because my social battery is low, and I have a lot of writing and editing to do. For me, I like switching between both so I can have the best of both worlds.

So, after all that, which accommodation experience do you think you would prefer? If you need help on how to choose the perfect coliving for you, check out this article: What Is a Coliving?