What is coliving and is it worth it?
What is coliving?
Coliving is a housing arrangement in which people live in a shared living space, typically with shared common areas and shared or private bedrooms. Coliving arrangements can take many forms, ranging from shared apartments or houses to purpose-built alternative communities. It’s an especially popular choice for digital nomads or remote workers who want a sense of community and affordability while working remotely. Pairing coliving with a digital nomad visa creates the perfect setup for exploring the world while staying productive. If you’re interested in becoming a remote worker, learn how to ask to work from home.
Mi Casa, su Casa: How it Works
In a coliving arrangement, residents often share common spaces and resources, such as kitchen and laundry facilities, and may also participate in shared activities or events. Some coliving arrangements may include shared meals or other activities, creating opportunities for connection and reducing feelings of isolation. For those who struggle with loneliness, this type of setup can be a great solution. Learn more about what to do when you feel lonely.
During the day, members work on shared or individual businesses and can cowork in the shared common areas or in the local area. Coliving can be an affordable and social alternative to traditional apartment or home rentals, and can be especially appealing to people who value community and shared resources.
Rent is usually paid on a monthly basis, and may be all-inclusive or may require residents to pay additional fees for utilities or other shared resources.
Is it worth it?
If traveling through South America and staying in hostels with strangers you’ve never met sounds exciting to you, then coliving will be an affordable and creative adventure for you. One of the main advantages of coliving is the sense of community it can provide. Living with others who have similar values and interests can enable strong bonds and a sense of belonging. This can be especially appealing to people who are new to an area or who are looking to make connections and find a supportive social network.
If the thought of sharing a bathroom and a kitchen for the foreseeable future in a potentially tiny or shared room makes you think twice, then maybe you should consider something else like a long-term Airbnb instead.
What to look for
The popularity and price of coliving arrangements can vary widely depending on the location, availability, and amenities. Quality of the living space, the perks offered, the cost of rent, the proximity to desired locations or resources, and the sense of community within the coliving arrangement can all affect the cost and popularity. Look for a flexible check in and cancellation policy, highly rated customer service, and the proper licensing and safety features of a shared residence.
5+ Coliving options for the digital nomad
The Collective (London, UK)
The Negev Desert Community (Israel)
The Roam Network (Multiple locations)
The Assemblage (New York City, USA)
Common (Multiple locations)
Quarters (Multiple locations)
Ollie (Multiple locations)
X Collective (Multiple locations)
This list is by no means exhaustive! Ultimately, the best coliving arrangement for you will depend on your individual needs and what you want to get out of an extended work-stay adventure.
