What is the difference between Co Living and roommates?

It’s essentially the same concept but with a totally different approach, taking both benefits and costs into account. Curious about how Coliving in NYC differs from shared living? Continue reading to find out.

So what is Co Living?

Co living involves a group of individuals sharing a specially designed living space. In this setup, each resident has their own room (and occasionally their own bathroom), while communal areas like the balcony, kitchen, and living room are shared. The Co living provider handles maintenance issues (like water leaks or air conditioning repairs), roommate disputes, and other concerns, and is also responsible for addressing your needs.

How is Co Living different from apartments or shared housing?

On the other hand, a shared apartment involves a group of people living together in a standard apartment building that isn’t specifically designed for shared living. If you encounter issues with your rental property’s equipment or have disputes with your roommates, you’ll often need to handle these problems on your own, as landlords typically do not address these “routine” matters.

To clarify the differences between Co- iving and shared housing, here is a comprehensive list comparing the two, as well as the benefits you can expect from opting for co-living.

Difference between Co living and living with roommates or alone

Benefits of Co living: Co living offers a modern approach to housing, handling the complexities of home ownership while fostering personal connections. It’s a different experience compared to living alone or with traditional roommates.

Space and Amenities: In Co living arrangements, each resident has a private room of varying sizes, with shared common areas that might include indoor and outdoor living spaces like bathrooms, laundry rooms, balconies, kitchens, and living rooms. Co living can be likened to modular homes, where you pay only for what you need. Prefer a smaller space? Choose a smaller room with fewer amenities and live alone or with roommates. Need more space with a kitchen? Opt for a studio or a larger studio apartment with a full kitchen, suitable for two people. Shared houses, on the other hand, are typically designed for family living. Each resident has their own room, but the bathrooms and kitchen are shared. Most bedrooms are small, and there’s usually only one “master” bedroom, which may or may not have an en-suite bathroom.

Lower Upfront Costs: With Co living, you avoid the cost of furnishing an apartment, as it comes fully furnished. Rent includes utilities, maintenance, and more, providing a clear and fixed monthly payment. While traditional rentals may seem like the only option, Co living offers more benefits at affordable rates. If you’re considering whether to live alone or with a roommate, Co living might be your ideal choice, offering furnished accommodations, flexible terms, and a chance to build meaningful social connections.

Rent: Many Co living companies include furniture and basic utilities like internet, water, electricity, maintenance, and regular cleaning in the rental price. This means you won’t have to deal with monthly utility bills or setup issues—just contact the service department for repairs, and they’ll handle it. In shared housing, utilities (such as water, gas, and internet) and costs for additional plumbing, furniture, or maintenance are not included in the rent. Tenants are responsible for these expenses and managing repairs, which means coordinating with your roommates to handle issues and split costs.

Location: When choosing between Co living and shared living, location can impact your daily commute and overall convenience. Co living homes are often located on the outskirts of the city, whereas many Co living apartments are centrally located in fashion or business districts.

Flexibility: Co living provides flexibility by eliminating long-term rental commitments. You’re not tied to a minimum lease period, offering you more freedom and adaptability.

Welcoming Experience: Adjusting to a new city can be challenging, whether you’re living alone or with a roommate. Co living offers various social opportunities, from rooftop barbecues to movie nights and neighborhood walks, helping you feel comfortable and engaged.

A Sense of Belonging: Co living focuses on building community through organized activities, allowing you to connect with others and create meaningful relationships.