Co-living vs Roommates: Which is Better?

Boise, Idaho is a bustling city that attracts many young professionals, students, and people looking for a new place to call home. When it comes to housing options, our local team at Peasley Moving & Storage Boise says that co-living and having roommates are two popular choices for those looking to save money and build community. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of co-living vs roommates to help you determine which is better for when you move to Boise, Idaho.

What is co-living in a nutshell?

Co-living is a modern form of communal living where individuals or groups of individuals share living spaces and common areas, such as kitchens, living rooms, and sometimes bathrooms. Such spaces are designed to foster a sense of community and often come with shared amenities like gyms, co-working spaces, and entertainment rooms.

Nowadays, co-living is typically associated with younger generations. This is because moving to Idaho is becoming increasingly popular amongst young adults and housing costs in this state are on the rise. The most desirable homes are often located in highly popular neighborhoods, allowing co-living residents to access city amenities and social opportunities that they may not otherwise be able to afford.

A group of friends talking — If you’re thinking of moving to Boise, Idaho and don’t want to break bank on rent, consider co-living

Pros of co-living vs roommates

Co-living can offer several benefits, including cost savings, enhanced social connections, and access to a range of shared amenities. Additionally, co-living can be an ideal living arrangement for individuals who are new to an area and want to meet new people, or for those who are looking for a more communal living experience.

Cost-effective

In addition to being cost-effective when it comes to paying halved rent, co-living can also help residents save money on daily expenses. Many co-living spaces come with shared amenities, such as kitchens and laundry facilities, that can be more cost-effective than purchasing and maintaining these amenities on your own. You could also split the cost of furniture installation services with the people your share the co-living space with. Additionally, some co-living spaces offer meal plans or shared grocery purchases, which can further reduce living expenses.

Enhanced Social Connections

Co-living spaces are designed to foster a sense of community and provide opportunities for social interaction. Residents of co-living spaces often participate in community events, which can help them meet new people and build connections with others. Additionally, living with roommates or other residents in a co-living space can provide a built-in social network, which can be particularly valuable for those who are new to an area.

Flexibility

Co-living spaces typically offer more flexibility than traditional rental arrangements. Many co-living spaces offer short-term leases, which can be ideal for those who are not ready to commit to a long-term rental agreement. Additionally, co-living spaces often have flexible move-in and move-out dates, which can make it easier for residents to adjust their living situation as needed.

a group of friends talking in a co-living space — Co-living spaces are great for individuals who thrive in social groups and don’t enjoy spending time alone

Professional Opportunities

Many co-living spaces are located in or near urban areas, which can provide residents with access to professional opportunities and resources. For example, some co-living spaces may be located near coworking spaces or startup incubators, which can be particularly valuable for entrepreneurs or remote workers. Additionally, living in a co-living space can provide opportunities to network with other professionals and gain new insights and perspectives on various industries and career paths.

Cons of co-living vs roommates

Co-living is not for everyone. Those who value privacy or autonomy may find that co-living does not meet their needs. Additionally, co-living requires a certain level of willingness to share living spaces and cooperate with others, which may not be desirable for everyone. Ultimately, whether co-living is a good option for you depends on your personal preferences and lifestyle.

Lack of privacy

In addition to the advantages of co-living, it is important to consider the potential drawbacks as well. One of the main concerns with co-living is the lack of privacy. While most co-living spaces offer private bedrooms and bathrooms, residents still have to share common areas with others. This can make it difficult for those who value their privacy or need a quiet space to work or study. Additionally, sharing living spaces with others can lead to conflicts over noise, cleanliness, and other issues, which can be challenging to navigate.

Limited control over the living space

Another potential drawback of co-living is the limited control over the living space. Since co-living spaces are shared, residents don’t have as much control over the living space as they would if they were renting an entire apartment on their own. This means that tenants may have to compromise on things like decor or cleanliness. Additionally, sharing resources and amenities can lead to challenges around scheduling and use, which can be frustrating for those who prefer to have more control over their living environment.

Two women laughing in an office comparing co-living vs roommates living solution — Co-living spaces can give you an opportunity to live closer to the city center and save up money during the start of your career.

Limited flexibility

Finally, it is important to consider the limited flexibility that comes with co-living. Most co-living spaces require residents to sign a lease or rental agreement, which can limit their flexibility if they need to move or make changes to their living situation. Additionally, living with roommates or other residents can make it challenging to make changes to the living arrangement, such as bringing in a pet or having guests stay for an extended period of time.

What does living with roommates involve?

Making roommates in Boise is a common way for individuals to share living expenses, particularly among young adults, students, or those who are just starting out in their careers. Sharing an apartment or house with roommates can significantly reduce the cost-of-living expenses such as rent, utilities, and groceries. Even when it comes to moving in, hiring local movers Boise will be cheaper if you split the costs with a roommate.

However, living with roommates also has its challenges, including potential conflicts over household responsibilities, noise levels, and differing lifestyles. Despite these challenges, many individuals find that the benefits of living with roommates outweigh the downsides, and it remains a popular option for those looking to save money on living expenses.

Pros of sharing your home with roommates

With the high prices of living, having roommates is becoming one of the most sensible financial decisions you could make. Even adults decide to take on a roommate to both reduce their cost of rent and have a companion. There are, however, not the only advantages of this way of living in Boise.

two women sitting on a couch doing face masks trying co-living vs roommates option — Living with roommates can provide a level of social interaction and companionship that may be lacking if living alone.

Cost-effectiveness of the option

Living with roommates can be a popular choice for those who are looking for a more affordable living situation in Boise, Idaho. One of the main advantages of living with roommates is the cost savings. By splitting the cost of rent, utilities, and other living expenses, roommates can significantly lower their overall cost of living. This can be especially beneficial in a desirable Boise location where housing prices can be high.

Control over the living space

Another advantage of living with roommates is the increased control over the living space. Roommates have more say in who they live with, how the living space is organized and decorated, and what rules are in place. This can provide a level of comfort and flexibility that may be lacking in a co-living space. Roommates can also work together to keep the living space clean and organized according to their preferences.

Likely privacy concerns

Privacy is another advantage of living with roommates. While roommates share common areas such as the kitchen and living room, they typically have their own private bedrooms where they can retreat for quiet and solitude. This can be particularly important for individuals who need a private space to work, study, or relax. Additionally, roommates can work together to establish boundaries and respect each other’s need for privacy and personal space.

Cons of living with roommates

While living with roommates in Boise can offer many advantages, there are also potential downsides that should be considered before making a decision on co-living vs roommates arrangement.

Potential conflicts

One of the most significant challenges is the potential for conflicts between roommates. Roommates may have different expectations when it comes to things like cleanliness, noise levels, or household responsibilities, which can lead to tension and disagreements. Resolving these conflicts can be challenging and will often require compromise and effective communication.

two upset women looking away from each other — Communication is key – in order to avoid and deal with any altercations, you must make compromises regardless of co-living vs roommates

Limited flexibility

Finally, living with roommates may also limit flexibility in terms of living arrangements. Like co-living spaces, living with roommates often requires signing a lease or rental agreement, which can make it challenging to make changes to the living situation. If one roommate needs to move or wants to make changes to the living space, it may be difficult to do so without the agreement of all roommates. This lack of flexibility can be limiting for individuals who need to make quick changes to their living situation.

Limited living space

Another potential downside of living with roommates is the limited space. Even if the apartment or house is spacious, having multiple people sharing the same living space can be challenging. Each roommate may have their own furniture, belongings, and decorations, which can take up a lot of space. This can make it difficult to find enough room for everyone’s possessions and it can make the living space feel cramped or cluttered. A possible solution to this dilemma is looking into Idaho storage solutions. You could split the costs of renting a storage unit and put the excess and unnecessary furniture belongings into it.

Additionally, having multiple people using the same kitchen, bathroom, and common areas can also lead to congestion and frustration. These challenges can be especially difficult if the roommates have different schedules or lifestyles that make it difficult to coordinate the use of common spaces.

Explore the costs of living in Boise, Idaho

The cost of living in Boise, Idaho, varies depending on factors such as housing, transportation, and food. According to Numbeo, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is around $1,170, while a three-bedroom apartment outside the city center can cost around $1,800. Food and transportation costs are generally considered to be affordable.

a woman counting money considering co-living vs roommates arrangement — Nowadays, saving money is very important. This is why roommates and co-living are becoming popular

Given the relatively high cost of housing in Boise, many people choose to co-live or live with roommates to save money. Co-living can offer cost savings, as well as a built-in community and shared amenities. Roommates can also help to split the cost of rent and utilities, making it easier for individuals to afford living in a desirable location. Additionally, living with roommates or other residents can provide a sense of social connection and support, which can be particularly valuable for those who are new to the area.

A few final thoughts on co-living vs roommates option

In conclusion, when it comes to deciding between co-living and living with roommates in Boise, Idaho, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, and it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and priorities. If community and socializing are important to you, co-living may be the better option. On the other hand, if privacy and control over the living space are more important, having roommates may be the winning solution.

Regardless of which option, co-living vs roommates, you choose, it’s important to keep in mind that both co-living and having roommates require a certain level of compromise and communication. Whether you’re sharing common spaces or dividing household responsibilities, it’s important to establish clear expectations and boundaries in order to avoid conflicts and maintain a harmonious living environment.