The Difference between Coliving and Shared Housing

Coliving has been named “the future of living”. This new lifestyle of living has been gaining popularity across the globe. In many places all over the world, individuals with similar interests and value-belief systems have begun convening and sharing living spaces, where their main focus is community building and human connection.

Based on the values of sustainability, social justice, personal growth, and cultural evolution, residents of these communities often organize events and gatherings relevant to their interests. This model of co-habitation, called coliving, is designed to foster a sense of belonging and promote social interaction among residents.

How is coliving different from shared housing?

Shared housing refers to any situation in which two or more people live in the same residential location and share living spaces and amenities. Shared accommodation can include traditional roommates or flatmates in a rented apartment or house, in addition to arrangements such as boarding houses and communes.

Coliving, on the other hand, is a specific type of shared housing where individuals live in a shared space and have access to shared amenities such as a kitchen, living room, and laundry facilities. Coliving spaces are often designed to foster a sense of community and promote social interaction among residents. This can include organized events, collective meals, and shared workspaces.

What are the key differences between coliving and shared housing?

Coliving and shared housing are both living arrangements where multiple individuals share a residence, but while all coliving is shared housing, not all shared housing is coliving. Some of the main distinctions between them include:

Focus

The goal of coliving is to create a sense of community and connection among residents, who may share similar values or believe in the same causes, such as sustainability, environmental friendliness, professional or personal development, or collective philanthropy. In contrast, in shared housing, the focus is on reducing living costs and sharing expenses, rather than fostering a sense of community.

Privacy

Because coliving spaces are typically designed and structured to encourage interaction among residents, they’re likely to have less privacy than traditional shared housing. For example, in shared accommodation, flatmates have their own private bedrooms and may have other designated areas in the residence or even appliances in the kitchen.

In a coliving model, residents are expected to share all spaces except for their private bedrooms – which means they’ll be sharing bathrooms, kitchens, living rooms, and any leisure areas such as gyms, pools, and coworking spaces.

Rules and Regulations

Coliving arrangements often have more rules and guidelines in place, such as quiet hours and cleaning schedules, to ensure that the community runs smoothly. These may be set by community members or by a coliving provider. Shared housing, on the other hand, is more informal and may lack this type of governance, which is usually left up to the roommates to decide.

Size and Scope

While some coliving spaces are small, with just a handful of residents, others are much larger and can accommodate hundreds of residents. The level of support and services offered can also vary. Some coliving spaces, especially ones managed by business entities, offer a wide range of services, such as housekeeping, laundry, and meal preparation, while others are more basic and self-sufficient.

Shared housing arrangements are usually informal, such as a group of friends renting a house together, and residents are usually expected to be self-sufficient and not rely on these services.

Conclusion

Coliving and shared housing are both living arrangements where multiple individuals share a residence, but the former has a focus on community and social interaction, while shared housing refers to any living arrangements where individuals share living spaces and amenities. Coliving is also considered a more modern and innovative approach to shared housing, while shared housing is more traditional.

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