When you need cheap temporary housing, it’s easy to assume there aren’t many options. However, there are several affordable solutions worth exploring. If you’re not sure where to start, here are # affordable temporary housing options you can consider.
7 cheap temporary housing options
1. Family and friends
Typically, the cheapest temporary accommodation option is to Couchsurf with friends and family. In most cases, you won’t have to pay anything to use the space, although it’s wise to assume you’ll need to contribute toward certain expenses, such as food and increased use of utilities.
The challenge here is that you may have little or no privacy, as well as limited (if any) control over the environment. Plus, you can wear out their welcome if you’re not polite and grateful, so it’s best to do your best, help out where you can, and make sure you don’t bother them while you’re there.
2. Airbnb or VRBO
While Airbnb and VRBO rates may not seem like the cheapest at first, you can potentially get a better deal if you plan to stay for a few weeks or months. As a result, in some cases they can be reasonably affordable.
Ideally, contact the host in advance to see if there are any offers to use the Airbnb or VRBO property for more than a couple of days. Let them know how long you would like to use the location and see if what they can offer fits your budget.
3. Extended stay hotels
Just like with Airbnb or VRBO, hotels can let you get lower rates if you’re staying for more than a few days. Extended stay hotels are usually your best option for these types of discounts, as they focus on attracting guests who are not just looking to spend the night or a weekend there. However, there may be similar deals at motels, so keep that in mind.
The advantage of opting for an extended stay hotel is that your room may have some additional amenities, such as a better-equipped kitchenette. Some may also include a continental breakfast in the room rate, giving you a little more bang for your buck.
4. Subleases
One option for people looking for cheap temporary housing in big cities is to see if they can find a sublease. Typically, tenants use subleases when they need to move out unexpectedly but don’t want to deal with the penalties associated with a broken lease. As a result, you may be able to find a reasonably affordable sublease for a fairly short period of time, although the price and duration will of course vary.
One thing to keep in mind is that a person’s lease does not always allow subletting. As a result, this can make subletting risky in some cases. Still, if it’s not banned, it could be a very viable option.
5. Month-to-month rentals
If you’re in a city with a major university, it’s worth exploring the possibility of finding a monthly rental apartment or a similar arrangement. Since students are not always in school year-round, many rentals that cater to students have more flexible leasing options than those that do not. If you just need a place outside of the time when most students are on campus (which usually means during the summer), you may even find some deals if you can vacate it before the fall semester starts.
6. Bedrooms
Another option if you live near a major university with on-campus dorms is to see if the school rents out the dorms for part of the year. Again, this is usually only an option during the summer, as there are fewer students on campus, resulting in vacancies. Additionally, it requires a university that has rental options available, as that is not universally offered. Still, if available, it is a low-cost solution that is inherently short-term in nature.
7. Hostels
Hostels are low-cost options that typically cater to travelers. However, they can also work as cheap temporary accommodation if you need a place for just a few weeks or months.
Now, hostels are not always the most comfortable, since you usually have to share space with other people. Additionally, bathrooms are also often shared, which is not always convenient. But if you simply need a safe space to rest, the affordable price might make the not-so-nice parts of the equation seem manageable.
Bonus idea: Housekeeping
While the above options typically come with a cost, house sitting could double as temporary housing and provide you with a little extra income. House sitters are hired to ensure that a property is occupied while the owners are away, which could discourage theft or similar problems. Additionally, it gives homeowners a way to ensure pets and plants are cared for while they are away, and allows them to return to a clean home if they make that arrangement with the house sitter.
The amount you could earn as a house sitter can vary, but the deal usually includes a place to stay, use of utilities, and other basics. Just make sure you are comfortable with the tasks expected while you are there and that you can find other accommodations if that job ends before your need for cheap temporary housing ends.