Moving to Bangalore comes with one major decision—where to stay. Whether you’re a student, a working professional, or an entrepreneur, choosing between a PG (Paying Guest) and a coliving space can be tricky. PGs have long been a go-to for budget-friendly accommodation, but coliving spaces are quickly gaining popularity for their comfort, flexibility, and community-driven lifestyle. So, which one is right for you? Let’s dive into the key differences to help you make the best choice.
Paying Guest(PG)
A PG (Paying Guest) is a rental accommodation where an individual stays in a shared or private room within a landlord’s property, paying for basic amenities like food, Wi-Fi, electricity, and water. PGs often have fixed rules, such as curfew timings, visitor restrictions, and limited access to common areas. They are budget-friendly and mostly preferred by students and working professionals who need affordable housing with basic services included.
Coliving Space
A Coliving space is a modern shared living arrangement where individuals rent fully furnished private or shared rooms with all-inclusive amenities like Wi-Fi, housekeeping, and coworking areas. It promotes community living, networking, and social engagement through shared spaces like lounges, gyms, and game zones. Coliving offers flexible stays, making it ideal for young professionals, digital nomads, and entrepreneurs seeking convenience and a vibrant social lifestyle.
What is the difference between PG and Coliving space?
1. Living Experience
PG: Traditional setup with basic amenities and a focus on affordability.
Coliving: Modern, community-driven lifestyle with premium facilities.
2. Facilities & Amenities
| Feature | PG (Paying Guest) | Coliving space |
| Furnishing | Basic (Bed, cupboard, sometimes a study table) | Fully furnished with modern décor |
| Wi-Fi & Utilities | May or may not include Wi-Fi, electricity & water bills may be separate | High-speed Wi-Fi, utilities included |
| Food & Meals | Usually provided, but limited menu and fixed timings | Often kitchen access or in-house café, meal subscriptions available |
| Housekeeping | Sometimes available, may be infrequent | Regular professional housekeeping |
| Security | Basic security (CCTV, security guards) | Advanced security (Biometric entry, smart locks, 24/7 monitoring) |
| Maintenance | Managed by the owner, may take time for repairs | Professionally managed with on-call maintenance |
| Laundry | Self-service or paid laundry | Often included or self-service with washing machines |
3. Flexibility & Lease Terms
PG
- Typically requires a minimum stay of 6 months to 1 year.
- Security deposit is usually 2-3 months’ rent.
- Fixed rules & restrictions on visitors, curfew, and usage of common areas.
Coliving Space
- Offers short-term or long-term flexibility, with options like monthly rental or even weekly stays in some cases.
- Security deposit is usually low or waived off.
- Flexible lifestyle with easy move-in/move-out options.
4. Cost & Affordability
PG
- Generally cheaper than coliving.
- Rent does not always include utilities, so there may be additional costs for electricity, water, Wi-Fi, laundry, and maintenance.
- Basic facilities, with limited maintenance support.
Coliving Space
- Slightly more expensive, but offers a better value due to inclusive pricing (Wi-Fi, housekeeping, security, and amenities included).
- No hidden costs—all bills and maintenance fees are included in rent.
- Higher standard of living with modern infrastructure and well-maintained common spaces.
5. Rules & Restrictions
PG
- Strict rules regarding:
- Curfew timings (e.g., must return by 10 PM or 11 PM).
- Guest policies (limited or no visitors allowed).
- Usage of common areas (kitchen access may be restricted).
- Curfew timings (e.g., must return by 10 PM or 11 PM).
- May have issues like food restrictions (vegetarian-only PGs, etc.).
Coliving Space
- More relaxed and flexible policies.
- Allows 24/7 access to common areas and facilities.
- Visitors are usually allowed, depending on the provider’s policies.
- Many coliving spaces have pet-friendly accommodations.
Suitable For:
| Category | PG (Paying Guest) | Coliving Space |
| Students | ✅ Suitable, especially for budget-conscious students | ✅ Suitable for students who prefer a modern lifestyle |
| Young Professionals | ✅ Common choice for those who want affordable housing | ✅ Preferred by professionals looking for networking opportunities |
| Remote Workers & Digital Nomads | ❌ Limited facilities for work-from-home | ✅ Ideal setup with coworking spaces & fast internet |
| Entrepreneurs & Freelancers | ❌ Lacks networking opportunities | ✅ Great for collaboration & meeting like-minded people |
| Expats & Relocators | ❌ May not be the most convenient | ✅ Hassle-free move-in with all-inclusive facilities |
Final Verdict
PGs offer a budget-friendly but restrictive stay, ideal for those seeking simplicity. In contrast, coliving spaces provide a modern, flexible, and community-driven lifestyle, perfect for professionals and social individuals. If you value affordability, choose a PG; for comfort and convenience, coliving is the better option.