Guess what’s the toughest choice while moving to a new city? It’s whether you should live in a hostel or PG.
It’s not about spending a few nights. You will stay in the new city for some months or years. Thus, making sure the place suits your needs and lets you focus on your work is a priority.
So, what should you choose between PG vs hostel? You can opt for a hostel if you love sharing your room with 3-4 people. But a PG is better if you want more personal space and extra facilities.
Key Differences Between PGs and Hostels
The table gives you the detailed difference between PG and hostel:
| Parameters | PGs | Hostels |
|---|---|---|
| What is it | It’s an accommodation managed by private individuals/institutions. You may have a separate bedroom, but the living area is shared. | Hostels are managed by colleges, universities, or offices. They focus on community living. |
| Cost | A PG is more expensive than a hostel. | Hostels are cheaper. |
| Amenities | Some PGs provide Wifi, laundry, and food. | Hostels offer only basic amenities like beds and electricity. |
| Flexibility | PGs usually have more flexibility. You can come in or go out according to your convenience. | Hostels have strict rules. You’ll have to take permission for curfew extensions. |
| Privacy | You get more privacy if you take a private bedroom. | Privacy is a distant dream since you will stay with roommates. |
| Cleanliness | Most PGs are clean and tidy. | Cleanliness and hostels don’t go together. |
| Security | PGs may or may not have proper security. Sometimes the PG owner lives in the same compound, which might provide some security. | College or office hostels have 24 X 7 security guards at the entrance. |
| Conduciveness to studies and work | PGs provide a peaceful environment for studying, especially if you have a private bedroom. | Hostels aren’t conducive to studying, particularly if you have mischievous roommates. |
| Networking and social life | People stay in their rooms and mind their own business in PGs. | You can make some amazing friends in a hostel. Plus, you’ll never feel lonely in a new place. |
What are PGs?
A PG or paying guest accommodation is an arrangement where you pay a monthly rent to the property owner for lodging and facilities.
The owner might provide Wifi, electricity, laundry, and other basic amenities. Some PGs also offer food.
You may have a private bedroom. But you have to share the living area with your roommates.
There is an agreement with the landlord for a fixed period. So you have to inform them beforehand if you plan to move out.
A PG accommodation is perfect if you want some privacy while avoiding the high cost of flats.
Benefits and Drawbacks of PG
Benefits:
- Amenities – There’s no need to worry about Wifi or paying the electricity bills. Some PGs also offer meals, which means you can relish home-cooked food too.
- Affordable – PGs are more affordable than flats. You can get a PG between Rs 6k to 10k, depending on whether you want to stay alone or have roommates.
- Environment – You can work on your college or office assignments without distractions. That’s because a PG doesn’t have too many people around.
Drawbacks:
- Long-term agreement – You have to sign a 12 months agreement with the owner. Thus, you can’t leave anytime. And if you exit midway, you won’t get your security deposit back.
- Hidden costs – Some PGs might not include the electricity charges in the rent. So, the summer months will burn a hole in your pockets, especially if you use the AC.
- Conflicts with the owner – The owner’s word is final in most cases. That might lead to bitter conflicts at times.
What are Hostels?
Hostels are run by colleges, universities, or official authorities. They provide shared accommodation. So you’ll have several roommates.
The authorities might provide some basic amenities like food. But there are strict regulations about entry and exit timings.
Hostel accommodation is super affordable because you share the living room, bathroom, and other facilities. Thus, it is perfect for students and job aspirants living on a tight budget.
You might have a romanticized idea about hostel life from Bollywood movies. Well, hostel life might be fun, but the reality is different from movies.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Hostels
Let’s check the pros and cons of living in a hostel.
Benefits:
- Most pocket-friendly accommodation – You won’t have nightmares of empty wallets since hostels are super affordable. So, you can focus on your studies without worrying about expenses.
- Sense of community – Since you’ll have many roommates, there’s no scope for loneliness. You won’t miss your family or friends back home.
- No conflicts with landlords – You won’t have any bitter clashes since there is no landlord. Moreover, there’s no long-term agreement. So, you can move out according to your convenience without worrying about losing your security deposit.
Drawbacks:
- Lack of privacy – You can’t expect personal space in the middle of 3-4 other people. Concentrating on your studies during exams might be a task.
- Strict regulations – Hostels have fixed entry and exit times. That means you have to take prior permission if you have some commitments.
- Lack of cleanliness – No hostel room is spick and span. You might have a hard time if you are used to cleaning rooms.
Now that you know the difference between hostel life vs PG life, let’s see which is better for you.
PG vs Hostels : Which Is Better?
Choosing between hostel vs PG depends on which one suits your needs. A PG is a better option if you want more privacy and lesser disturbance. But, it’s better to go for a hostel if you are on a tight budget and don’t mind staying with roommates.
PGs are better if –
- You want a private bedroom or fewer roommates.
- You want additional facilities like Wifi and DTH.
- You want a peaceful environment with lesser distractions.
- You crave home-like food.
- You can afford a slightly higher expense.
But, hostels are perfect for you if –
- You are on a tight budget.
- You want to make new friends and network with people.
- You don’t mind sharing your room with several other people.
- You don’t want to enter into a long-term agreement.
Want something better than a hostel and PG? Try coliving spaces by Zolo. You’ll get better amenities than a PG and the community life of hostels. And the cost? Well, it’s unbelievably affordable.
