When you need cheap temporary housing, it’s easy to assume there aren’t a ton of options. However, there are several affordable solutions that are worth exploring. If you aren’t sure where to begin, here are # options for cheap temporary housing to consider.
7 Options for Cheap Temporary Housing
1. Family and Friends
Typically, the cheapest temporary housing option is couch surfing with friends and family. In most cases, you won’t have to pay anything to use the space, though it’s wise to assume you’ll need to chip in for certain expenses, like food and increased utility usage.
The challenge here is that you may have little to no privacy, as well as limited control – if any – over the environment. Additionally, wearing out your welcome can happen if you aren’t courteous and appreciative, so it’s best to put your best foot forward, help out where you can, and otherwise make sure that you’re not inconveniencing them while you’re there.
2. Airbnb or VRBO
While Airbnb and VRBO rates may not look the cheapest at first, you can potentially get a better deal if you’re planning on staying for a few weeks or months. As a result, they can be reasonably affordable in some cases.
Ideally, you want to communicate with the host in advance to see if there are deals for using the Airbnb or VRBO property for more than a couple of days. Let them know how long you’d like to use the location and see if what they can provide meets your budget.
3. Extended Stay Hotels
As with an Airbnb or VRBO, hotels may allow you to get lower rates if you’re going to stay at the location for more than a few days. Extended stay hotels are typically your best bet for these types of discounts, as they focus on attracting customers who aren’t just looking for an overnight or weekend stay at the location. However, there may be similar deals at motels, so keep that in mind.
The benefit of going with an extended stay hotel is that your room may have some extra amenities, like a better-equipped kitchenette. Some may also include a continental breakfast on the room rate, giving you a bit more for your money.
4. Sublets
An option for people looking for cheap temporary housing in large cities is to see if you can find a sublet. Usually, renters use sublets when they need to move 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 sublet for a fairly short amount of time, though pricing and duration will, of course, vary.
One thing to keep in mind is that subletting isn’t always permitted by a person’s lease. As a result, that can make subletting risky in some cases. Still, if it either isn’t banned, it could be a very viable option.
5. Month-to-Month Rentals
If you’re in a town with a major university, finding a month-to-month rental apartment or similar arrangement is worth exploring. Since students aren’t always at school year-round, many rentals that cater to students have more flexible lease options that those that don’t. If you only need a place outside of when most students are on campus (which typically means during the summer), you may even find some bargains if you’re able to vacate before the fall semester begins.
6. Dorm Rooms
Another option if you live near a major university with dorms on campus is to see if the school rents out the dorm rooms for part of the year. Again, this is usually only an option during the summer, as fewer students are on campus, leading to vacancies. Additionally, it requires a college that has rental options available, as that’s not universally offered. Still, if it’s available, it’s a low-cost solution that’s inherently short-term in nature.
7. Hostels
Hostels are low-cost options that usually cater to travelers. However, they can also work as cheap temporary housing if you need a place for just a few weeks or months.
Now, hostels aren’t always the most comfortable, as you usually have to share a space with other people. Additionally, bathrooms are typically shared, too, which isn’t always convenient. But if you simply need a safe space to rest your end, the affordable price could make the not-so-nice parts of the equation feel manageable.
Bonus Idea: House Sitting
While the options above typically come with a cost, house sitting could work as temporary housing and get you a little extra income. House sitters are hired to make sure a property is occupied while the owners are out, which could discourage break-ins or similar issues. Plus, it gives homeowners a way to make sure that pets and plants receive needed care during their absence, as well as allows them to return to a clean home if they make that arrangement with the house sitter.
How much you could earn as a house sitter may vary, but the deal usually comes with a place to stay, utility use, and other basics. Just make sure you’re comfortable with the tasks that are expected while you’re there and that you can find other accommodations if that job ends before your need for cheap temporary housing does.
Do you have any tips that can help someone find cheap temporary housing when they’re in need? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Read More:
- 10 Cheap Alternative Housing Options
- Nine Ways to Find Affordable Housing on a Tight Budget
- Crying Over the Housing Market: Why Millennial and Gen Z Buyers Are Struggling
Come back to what you love! Dollardig.com is the most reliable cash back site on the web. Just sign up, click, shop and get full cash back!
Tamila McDonald has worked as a Financial Advisor for the military for past 13 years. She has taught Personal Financial classes on every subject from credit, to life insurance, as well as all other aspects of financial management. Mrs. McDonald is a former AFCPE Accredited Financial Counselor and has helped her clients to meet their short-term and long-term financial goals.