Paying Guest (PG) Accommodation in India vs. Coliving Abroad: What You Need to Know
If you’re moving abroad to South India for work, study, or a digital nomad adventure, one of the first questions you’ll face is: where will you live? While countries like the US and many parts of Europe are increasingly familiar with the concept of coliving, India has its own unique housing option — the Paying Guest (PG) accommodation.
At first glance, PGs might sound like dormitories or shared apartments. But they carry cultural, economic, and lifestyle nuances that make them very different from what you’d expect in a Western coliving setup.
In this article, we’ll explore the different types of PGs in India, what to look for, and key tips if you’re an expat planning to make a move to South India.
What is a Paying Guest (PG) in India?
A Paying Guest accommodation (commonly called a “PG”) is a type of shared housing where tenants rent a room or bed space in someone else’s property and receive basic facilities like meals, cleaning, laundry, and utilities included in the rent.
Setup: PGs are usually residential houses or apartments converted into multi-tenant spaces.
Meals included: Unlike most coliving abroad, PGs in India typically include daily meals as part of the rent (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
Affordability: PGs are more budget-friendly compared to renting an entire flat. In Indian cities like Bangalore, Chennai, or Hyderabad, PGs can start as low as ₹6,000–₹10,000/month (~$75–$120) for triple-sharing rooms (i.e. you need to share your room with two other people).
Favored by: Commonly preferred by students, working professionals, and newcomers to a city.
In short, a PG is like a blend of a homestay, hostel, and coliving environment — but with a strong focus on affordability and essential amenities.
What are the different types of PGs in India?
In India, mainly 3 types of PG accommodations are offered:
Gents PG: Only allowed for gents
Ladies PG: Only allowed for ladies
Unisex PG (Commonly referred to as “Coliving PG”): Allowed for all genders, even though only guests of the same gender are allocated in the same room unless the individual guests request separately.
Coliving Abroad: How It’s Different
Coliving in the US, Europe, and Southeast Asia has grown popular among digital nomads, remote workers, and young professionals. Companies like Outsite (global), The Collective (UK), and Selina (LatAm) offer furnished spaces with shared kitchens, coworking areas, and community events.
Key features abroad:
Flexibility: Lease terms often start at just a week or a month.
Community focus: Coliving abroad emphasizes events, workshops, and networking among residents.
Premium amenities: High-speed Wi-Fi, coworking spaces, gyms, cafes, and sometimes even rooftop bars.
DIY meals: Unlike PGs, coliving abroad doesn’t usually include meals. Kitchens are shared, and residents cook for themselves.
Pricing: In the US, coliving can cost anywhere from $800–$1,800/month depending on the city, location, and amenities according to the prices listed on coliving.com
In other words, coliving abroad is positioned as a lifestyle choice, whereas PGs in India are often more of a necessity and affordability solution.
| undefined | Indian PGs | Coliving Abroad |
|---|---|---|
| Meals | Usually included (home-style meals including breakfast, lunch and dinner). Separate common kitchens are also available in certain PGs | Not included; residents cook or order out |
| Cost | Very affordable ($75–$200/month) | Expensive ($800–$1800/month in the US) |
| Community | Informal; mostly peers/strangers living together | Formal; curated communities, events, workshops |
| Lease Terms | Monthly, sometimes with deposits which is 1 month rent in cities like BangaloreMonthly, sometimes with deposits which is 1 month rent in cities like Bangalore | Weekly, monthly, or flexible |
| Target Audience | Students, entry-level professionals | Digital nomads, remote workers, Young professionals |
| Amenities | Basic: meals, laundry, cleaning, Wi-Fi Premium amenities like gym, games room are available in certain coliving PGs | Premium: coworking spaces, gyms, events, entertainment |
Pros and cons of choosing a PG vs. other options in India
| undefined | PG | Rented Apartment |
|---|---|---|
| Convenience | No need to set up utilities or kitchens — everything is included | Flat may be unfurnished/ semi-furnished/ fully-furnished |
| Cost Savings | No high upfront rental deposits. No separate charges. | Rental deposits are high. Other maintenance charges need to be separately paid. |
| Proximity | Often located near tech parks, colleges or universities. | Mostly located in residential areas which are farther away from tech parks and business centers |
| Privacy | In order to get the lowest price you may share a room with 1 or 2 other people. | Private rooms or dorms are typically more expensive. |
In Bangalore, PG accommodations are clustered near Whitefield, Manyata Tech Park, and Electronic City, making them attractive for IT professionals.
Tips for expats or students moving to South India
If you’re coming from the US or another country and considering a PG in India, here are some tips:
Clarify what’s included – Ask whether rent covers meals, laundry, cleaning, Wi-Fi, and electricity.
Check reviews – Use platforms like Google Maps, Justdial, or ColivingPGs.com to read resident reviews.
Location matters – Pick a PG close to your workplace or college to avoid long commutes.
Ask about rules – Some PGs may have restrictions on guests, late nights, or cooking.
Try branded coliving – If you prefer privacy and modern amenities, consider branded operators that offer more of a coliving-style experience.
Prepare paperwork – Getting your digital nomad visa sorted is the first step toward making your journey a reality.
For expats and nomads moving to South India, PGs are a uniquely Indian housing solution — blending affordability, meals, and convenience in one package. While they differ significantly from the community-driven, premium coliving spaces abroad, PGs offer a practical entry point for newcomers.
If you’re budget-conscious and want to settle in quickly, PGs are a great choice. If you’re looking for a more social, lifestyle-oriented living experience, India’s growing branded coliving providers may be the better fit.
Either way, understanding these differences will help you make the right choice for your move.
