CoLiving vs. CoHousing: What’s the Difference?

Are CoLiving and CoHousing just two terms for the same thing? Are they actually separate? How so? We’re settling this once and for all.

With new (and old) buzzwords surfacing all the time, it’s a real challenge to keep up with the current terminology and distinguish between them. But it’s time to realize that terms like CoLiving and CoHousing are here to say, so we might as well understand their distinctions. And who better to lay down these differences that the ones who personally made the split on Wikipedia?

Whether you’re a resident interested in living in one of these models, an investor seeking more info, or a budding creator, here’s everything you need to know.

1. Space & Layout

One of the main differences between these two is that CoLiving involves much more sharing of spaces. While CoHousing communities tend to have individual, free-standing units each with private bathrooms and kitchens, CoLiving spaces tend to share much more of these areas without necessarily having their own. This allows for a greater degree of interaction that its CoHousing counterpart.

2. Amenities

Another important contrast is the amount (and type) of amenities in these properties. CoHousing areas often have small private homes situated around one shared entertainment space, such as a garden or play area. CoLiving, however, frequently integrates far more features such as private chefs, special work spaces, gyms, game areas, and more.

3. Length of Stay & Flexibility

One of the main appeals of CoLiving in today’s world is that the minimum stay can be as short as a single night. This allows for flexible travel and movement, and is not the case for CoHousing, in which residents almost always purchase these homes and live there for decades.

4. Location

This one can vary based on individual circumstances, but for the most part, CoLiving is geared towards cities or other high-demand spaces whereas CoHousing communities tend to be single-story units in more suburban environments. Of course, this isn’t always the case, but this is the tendency more often than not.

5. Demographic

Again, not always consistent, but generally CoLiving occupies a younger demographic of travelers, digital nomads, and professionals who are excited to see the world and meet new people. CoHousing on the other hand, tends to be slower-pace, more tightly-knit, and slightly older in nature. Keep in mind again that these are just general findings and all demographics are welcome in these spaces regardless.

6. Commonalities

While CoLiving communities can get extremely specific about the composition of the home (ex: all musicians, all filmmakers, all entrepreneurs), CoHousing is more often about people enjoying the companies of others without necessarily having the same lifestyle focus or career.

Feel the Knowledge?

With the direction CoLiving is going (and a newly estimated $93 Billionmarket potential), odds are that you’ll probably be having this conversation with someone soon. This piece should empower you to sit at the top of the dialogue in this exciting new industry explosion.

*Looking for a CoLiving Management Software solution? We are the founders of Kndrd, a global all-in-one CoLiving software and directory.

Kndrd: Technology to facilitate the Living in CoLiving

**Check out our book, The Coliving Code, now available on Amazon.com. It offers tons more details on how you can find your tribe, share resources, and design your life. This is a must-have for any of you hoping to organize and run a thriving CoLiving space!

***We also have a WEEKLY YouTube Show + Podcast: The Coliving Code, where we interview industry experts in this fast-growing industry.