Whether it’s a tempting job offer or securing admission to a prestigious university, there often comes a time when relocating to another city or state becomes necessary. When this happens, one of the initial and most important decisions you’ll have to make is your accommodation. Among students and professionals alike, hotels, and PGs stand out as the two most sought-after options. Nevertheless, deciding between the two can be very confusing. It’s imperative to meticulously weigh the merits and demerits of each before arriving at a decision. Keep reading to gain insight into the difference between hostels and PGs, and ascertain which option suits you better.
What is a hostel?
A hostel presents a cost-effective accommodation choice, often featuring dormitory-style rooms with multiple beds. Residents share common amenities like kitchen, hall, and communal areas with fellow occupants. Typically, hostel owners offer additional services, such as cleaning and meals as part of the package. However, there are certain restrictions in place, including designated entry and exit times and regulations against loud music due to the communal living environment. Hostel accommodation is particularly suitable for college students and individuals aspiring for jobs, having limited budgets.
What is a PG?
A PG or paying guest, is a form of accommodation where you rent a room within a property owned by someone else. Typically, in most PGs, you are provided with a single room attached with the property. Additionally, whether you need to pay separately for amenities like water, electricity, and housekeeping or they are included in the rent, varies at the discretion of the property owner. Some PGs may even offer complimentary meals as part of your accommodation package. Finding a PG nearby is relatively straight, as one can easily locate PG accommodations near commercial centres or educational institutions. This accommodation option is ideal for individuals seeking personal space without renting flats or apartments.
Hostel vs PG: Key differences
There are plenty of differences between hostels and PGs. Some of the major ones include:
| Features | Hostel | PG |
| Cost | Usually, cheaper | Comparatively more expensive |
| Flexibility | Strict rules, especially regarding entry and exit timings | Relatively more flexible with freedom to come and go whenever you wish |
| Amenities | Shared spaces like lounges and kitchens. May offer meals and cleaning facilities | May offer amenities like complimentary meals, housekeeping, and electricity |
| Security | Completely secure with CCTV cameras and guards at entrances | May or may not have security measures in place, depending on the PG |
| Privacy | Typically offers shared rooms with little to no privacy | Usually offers private rooms with comparatively more privacy than hostels |
Living in hostel: Pros and cons
There are both advantages and disadvantages of living in a hostel.
Hostel: Advantages
- Cost-effective: Hostels offer one of the most affordable accommodation options, making them ideal for students and those on a tight budget.
- Social connection: Living in a hostel allows you to connect with people on a deeper level, fostering exchanges of thoughts and emotions.
- Independence: Unlike dealing with intrusive brokers and owners, hostel living grants you the freedom to personalise your space within the confines of hostel rules and regulations.
- Convenient dining: Many hostels provide in-house dining facilities, ensuring that your breakfast, lunch, and dinner needs are met without hassle.
- Support network: In times of difficulty or emergencies, fellow roommates and acquaintances in the hostel are readily available to help, never leaving you completely alone in the times of need.
- Security: Most hostels are equipped with security measures like CCTV cameras and security guards at the entrance to make sure you’re always safe.
Hostel: Disadvantages
- Lack of privacy: Hostels offer shared accommodation, which means you must adapt to communal living conditions and may experience limited privacy.
- Noise: Due to the presence of multiple residents in shared rooms, hostels can be noisy, making it difficult to get a restful sleep.
- Crowdedness: With numerous occupants in close quarters, hostels can become crowded, leading to potential wait times for facilities, such as showers or kitchens.
- Strict regulations: Hostels typically enforce fixed entry and exit times, requiring prior permission for any commitments outside these schedules.
- Cleanliness concerns: Hostel rooms may not always meet cleanliness standards, posing challenges for individuals accustomed to tidier accommodations.
Living in PG: Pros and cons
Like hostels, living in a PG also comes with its own set of pros and cons.
PG: Advantages
- Amenities: PGs often include amenities like WiFi, and utilities such as electricity in the rent. Some PGs even offer meals, allowing residents to enjoy home-cooked food without hassle.
- Affordability: Compared to renting flats, PGs are more cost-effective. Depending on preferences for solitary living or shared accommodation, PGs typically range between Rs 10,000 to Rs 12,000 per month.
- Environment: PGs provide a conducive environment for focusing on college or work assignments, as they typically have fewer residents compared to hostels, reducing distractions.
- Privacy: PG accommodation offers greater privacy compared to hostels, with residents having their own separate rooms. This allows for better concentration and productivity, as PG environments are generally quieter and less bustling than hostel settings.
- Flexibility: PGs usually offer more flexibility than hostels, allowing residents to come and go when they wish instead of enforcing strict curfews.
PG: Disadvantages
- Long-term agreements: Residents typically have to commit to a 12-month agreement with the owner, restricting the flexibility to leave at any time. Exiting midway may result in forfeiture of the security deposit.
- Hidden costs: Some PGs may not include electricity charges in the rent, particularly during summers when increased usage, especially for amenities like air conditioning, can lead to additional expenses.
- Conflicts with the owner: Final authority usually rests with the owner in PG arrangements, which may lead to disagreements and conflicts between residents and owners.
- Lack of security: Unlike hostels, many PGs lack adequate security measures, which can contribute to feelings of insecurity among residents.
Hostel vs PG: Which is better for you?
When it comes to hostel vs PG, there is no one right answer for everyone. Your decision should be based on your individual needs and preferences. Here is a list of factors to consider when weighing the PG vs hostel debate.
- Privacy: Consider whether you value privacy and personal space, as PGs typically offer individual rooms whereas hostels often have shared dormitory-style accommodations.
- Budget: Evaluate your budget constraints and compare the cost of accommodation between hostels and PGs, including any additional expenses, such as utilities and meals.
- Amenities: Assess the amenities provided by both, such as WiFi, meals, and communal facilities like kitchens and common areas.
- Flexibility: Determine how important flexibility is for you, as PGs may require longer-term agreements compared to hostels, which often offer short-term options.
- Security: Consider the level of security provided by each accommodation type, including factors like surveillance, access control, and safety measures.
- Social environment: Think about whether you prefer a more social environment with opportunities to meet and interact with fellow residents, as typically found in hostels, or a quieter, more private setting like a PG.
- Location: Consider the proximity of the accommodation to your workplace, institution, or other important amenities and facilities.
In a nutshell
Selection between a hostel and a PG depends on various factors, including one’s preferences and requirements. Hostels offer affordability, social connections, and a supportive network, but may lack privacy and enforce strict rules. PGs, on the other hand, provide more privacy, flexibility, and amenities, but may come with long-term agreements and security concerns. Consider factors like privacy, budget, amenities, flexibility, security, social environment, and location when taking your decision.
FAQs
Which one is cheaper -- hostel or PG?
Hostels generally offer budget-friendly accommodation, while PGs may be slightly more expensive.
What amenities can I expect in a hostel or PG?
Hostels often provide shared facilities, such as kitchens, lounges, and common areas. Some hostels may also offer meals, laundry services, and Wi-Fi. In contrast, PGs may offer private or shared rooms with amenities like Wi-Fi, electricity, water, and housekeeping. Some PGs may also provide meals as part of the accommodation package.
How flexible are the rental agreements in hostels and PGs?
Hostels typically offer more flexibility with short-term stays, allowing guests to book accommodation for a few nights or weeks. PGs, however, often require long-term agreements, typically ranging from six to 12 months. Exiting a PG agreement prematurely may result in forfeiting the security deposit.
Are there any security measures in place in hostels and PGs?
Hostels usually have security measures, such as CCTV cameras, secure entry systems and staff available 24/7 to ensure the safety of residents. PGs may vary in terms of security measures, with some offering similar provisions as hostels, while others may have fewer security features in place.
What is the social environment in hostels and PGs?
Hostels are known for their vibrant social atmosphere, often organising social events and activities where guests can interact and make new friends. In contrast, PGs typically offer a quieter and more private living environment, better suited for individuals who prefer solitude or less social interaction.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |