Anyone exploring modern housing options has likely encountered the term "coliving." But despite its growing popularity, there's still significant confusion about what it actually means. Mention "coliving" to ten different people, and you'll likely get ten different interpretations. Some envision luxury apartments with fancy amenities, others picture hippie communes, while some simply think it's a new term for having roommates.
This confusion isn't just frustrating—it's undermining the transformative potential of what coliving truly offers. So let's clear things up.
Coliving (also co-living) /ˈkō-ˌli-viŋ/ noun.
1. An intentional way of living where individuals share spaces, resources, and experiences to foster community, collaboration, and sustainability.
- Example: "Coliving promotes meaningful connections through shared living arrangements."
2. A lifestyle-centered housing model designed to address modern challenges such as urban housing shortages, social isolation, and environmental sustainability.
- Example: "Coliving spaces provide an affordable and community-driven alternative to traditional apartments."
3. A property or residence designed to blend private living quarters with shared amenities, prioritizing flexibility, affordability, and a sense of belonging.
- Example: "This coliving property offers private rooms alongside vibrant communal areas for dining, coworking, and socializing."
The Spectrum of Living Arrangements: Understanding the Differences
To truly grasp what makes coliving unique, it helps to place it in the context of other living arrangements:
Independent Living
What most people are used to
- You live alone, with a partner, or with family in a private home.
- You handle all responsibilities—rent, utilities, maintenance, and furnishing.
- Socializing happens outside your home, often requiring extra effort.
Example: Renting a one-bedroom apartment in a city, where your home is your private retreat but also a bit isolating.
Shared Living
A broad category
- You share space and costs with unrelated people, often for convenience.
- Interaction depends on the setup—some communities are social, others aren't.
- There's little structure beyond splitting bills and respecting shared spaces.
Example: Living in a college dorm or student housing, where you have roommates and common areas but no real sense of community beyond school life.
Coliving (co-living)
A more intentional form of shared living
- Designed for connection, convenience, and flexibility.
- Comes with furnished spaces, shared amenities, and built-in community events.
- Often managed by an operator to create a seamless, engaging experience.
Example: Moving into a shared living space for entrepreneurs, where private rooms come with coworking spaces, networking events, and a built-in support system of like-minded professionals.
Why Coliving Is Gaining Momentum: The Shared Future
Coliving isn't just another housing trend—it's part of a necessary shift in how we live. Here's why we're going to have to share more:
1. Resource Scarcity
Finite Resources, Growing Demands
The world population is projected to reach 9 billion by 2037, up from 8 billion in 2022 (a 12.5% increase in just 15 years)
Source: Ellen MacArthur Foundation
Global population growth and limited resources make sharing not just an option, but an imperative for sustainable living. Coliving optimizes resource usage through shared spaces and amenities.
2. Environmental Impact
Reducing our Carbon Footprint
The sharing economy could reduce carbon emissions by up to 550 million tons annually by 2030
Source: Ellen MacArthur Foundation
Climat change demands immediate action in how we consume and live. Coliving naturally reduces environmental impact through shared utilities, spaces, and sustainable practices.
3. Economic Reality
Smarter Resource Allocation
Renters in 10 of the most expensive cities in the US can save more than $900/month, as much as $1,600/person by coliving
Sources: Realtor.com, New York Post
Rising costs of living and economic pressures necessitate more efficient living solutions. Coliving creates access to better amenities and locations at optimized costs through shared resources.
4. Urban Density
Cities Need Solutions
56.9% of the world's population lived in urban areas in 2022, up from 52.5% in 2012. This figure is projected to reach 68% by 2050
Source: UNCTAD
Rapid urbanization requires innovative approaches to housing and community. Coliving addresses urban challenges by efficiently using space while maintaining quality of life.
5. Technological Evolution
Digital Age Enable
45% of executives believe that AI will play a vital role in improving operational efficiency in the sharing economy over the next three years
Source: GlobalData, Emerging Technology Trends Survey 2020
Advanced technology platforms make sharing and community management more efficient than ever. Coliving leverages these tools to create seamless shared living experiences.
6. Social Reconnection
Combating Isolation
For young people ages 15 to 24, time spent in-person with friends decreased by nearly 70% over almost two decades.
Modern society faces increasing disconnection and loneliness. Coliving provides a natural antidote by creating environments designed for meaningful human connection.
Common Misconceptions About Coliving
As coliving gains popularity, several misconceptions have emerged. Let's address a few:
❗️Misconception 1: "Coliving is just a fancy word for roommates."
While roommates might share a space, coliving intentionally designs the living experience around community and connection. It's the difference between coincidentally living together and purposefully building a shared lifestyle.
❗️Misconception 2: "Coliving is only for young professionals and digital nomads."
Though these groups have embraced coliving, the model is evolving to serve diverse demographics—from families to seniors to creative professionals. The core principles work across age groups and life stages.
❗️Misconception 3: "Coliving sacrifices privacy."
Modern coliving spaces carefully balance private and shared spaces. Most offer private bedrooms or suites while sharing common areas, giving residents both solitude and community.
❗️Misconception 4: "Coliving is just a trend that will fade."
The fundamental drivers of coliving—resource efficiency, affordability, sustainability, and social connection—are only becoming more relevant. Rather than a trend, coliving represents an adaptation to changing global realities.
The Coliving Experience: A Practical Overview
While we'll explore specific aspects of coliving in depth throughout this series, let's take a moment to understand what someone might experience when first encountering this housing revolution:
The Coliving Journey
Discovering coliving often begins through dedicated platforms, social media, or word-of-mouth. Prospective residents typically explore spaces through virtual or in-person tours, experiencing the environment and meeting community members. The application process varies widely—the most thoughtful spaces consider both compatibility and practical needs, though practices differ across providers.
Moving in is generally streamlined compared to traditional rentals. New members are introduced to house norms, shared responsibilities, and community expectations. Many spaces provide digital access to booking systems, community platforms, and house resources to facilitate daily living.
The day-to-day experience balances autonomous living with community engagement. Residents enjoy their private spaces while having the freedom to participate in community activities as much or as little as they prefer. This creates organic opportunities for meaningful connections while respecting individual boundaries.
Why This Matters
Understanding the practical experience of coliving helps clarify why it represents more than just another housing option. It shifts focus from simply having a place to live to enhancing how we live—addressing multidimensional needs from physical shelter to social connection and practical convenience.
When we understand coliving as an experience rather than just a physical arrangement, we can better appreciate its transformative potential. This perspective explains why coliving continues to evolve and expand despite skepticism, setting the stage for exploring the many dimensions we'll cover throughout this series.
Life Is Better, Together
As traditional housing becomes increasingly unaffordable, isolating, and environmentally problematic, coliving offers a compelling alternative. It's not merely about sharing a roof—it's about reimagining how we live, connect, and thrive in the 21st century.
Whether you're curious about exploring coliving for yourself or simply interested in understanding this growing movement, remember: coliving isn't just a housing category—it's part of a necessary evolution in how we create homes and communities in an increasingly complex world.
In the coming articles, we'll explore the rich history of coliving, examine its benefits in depth, and unpack what makes these communities thrive. For now, understanding the basic definition and distinguishing coliving from other living arrangements provides the foundation for appreciating this transformative approach to housing and community.
Next in the Series: #2 The History and Evolution of Coliving
Coliving isn’t new—it’s been around in different forms for centuries. In the next article, we’ll dive into where it all started and how we got here:
◽ From Communes to Co-ops – The early roots of shared living and why people chose to live together.
◽ Urbanization & the Shift in Housing – How growing cities changed coliving from necessity to innovation.
◽ The Tech Revolution – How digital platforms and AI are transforming coliving into a scalable, modern solution.
Coliving has always been about connection, community, and resource efficiency—but today, it’s evolving faster than ever. Stay tuned as we break down the past, present, and future of shared living.
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About the Author & The Coliving Expert
"Shared living isn’t just an alternative—it’s the future."
I’m José Alejandro Llanos, founder of CIVIT, the operating system for shared living, and creator of The Coliving Expert. I’ve lived, learned and worked across 48+ countries, immersed myself in nearly every form of shared housing, and built a career around understanding how we can live better—together.
This article is part of my Foundational Series, designed to introduce newcomers to coliving and establish a rock-solid understanding of its impact. Whether you're a curious first-timer, a policymaker shaping the future, or an investor eyeing the next big housing shift, this series lays the groundwork.
If you’re ready to explore how coliving is reshaping cities, communities, and human connection, subscribe to Coliving Pulse for expert insights or check out CIVIT to see how we’re building the infrastructure for the next era of shared living.