Finding the perfect place to reside in Lahore can be a real challenge, especially for young professionals and students who are new to the city. The place you choose will significantly impact your lifestyle, peace of mind, and finances. The most common choices are rental flats, paying guest accommodations, and hostels.
Can’t decide between a rented apartment and a hostel?
Given below are the top 10 benefits of hostel life that are enough to convince you that choosing a hostel over an apartment is a wiser choice in Lahore, based on expert insights and recent data.
- Cost-Effective Living
Hostels in Lahore usually charge a fixed amount per month, which covers utilities, rent, and sometimes even a meal. Hostels offer budget-friendly accommodation starting from as low as 12,000 per month for a basic shared room.
In comparison, renting even a modest 1-bedroom apartment requires separate payments for rent, gas, electricity, internet, and maintenance. This can add up to PKR 35,000 to 70,000 per month, depending on the area.
For example, rental rates in areas like Askari or DHA range from PKR 50,000 to 70,000 with separate payments for water, internet, and electricity, making rental apartments a considerably costlier choice
- Inclusive Utilities and Services
If you opt for the hostel, forget the hassle of paying separate bills every month. Most professional hostels in Lahore bundle all utilities, including electricity, water, gas, and Wi-Fi, into a monthly fee. This reduces any surprise bills and simplifies your finances, saving you both time and stress.
This holistic approach contrasts with rented apartments, where tenants pay separate bills, leading to higher and unpredictable monthly expenses. In Lahore city, gas and electricity bills for 1 room can exceed PKR 10,000 a month, straining monthly finances.
- Meals Provided
Many hostels in Lahore offer 2-3 meals per day. This will relieve you of cooking responsibilities and help save money otherwise spent on groceries or takeaway meals. This is especially beneficial for students who don’t have enough time due to their hectic schedule to buy groceries or prepare a meal. Well-reputed hostels in Lahore offer quality kitchens, promising hygienic, home-style meals that cater to the nutritional needs of students as well as working professionals. While this facility isn’t available if you rent an apartment, you have to buy groceries, cook, and clean afterwards all by yourself.
- Prime Locations Near Institutions
If it’s your first time in Lahore, location is crucial as it will cost/save you extra time and money. Most of the hostels are in central locations near universities and offices. So, hostels let you stay close to your university or offices, and they are conveniently located near public transportation.
Hostels located in Model town, Johar town, or Faisal town are in proximity to reputable institutes and universities like Punjab University, helping you cut down on expenses, time, and worries. This is a huge relief in Lahore city, where even short distances can take up to 30 – 45 minutes due to traffic congestion. While apartments are usually located in suburbs, requiring longer and costlier commutes.
- Enhanced Security
One of the main advantages of living in the hostel is its central location with 24/7 security. Most hostels have security guards sitting at the main gates monitoring people’s comings and goings. Hostels in professionally managed areas like Faisal Town and Model Town provide 24/7 CCTV, on-site guards, biometric access controls, and secure surroundings.
Especially if you’re a female, choosing a hostel is far superior in terms of security, in contrast to living alone in a rented apartment, where there are usually no proper security systems, you can be more vulnerable to break-ins, emergencies without any immediate support, or harassment as well. Security in apartments varies widely depending on the landlord and neighbourhood.
- Community and Social Atmosphere
Cultural exchange is perhaps one of the most valuable benefits of staying at a hostel. People from all over the country share the same spaces and facilities, providing you with a perfect opportunity to socialize and get to know people from diverse backgrounds. Vibrant community and social aspects of hostels help you reduce loneliness and create networks essential for newcomers. Besides being a fun way to meet people, it’s also an opportunity to explore the city with new people.
In contrast, residing in a rented apartment can isolate you, and you can miss out on socializing, creating links and connections that might be beneficial for your career and future. Living alone can make you feel homesick, which may affect your focus on work or studies
- Maintenance and Housekeeping Services
Most hostels in Lahore provide daily or weekly housekeeping and maintenance services. This will save you time that you can spend on more important tasks. You won’t have to worry about fixing every little thing yourself.
However, in a rented apartments. You’re responsible for everything, from cleaning to electrical issues. You will have to pay extra for services like air conditioning and housekeeping. Hiring somebody for these tasks will cost you a buck and add to your worries. While hostels take this burden off your shoulders.
- Backup Power Availability
One of the common challenges faced by citizens of Lahore is power outages, particularly during the summer months. Most reputable hostels provide a backup plan in terms of a generator, solar, or UPS-backed power. This will ensure uninterrupted electricity, crucial for students. Apartments often lack this feature, and landlords can ask you to invest in UPS or pay extra during the summer for air conditioning, increasing your financial strain.
- Flexibility
Hostels usually provide various accommodation options to suit your needs. You can choose a shared room with 1-3 tenants or a private room, depending upon your liking. You can choose a room with a shared or an ensuite bathroom. With the number of hostels in Lahore, you can easily find one at your level of privacy and comfort. While this feature isn’t available in the case of rented apartments.
One of the major drawbacks is that most of the time, apartment owners demand long-term contracts, security deposits, and advance payments. Which means that if, due to unforeseen circumstances, your plan changes, you cannot just pack up and leave without losing your money.
In contrast, hostels for professionals are typically built purposefully. Therefore, they offer flexible lease arrangements, payment on a monthly/semester basis, making it easier for you to switch places without being restricted by strict contracts.
- No Hidden Costs or Landlord Hassles
Most of the hostel management in Lahore handles all the management, rent collection, and policy enforcement, saving you from unexpected rent hikes and contract disputes. This hands-off experience reduces stress and creates stability for tenants. While this depends on your landlord in a rented apartment. Which can sometimes be stressful.
Conclusion
For young professionals and students moving to Lahore, choosing between a rented apartment or hostel largely depends on your budget, priorities, and lifestyle. While rented apartments offer more independence and privacy, hostels offer a compelling mix of conveniences, security, networking, and affordability unavailable in most rented apartments. These benefits and much more make hostels an outstanding choice, saving your time, money, and stress.
