Sometimes the smartest move is not signing a year-long lease for an apartment you've never seen in person. Temporary housing gives you time to explore neighborhoods, tour apartments in person, and make an informed decision about where you'll live long-term.
This guide covers all your temporary housing options, from budget-friendly to full-service, helping you choose the right solution for your situation and timeline.
Why Consider Temporary Housing?
- Apartment hunt in person: View multiple apartments and neighborhoods before committing
- Reduce risk: Avoid signing a lease for a place that's wrong for you
- Explore the city: Get to know different areas before choosing where to live
- Job flexibility: If your job isn't finalized, temp housing gives you flexibility
- Avoid rushed decisions: Remove pressure of finding permanent housing immediately
Temporary Housing Options Compared
1. Airbnb (Monthly Stays)
Best for: 1-3 month stays, solo travelers or couples
Cost: $1,500-$4,000/month depending on city and accommodations
How it works:
- Book furnished apartments or rooms through Airbnb
- Monthly stays often discounted 20-50% from nightly rate
- Utilities typically included
- Fully furnished with kitchen
Pros:
- Flexible booking (can extend or shorten stay with notice)
- Fully furnished and move-in ready
- Can try different neighborhoods
- No security deposit or credit check
- Reviews help you choose quality places
Cons:
- More expensive than signing a lease
- Less stable (host could cancel)
- No legal tenant protections
- Quality varies significantly
- Cleaning fees can add up
Tips:
- Message hosts about monthly discounts before booking
- Look for "monthly stay" filters
- Choose "Superhost" properties for reliability
- Read reviews carefully, especially about cleanliness and accuracy
2. Furnished Finder
Best for: Healthcare workers, traveling professionals, 1-6 month stays
Cost: $1,200-$3,000/month
How it works:
- Platform connecting travelers with furnished rentals
- Hosts are often homeowners renting out spaces short-term
- More traditional lease arrangements than Airbnb
- Popular with travel nurses and contractors
Pros:
- Often cheaper than Airbnb
- More stable (less likely to be canceled)
- Utilities usually included
- Longer-term focus than Airbnb
Cons:
- Less selection than Airbnb
- No standardized review system
- May require background check
3. Corporate Housing / Executive Suites
Best for: Company-sponsored relocations, longer stays (2-12 months)
Cost: $2,500-$6,000+/month
Companies: Oakwood, Sonder, Blueground, National Corporate Housing
How it works:
- Professionally managed furnished apartments
- Everything included (furniture, utilities, housewares, WiFi)
- Often in upscale apartment buildings
- Designed for business travelers and relocating professionals
Pros:
- White-glove service
- Extremely reliable and professional
- Everything you need provided
- Often includes amenities (gym, parking, etc.)
- Can expense if company is paying
Cons:
- Very expensive
- Not budget-friendly for individuals
- Often requires minimum 30-day stay
4. Extended Stay Hotels
Best for: Short-term stays (1 week - 2 months), maximum convenience
Cost: $50-$150/night ($1,500-$4,500/month)
Chains: Extended Stay America, Home2 Suites, Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites
How it works:
- Hotels designed for longer stays
- Rooms include kitchenette
- Weekly/monthly rates available
- Basic furnishings and housekeeping
Pros:
- No commitment—pay week to week
- Housekeeping included
- Immediate availability
- Consistent quality
- Free breakfast at many properties
Cons:
- Expensive for long stays
- Small spaces
- Limited kitchen facilities
- Can feel impersonal
- Not pet-friendly at all locations
5. Sublets
Best for: Budget-conscious movers, 1-6 months
Cost: $800-$2,500/month (regular apartment rates)
Where to find: Facebook groups, Craigslist, Sublet.com, Apartments.com
How it works:
- Rent someone's apartment while they're away
- Usually furnished or partially furnished
- Utilities may or may not be included
- Can be room in shared apartment or whole unit
Pros:
- Cheapest furnished option
- Real apartment living
- Often in great locations
- Flexible timeframes
Cons:
- Risk of scams (screen carefully!)
- No legal protections
- Quality varies widely
- May require upfront payment
- Limited availability
Safety tips:
- Always view in person or via video tour
- Google the person's name and email
- Never wire money or use untraceable payment
- Get a written agreement
- Check if subletting is allowed per original lease
6. Hostels (Budget Option)
Best for: Solo travelers on tight budget, very short stays
Cost: $25-$60/night ($750-$1,800/month)
How it works:
- Shared dormitory rooms or private rooms
- Common kitchen and living areas
- Social environment
- Usually targeted at young travelers
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Meet other people
- Flexible (nightly rates)
- In major cities
Cons:
- No privacy in dorm rooms
- Not suitable for couples or families
- Minimal storage for belongings
- Can be noisy
- Not ideal for working remotely
7. Stay With Your Partner (Free!)
Best for: Couples closing the distance
Cost: Free (or split rent/utilities)
How it works:
- Temporarily stay with your partner while apartment hunting
- Ideal if they already have a place
- Gives you time to find the right apartment together
Pros:
- Free or very low cost
- You're together immediately
- Can apartment hunt together
- Trial run of living together
Cons:
- May violate their lease (guest policies vary)
- Limited space
- Can strain relationship if prolonged
- Need somewhere to store your belongings
Important: Check lease guest policies—most leases limit guests to 14-30 days per year.
How to Choose the Right Option
Consider Your Timeline
- 1-2 weeks: Extended stay hotel or Airbnb
- 1 month: Airbnb, extended stay, or partner's place
- 2-3 months: Airbnb, sublet, or Furnished Finder
- 3-6 months: Sublet, corporate housing, or short-term lease
Consider Your Budget
- Under $1,000/month: Hostels, partner's place, cheap sublet
- $1,000-$2,000: Sublet, extended stay, budget Airbnb
- $2,000-$3,000: Nice Airbnb, Furnished Finder, extended stay
- $3,000+: Corporate housing, premium Airbnb
Consider Your Situation
- With pets: Airbnb (pet-friendly), partner's place, some extended stays
- With kids: Corporate housing, sublet whole apartment, multi-bedroom Airbnb
- Working remotely: Airbnb with desk/WiFi, corporate housing, sublet
- Company paying: Corporate housing, extended stay
Making Temporary Housing Work
What to Pack
- Enough clothes for 1-2 weeks
- Toiletries and medications
- Laptop and work essentials
- Important documents
- A few comfort items
Where to Store Your Stuff
- Self-storage unit near new city
- Leave with family/friends temporarily
- Ship to storage facility
- Storage container (PODS) in driveway of new place
Use the Time Wisely
- Tour 10-15 apartments in person
- Explore different neighborhoods
- Test commutes to work
- Find gyms, grocery stores, restaurants you like
- Get a feel for the city's vibe
Budgeting for Temporary Housing
Hidden costs to factor in:
- Eating out more (limited kitchen access)
- Parking fees
- Laundry costs
- Pet fees
- Storage unit rental
- Transportation (if car is in storage)
Budget example for 2-month stay:
- Airbnb: $3,000/month x 2 = $6,000
- Food/dining: $600/month x 2 = $1,200
- Storage: $150/month x 2 = $300
- Misc expenses: $200/month x 2 = $400
- Total: $7,900
This is expensive, but may be worth it to find the right permanent housing.
Transitioning to Permanent Housing
Start Apartment Hunting Immediately
- Don't wait—use your first week to tour apartments
- Schedule viewings before you even arrive
- Apply quickly when you find the right place
- Have documents ready (pay stubs, references, etc.)
Timing Your Lease
- Most apartments have move-in dates 2-4 weeks out
- Plan temporary housing to overlap slightly with lease start
- Budget for potential gap between temp housing and move-in
Read more: How to find an apartment in a new city before you move
Alternatives to Temporary Housing
Take a Scouting Trip Instead
- Fly to city for long weekend
- Pack 10-15 apartment viewings into 3 days
- Sign lease and return to pack
- Cheaper than months of temp housing
Sign a Short-Term Lease
- Some apartments offer 3-6 month leases
- Treat it as temporary while looking for better long-term option
- More stable than truly temporary housing
Final Thoughts
Temporary housing gives you the breathing room to make smart decisions about where you'll live long-term. Yes, it's more expensive than signing a lease sight unseen, but the peace of mind and ability to explore in person can be worth the cost.
Choose the option that fits your budget and timeline, use the time to thoroughly explore your new city, and don't rush into a lease you might regret. Good luck with your move!
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