Remote Work Housing FAQ: Your Top 20 Questions Answered

Remote work is reshaping housing. Rising home prices, like in Whitefish, Montana (from $450,000 to nearly $1M), and Springdale, Utah (up 60% in 3 years), are pushing professionals to explore new options. Here’s a quick guide to help you navigate housing as a remote worker:

Key Takeaways:

• Housing Options: Coliving spaces, home swaps, and international rentals.
• Top Features: Reliable internet (100 Mbps+), ergonomic workspaces, and flexible leases.
• Affordable Choices: Coliving spaces start at $300/month in destinations like Bali and Medellín.
• Platforms to Use: Coliving.com, Swaphouse, and Facebook groups for budget-friendly finds.
• International Living: Cities like Lisbon, Bali, and Valencia offer digital nomad visas and affordable housing.
• Safety: Look for secure access, surveillance, and screened roommates.

Quick Comparison of Housing Types:

Whether you’re after affordability, flexibility, or community, this guide has you covered. Keep reading to find detailed tips for finding housing, managing costs, and thriving as a remote worker.

How to Find Remote Work Housing

Finding housing for remote work means balancing your work needs with your lifestyle. Luckily, there are now plenty of platforms offering accommodations designed with remote workers in mind.

Must-Have Features for Remote Work Housing

When choosing remote work housing, having reliable internet and a few other key amenities is non-negotiable. Here's what to look for:

Of course, cost is also a big factor for most remote workers.

Ways to Find Budget-Friendly Housing

If you're looking to save money, stepping away from traditional rental platforms can open up more affordable options. For instance, Swaphouse reported in February 2025 that home swapping could save users an average of $267 per night compared to standard rentals. Plus, many listings boast an average Wi-Fi speed of 220 Mbps.

Facebook rental groups are another great option. While they might take a bit more effort to navigate, they can lead to big savings. Take Barcelona, for example - remote workers have found flats near La Sagrada Familia for €850/month through Facebook groups, while similar properties on Airbnb can cost up to €3000/month.

If you're looking for a more integrated solution, coliving spaces might be the answer.

Understanding Coliving for Remote Workers

Coliving spaces offer a mix of work-friendly amenities and community perks. Platforms like Coliving.com connect remote workers to over 1,700 locations across 350 cities in more than 65 countries. These spaces typically include:

• Fully furnished living spaces with utilities covered
• High-speed internet and dedicated work areas
• Networking events and community activities
• Flexible lease terms starting at $100 per month
• On-site coworking spaces and meeting rooms

This setup not only covers the basics but also helps you build both professional and social connections.

Here are some platforms that cater to different remote work needs:

Coliving and Shared Housing Options

Why Choose Coliving for Remote Work

Coliving spaces are becoming increasingly popular, with the market expanding by 7.5% annually. This growth is fueled by remote workers looking for housing that combines flexibility with a sense of community.

The cost advantages of coliving are clear when compared to traditional rentals:

Here's a look at pricing in popular remote work destinations:

• Chiang Mai: $300–700/month
• Bali: $300–800/month
• Medellin: $400–900/month
• Playa del Carmen: $500–600/month

"Coliving provides the perfect solution for an affordable, community-driven living experience while you navigate your remote career or travels." - Mapmelon

Keep reading to discover how to pick the right coliving space for your needs.

How to Select a Coliving Space

Choosing the right coliving space involves considering several factors:

Location and Accessibility

• Close to shops, restaurants, and other amenities
• Good public transport options
• Affordable local cost of living
• Time zones that align with your work schedule

Work Infrastructure

• Reliable, high-speed internet
• Ergonomic workspaces ready to use
• Private areas for meetings

Community and Lifestyle

• Access to networking events and skill-sharing opportunities
• A good mix of private and shared spaces
• A community that matches your values and lifestyle

Safety in Coliving Spaces

Safety is a major concern for young adults in shared housing, with 86% of those aged 19–29 ranking it as their top priority. PadSplit's 2023 initiative highlights how improved security measures can make a big difference: property damage dropped by 40%, roommate disputes fell by 25%, and resident satisfaction increased by 15%, along with a 10% rise in occupancy.

"I feel safe. I wouldn't have been able to grow in life like I did if I didn't feel safe. PadSplit gave me the space to see where I had given up my power and change what needed changing. I've seen my dreams come true." - Carol, PadSplit Resident

Key security features to look for include:

• Secure access systems
• 24/7 surveillance
• Keyless entry
• On-site staff
• Resident screening

These features ensure a safer, more comfortable living experience.

International Housing for Remote Workers

Remote work has opened up opportunities for professionals to live and work globally, offering the chance to explore new cultures while maintaining their careers.

Top Remote Work Cities in 2025

Dojo's analysis of 237 cities for 2025 highlights the best destinations for remote workers, focusing on factors like visa accessibility, internet quality, and overall livability.

Here are some top picks:

"When choosing the best city to work from, digital nomads tend to prioritize a few key factors. Good visa options sit at the top of the list, with the ease of the application and length of being able to stay being the most important." – Charlie Ashworth, Senior Insights Manager at Dojo

Once you've chosen your destination, the next step is to secure a comfortable and functional place to live.

Finding Housing in Other Countries

Finding housing abroad can be simplified with platforms like Coliving.com, which features 1,700 verified spaces in over 350 cities. These spaces undergo thorough checks, ensuring quality and reliability.

Here’s how to approach your search:

• Explore Local Options: Use platforms like Coliving.com to compare costs and amenities across neighborhoods.
• Check Internet Reliability: Ensure the property offers internet speeds of at least 100 Mbps to support remote work.
• Look for Community Perks: Seek properties with coworking areas and opportunities to network with other professionals.

Housing is just one piece of the puzzle - understanding visa requirements is equally important.

Visa Rules for Long-Term Stays

Currently, 40 regions offer digital nomad visas, which typically require proof of income and health insurance. Below are examples of visa fees and processing times for popular destinations:

With 17.3 million Americans now identifying as digital nomads - a 133% increase since 2019 - countries like St. Lucia have streamlined visa processes, offering approvals in as little as five days.

Money Matters in Remote Work Housing

Setting a Housing Budget

When planning your housing expenses, include both fixed costs (like rent, utilities, and internet) and variable costs (such as cleaning, maintenance, and community fees). Don’t forget hidden expenses like insurance, deposits, and application fees. It’s also smart to have an emergency fund that covers 3–6 months of housing costs.

Having a detailed budget helps you prepare for expected and unexpected costs. On top of that, it’s important to understand how taxes might affect your finances.

Tax Rules for Multi-Location Living

Living in multiple locations can complicate your tax situation. Factors like residency, income sources, and how long you stay in each place play a role. To stay on top of things:

• Keep a record of every location you stay in.
• Have documentation proving your primary residence.
• Maintain separate records of your income.
• Consult a tax professional for advice on complex situations.

Cost Comparison: Coliving vs. Regular Rentals

When choosing between coliving spaces and traditional rentals, compare the costs and included services. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Coliving often offers better overall value, thanks to the bundled amenities and services. Managing your finances wisely can help you make the most of this community-oriented housing option for remote work.

Internet and Tech Requirements

Required Internet Speed for Remote Work

Having a strong internet connection is crucial for remote work. For basic tasks, aim for at least 10Mbps download and 1Mbps upload per person. Video conferencing apps often have specific speed requirements:

Tips for a Stable Internet Connection

For a smoother experience, consider fiber providers like AT&T, Google Fiber, or Verizon, which offer equal download and upload speeds. To keep your connection steady:

• Use an Ethernet cable for the most reliable connection.
• Set up your workspace close to the router and reduce streaming during work hours.
• If you live with others, a WiFi extender can help improve signal strength near your workspace.

Running regular speed tests can help you identify peak usage times. Beyond a reliable internet connection, having the right tech setup can make a huge difference in your productivity.

Required Tech Setup for Remote Work

Here are the basics you’ll need for different remote work activities:

"You want at least 10Mbps of download speed and 1Mbps of upload speed of dedicated internet bandwidth for each person working from home." - HighSpeedInternet.com

Using cloud-based tools ensures secure access to files and automatic backups. Platforms that combine communication channels into one interface can also streamline teamwork and make collaboration easier.

Building Connections While Remote

Successful remote housing goes beyond just providing functional amenities - it’s also about creating meaningful professional and personal connections.

Networking in Remote Work Housing

Coliving spaces bring together professionals from different backgrounds, making them great for networking. Here are some ways to connect:

• Spend time in coworking areas to meet others.
• Participate in skill-sharing sessions to exchange knowledge.
• Attend community events to build relationships.
• Use digital directories to stay in touch with fellow residents.

Common Coliving Space Activities

A survey from a London-based coliving space revealed that 68% of residents felt their social lives improved through organized events. Typical activities include:

• Professional meetups to exchange ideas and collaborate.
• Social events like potlucks and movie nights to relax and bond.
• Wellness sessions to focus on mental and physical health.
• Cultural activities that help residents connect with the local community.

Managing Privacy in Shared Housing

Balancing privacy and community is key to shared living. Here are a few tips:

• Set clear agreements for quiet hours, shared spaces, guest policies, and private zones.
• Carve out personal time to recharge and balance social interactions.
• Hold regular house meetings to address issues and keep communication open.

These strategies can help you make the most of your remote living experience while maintaining harmony in shared spaces.

Legal and Daily Living Tips

Key Points in Housing Agreements

When setting up remote work housing, your lease agreement needs to address both your personal and professional needs. Carefully review the terms to ensure remote work is allowed and clearly outlined. Check if the lease explicitly permits working from home and outlines any restrictions on activities. Pay close attention to liability clauses and whether additional insurance is required for home-based business use. Look for any rules about commercial activities. It's also important that the lease supports a clear boundary between personal and work life and complies with labor laws, especially if you're working in a location different from your employer's headquarters.

Managing Mail While Moving

For remote workers and digital nomads, managing mail efficiently is crucial. Virtual mailbox services can provide a stable mailing address along with conveniences like mail scanning, forwarding, and even check depositing. Here's a quick comparison of some options:

For example, one family used a virtual mailbox service for four years while traveling full-time, which allowed them to maintain a permanent address and handle their mail without any hiccups.

To streamline your mail management, consider these tips: choose a virtual mailbox service that offers a real street address (not just a PO Box), set up mail forwarding before you move, and test the service with non-essential mail first. Additionally, keeping digital backups of important documents ensures you always have access to critical information.

Having solid housing agreements and reliable mail management systems in place can make remote work life much smoother.

Choosing the Right Remote Work Housing

Finding the right housing for remote work means balancing your professional needs with your lifestyle preferences. Coliving spaces are a great option, offering a mix of private rooms and shared areas, ideal for building connections while maintaining personal space.

"Coliving spaces for digital nomads are redefining work and travel by blending private accommodations, communal areas, and vibrant communities. They offer the flexibility, connection, and convenience modern nomads need to thrive." - Nomadago

For those on a budget, Southeast Asia stands out. In places like Chiang Mai and Bali, coliving spaces cost between $300 and $800 monthly. Medellín offers similar setups, with prices ranging from $400 to $900.

Here's a quick comparison of housing options:

To make your transition easier, platforms like Coliving.com are worth exploring. They connect professionals to over 1,700 spaces across 350+ cities, with a fully online booking process to simplify everything.

Focus on what matters most - workspace, internet quality, and community - to thrive while working remotely.