The basic differences between living in a shared house and living alone
Shared houses and living alone are popular housing options, but there are big differences in their lifestyles, contract types, and levels of privacy. Let's compare these points to choose the housing that's right for you.
Cross House's fully furnished apartments are ideal for people who want the convenience of a shared house combined with the privacy of living alone.
The biggest feature of this residence is that you can start living alone right away while keeping initial costs down. No deposit or key money is required, and all the necessary amenities for daily life, such as a bed, refrigerator, washing machine, microwave, and Wi-Fi, are provided, so the hassle of moving can be greatly reduced. In addition, the contract can be flexibly extended from short to long term, so it is also recommended for people who are transferred or travel for work frequently, or who are looking for a property where they can move in immediately.
In addition, we have many properties in areas near train stations in Tokyo and Osaka, making it convenient for commuting to work or school. There are no tedious rules like in a shared house, and you can enjoy privacy in a completely private room, so you can live a comfortable life with peace of mind.
If you're looking to start living alone right now with zero upfront costs, be sure to check out Cross House's fully furnished apartments .
Differences in lifestyle
Daily lifestyles differ greatly between living in a shared house and living alone.
<Life in a share house>
In a share house, you will naturally interact with other people because you will be living together with multiple other residents. It is characterized by a lively lifestyle, where people enjoy conversations in shared spaces such as the living room and kitchen, and participate in events. For this reason, it is suitable for people who value new encounters and community.
If you want to know about real life in a share house and some of the common anecdotes from people who actually live there, be sure to check out the article , "Common things about share houses!? A must-read for those considering living in a share house!"
<Life alone>
The appeal of living alone is that you can live at your own pace. You can decide everything yourself, such as when to come home, when to eat, and how to do housework. It is recommended for people who want to concentrate on work or study in a quiet environment, or who value privacy.
Differences in contract types
The type of housing contract also differs greatly between a shared house and living alone.
<Share house contract>
Share houses often allow for flexible contracts, such as "monthly contracts" or "short-term rental contracts." Many properties do not require a deposit or key money, so you can start living there with minimal initial costs. In addition, furniture and appliances are often provided, so the hassle of moving in is minimal.
<Contract for single living>
When living alone, a standard rental contract (such as a two-year contract) is the norm. Initial costs such as a deposit, key money, and agency fees will be incurred, and you will need to provide your own furniture and appliances. In addition, there may be penalties when you cancel the contract, so you need to plan for long-term residence.
Degree of privacy
Ensuring privacy is one of the most important aspects when choosing a home.
<Private space in a share house>
In a share house, most people are provided with their own private room, but the kitchen, living room, shower and toilet are often shared. This makes it difficult to ensure complete privacy, and can cause stress if your lifestyle doesn't match up with the other residents'.
<Private space for single people>
Living alone means you have full privacy because you have all the space to yourself. It's ideal for people who want to relax in a quiet environment or live freely at their own pace.
Cost comparison
One of the most important points to consider when choosing a place to live is the cost. There is a big difference in the initial costs and monthly living expenses between living in a shared house and living alone, so it is important to compare them thoroughly in advance. Here we will explain the costs of each in detail.
Also, if you want to know more about the specific initial costs of living in a shared house, please refer to the following article.
Differences in initial costs
① Whether or not there is a security deposit, key money, or guarantee
When renting a home, the first thing you will need is a deposit, key money, and security deposit.
<Initial costs for a shared house>
Many share houses do not require a deposit or key money, and the security deposit is set low. Many properties also do not require a guarantor, which reduces the burden of paperwork.
<Initial costs for living alone>
When living alone, you will enter into a regular rental contract, which will entail a deposit (1-2 months' rent), key money (1-2 months' rent), security deposit, brokerage fee, etc. When you add these costs up, it is not uncommon for the initial costs alone to be equivalent to 4-6 months' rent.
② Preparation costs for furniture and appliances
<In the case of a shared house>
Many properties come equipped with furniture and appliances, so there are almost no preparation costs when moving in. The biggest attraction is being able to start a new life right away.
<If you live alone>
You will need to purchase a set of furniture and appliances necessary for daily life, such as a bed, refrigerator, washing machine, microwave, air conditioner, etc. If you purchase all of these new items, it can cost you 100,000 to 300,000 yen or more.
Differences in monthly living expenses
1. Rent comparison (market price by area)
<Average rent for a shared house (in Tokyo's 23 wards)>
- Price range: 40,000 to 70,000 yen (depending on area and facilities)
- Furnished and equipped with appliances, and in some cases utilities are included, making it a good value for money compared to the rent.
<Average rent for a single person (in Tokyo's 23 wards)>
- Average price: 60,000 to 120,000 yen (depending on proximity to station and age of building)
- In many cases, you will have to pay management fees, common area fees, and internet fees in addition to rent.
②Utility and internet costs
<Share House>
- Many properties include utilities and internet fees, making monthly costs fixed and easy to manage.
- Since you share the costs with other residents, electricity and water bills are cheaper than living alone.
<Living alone>
- Since you will have to pay for electricity, gas, water, and internet yourself, this will result in additional costs of 10,000 to 20,000 yen per month.
- Heating in the winter and cooling in the summer will cost you even more.
③ Maintenance costs for shared spaces
<Share House>
- Cleaning fees and maintenance fees for shared facilities are often included.
- You may also be able to use the shared lounge and gym, making it cost-effective.
<Living alone>
- There are no shared facilities, so you must pay for and manage everything yourself
- You will need to buy daily necessities (cleaning supplies, consumables, etc.) on your own.
The pros and cons of living in a shared house
Shared houses are popular as a style of housing that allows you to interact with other residents while keeping costs down. However, unlike living alone, there are some things you need to be aware of in terms of privacy and rules. Here we will explain the advantages and disadvantages of shared houses in detail and use this as a reference for choosing the housing that is right for you.
Benefits of a share house
① You can save on living expenses
The biggest attraction of a shared house is that you can keep rent and living expenses down.
- Cheap rent: Even in the city center, there are many properties for between 40,000 and 70,000 yen, making it more cost-effective than living alone.
- Some properties include utilities and internet fees: Reduce fixed costs and easily manage expenses
- Fully furnished: No need to purchase refrigerators, washing machines, microwaves, etc.
When living alone, the initial costs and monthly fixed fees can be a big burden, but in a shared house you can live comfortably while reducing unnecessary expenses.
② You will meet more new people
Another great benefit of living in a shared house is that you can interact with residents from a variety of backgrounds.
- Natural conversations in shared spaces
- Many properties have lively interactions between residents through events and dinner parties.
- A chance to expand your network and gain new values
This is an especially ideal environment for people who have moved to Tokyo from the countryside or who are busy with work and have few opportunities to meet people.
3. Furniture and appliances are provided, making moving easy
Shared houses are fully furnished with furniture and appliances, so you can move in immediately with just a suitcase.
- Many properties come equipped with a bed, refrigerator, washing machine, microwave, and air conditioner.
- No need to purchase furniture and minimal hassle when moving
- Easy to use for short-term stays, transfers, study abroad, etc.
This can significantly reduce moving expenses and the cost of purchasing furniture and appliances, which is a great benefit for people who want to start a new life immediately.
4. Peace of mind in terms of crime prevention
A shared house is one of the safest places to live in terms of crime prevention.
- Unlike living alone, there is always someone there, so the risk of being burglarized is low.
- Many properties come with auto-locks and security cameras
- There is a watchful eye in the shared spaces, so you can live with peace of mind
In particular, there are share houses exclusively for women, making it ideal for people who prioritize security over living alone.
Disadvantages of a share house
① It is difficult to ensure privacy
In a share house, the kitchen, living room, shower, and toilet are generally shared, which can make it difficult to have a completely private space.
- You may be bothered by noises and the behavior of other residents
- The room size is smaller than living alone (private rooms are common)
- May not be suitable for those who want to concentrate on remote work or study
If you want complete peace and quiet, living alone might be the better option.
② Risk of trouble between residents
In a share house, you will be living together with other residents, so there is a possibility that problems may arise.
- Differences in lifestyle (night owl vs. morning owl, etc.)
- Noise issues (talking, music, etc.)
- Different rules regarding cleaning and use of shared spaces
In order to build a good relationship, it is important to be considerate of each other when living together. Depending on the property, a management company may manage the property and handle any problems that may arise, so be sure to check before signing the contract.
3. There can be a lot of rules
In a shared house, there are various rules in place to prevent trouble between residents.
- Taking turns taking out the trash
- Restrictions on use of common spaces
- Prohibition of friends staying overnight, etc.
Depending on the property, some shared houses are strictly managed by the management company, so it is important to check the rules in advance.
The pros and cons of living alone
The biggest appeal of living alone is the freedom to do things at your own pace. However, there are also disadvantages, such as increased living expenses and the burden of housework. Here, we will explain the advantages and disadvantages of living alone in detail, and use this as a reference for choosing the best place to live, while keeping in mind the differences between living alone and a shared house.
Benefits of living alone
① You can have a free lifestyle
The biggest advantage of living alone is that you can live freely without being bothered by anyone.
- Freedom to decide when to come home and when to eat
- You can listen to music and watch movies whenever you want.
- Feel free to invite friends and loved ones
In a shared house, there may be rules such as a curfew or rules for using common spaces, but one of the great attractions of living alone is that you can decide everything at your own pace.
② You can decide your own interior and lifestyle
When you live alone, you can create a comfortable space because you can customize the layout of your home, furniture arrangement, and interior design to your liking.
- Choose your favorite furniture and appliances
- You can clean and organize whenever you want.
- Adjust your lifestyle at your own pace
The downside of a shared house is that furniture and appliances are often provided, meaning there is little freedom in choosing the interior, but the advantage of living alone is that you can create a space that is completely your own.
3. It's easier to concentrate on work or schoolwork
Living alone has the advantage of providing a quiet environment, making it easier to concentrate on work or studies.
- Create an optimal environment for teleworking and studying
- You can live quietly without worrying about the noise of other residents.
- Work at your own pace
In a shared house, you may be bothered by the sounds of other residents talking and noises in common spaces, but if you live alone, you can have a completely personal space and create an environment that makes it easy to concentrate.
Disadvantages of living alone
① Living costs will increase
As mentioned above, there is a big difference in the cost of living between living in a shared house and living alone. The rent for a shared house is around 40,000 to 70,000 yen, and many properties include utility and internet fees, so it tends to be easier to keep costs down than living alone. On the other hand, the average rent for living alone is 60,000 to 120,000 yen, and in addition, utility and internet fees cost 10,000 to 20,000 yen per month, so expenses tend to increase. Furthermore, a shared house is fully furnished and does not require any initial costs, but living alone can cost 100,000 to 300,000 yen to purchase equipment. The burden of managing the common spaces is also different, with shared houses often being cleaned by the management company, while living alone requires you to manage everything yourself. If you are concerned about costs, a shared house is a good choice, and if you want a free lifestyle, living alone is a good choice.
② I sometimes feel lonely
While living alone allows you to live without being disturbed by anyone, the downside is that you may feel lonely.
- Having no one to talk to when you come home from work or school
- Spending more time alone eating and spending holidays
- There is no one to rely on in the event of sudden illness or trouble
In a shared house, you are less likely to feel lonely because you can interact with others in the common spaces, but if you live alone, you will need to make a conscious effort to create opportunities to meet up with friends.
3) Increased burden of housework
Living alone means having to do all the household chores on your own, which can be a big burden, especially for busy people.
- You have to do all your own cleaning, laundry, taking out the trash, etc.
- Cleaning of common areas cannot be shared like in a shared house
- If you don't cook, food costs tend to go up
Some shared houses offer cleaning services or allow residents to share cleaning duties amongst themselves, but if you live alone you will be responsible for all household chores and will need to set aside time to do them.
Which is better: living in a shared house or living alone?
When choosing a place to live, many people wonder whether a shared house or living alone is best for them. We will explain how to choose the best place to live according to each lifestyle and values.
Who is a share house suitable for?
1. I want to keep costs down
- Shared houses tend to have cheaper rent, utility bills, and internet fees than living alone, and initial costs are also kept low, so they are recommended for people who want to minimize costs.
- You can live in the city center for rent of 40,000 to 70,000 yen
- Furniture and appliances included, so moving costs are low
- Many properties include utilities and Wi-Fi, so you can keep your monthly fixed costs down.
② I want to enjoy interacting with others
Shared houses are ideal for people looking to meet new people, as residents naturally interact with each other through shared spaces.
- Enjoy conversation and meals in the living room and kitchen.
- Some properties hold events regularly
- Interact with people who have different values and be inspired by them
3. I'm worried about living alone for the first time.
When you first move out on your own, you will need to do everything you need to live by yourself, but in a shared house you will get support.
- Reduce the burden of housework and cleaning (some properties also offer cleaning services)
- There are residents you can talk to when you have a problem
- You won't feel lonely in a new environment
People who are suited to living alone
① I want to spend time in a quiet environment
In a shared house, you may be bothered by noises in the common space and the lifestyles of other residents, but if you live alone you can have completely private space.
- You can relax without worrying about other people's noises.
- You can sleep and wake up whenever you want
- A quiet environment for a stress-free life
② I want to concentrate on my work or studies
Living alone is ideal for people who want to create an environment that requires concentration, such as for remote work or studying for exams.
- You can have a dedicated space for work or study
- Not affected by the sounds of residents' conversations or daily life
- You can work at your own convenience
3. I want to do things at my own pace
In a shared house, there are rules for using the common spaces, which can limit your freedom, but if you live alone you can decide everything at your own pace.
- Meal and bath times can be adjusted freely.
- Cleaning and tidying at your own pace
- Live freely without anyone interfering
What to choose? How to choose the best share house or living alone
Even if you understand the advantages and disadvantages of living in a shared house or living alone, many people may still be unable to decide which is best for them. In order to avoid making the wrong choice, it is important to remember points such as actually trying things out, broadening your options, and clarifying your lifestyle. Here, we will introduce some specific methods to use when you are unsure about where to live.
Set up a trial period
The best way to avoid regretting your housing choice is to actually try it out. Especially if it's your first time living alone or you're unsure whether communal living in a sharehouse is right for you, we recommend choosing a property that allows short-term leases.
<How to live on a trial basis>
- Use a share house with a monthly contract (many properties can be rented on a monthly basis)
- Get a feel for living alone by staying in a weekly apartment or hotel
- Spend a period of time at a friend or relative's house to test out the ideal environment
By actually experiencing whether a shared house or living alone is more suitable for you, you can reduce the risk of failure and choose a place to live that will give you greater satisfaction.
Utilizing rental properties with shared houses
For those who feel that a shared house is attractive but would also like to live completely alone, there is also the option of renting an apartment with a shared house.
What is a rental property with a shared house?
- Each room is completely private, with some areas such as the kitchen and living room shared.
- You can enjoy the social life of a share house while having the freedom of living alone
- Experience the feeling of living alone at a lower cost than renting an apartment
For example, properties like Cross House's "furnished apartments" offer the privacy of a completely private room while also providing the benefits of a shared house, making them perfect for people who are attracted to both lifestyles.
summary
Living in a shared house or living alone each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to choose one that matches your lifestyle and values. If you want to enjoy socializing while keeping costs down, a shared house is the way to go, while living alone is the way to go if you want to live a free lifestyle. If you're unsure, try a short-term stay, make use of a rental property with a shared house, or clarify your lifestyle. Find the home that's best for you and start a comfortable new life!
