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I’ve been living the digital nomad lifestyle full-time since 2018, working remotely across 70+ countries, now with my dog by my side. Over the years, I’ve stayed in all kinds of coliving spaces.
Some felt like overpriced dorms with bad Wi-Fi and zero community. Others? They completely changed my trip with deep connections, beautiful shared meals, and the kind of productive environment that helped me get work done and enjoy where I was.
Finding the right coliving space can make a destination for you, but it’s not always easy to know what you’re walking into.
This guide will help you figure out what to look for, avoid mistakes, and discover amazing coliving spaces that actually enhance your digital nomad lifestyle. Whether you’re heading to Bali, Lisbon, or Mexico City, the right space can make all the difference between burnout and balance.
What Are Coliving Spaces?
I like to think of coliving spaces as an upgraded version of hostels – for people who value connection and community, but also need their own space and a reliable place to work.
A good coliving space combines the best parts of coworking, shared housing, and boutique accommodations. You’ll usually get your own private room, access to a fully equipped kitchen, and a dedicated coworking area with strong Wi-Fi. But what really sets coliving apart is the community. These spaces are intentionally designed to help you meet others, collaborate, and make the most of remote life.
I started seeing coliving spaces pop up everywhere after the pandemic. Once remote work became more mainstream, more people realized they didn’t have to be tied to a desk, or a specific city. Suddenly, working from Bali, Lisbon, Mexico City, or even during your family vacations wasn’t just a dream. It became the new normal.
That shift gave rise to a new kind of accommodation. One where location flexibility meets community, productivity, and a better quality of life.
Benefits of Coliving Spaces
Coliving has been one of the best ways I’ve found to feel grounded while living a remote lifestyle. It’s not just about having a place to sleep and work. The right space can instantly connect you with community, simplify logistics, and set you up for a more productive and fulfilling experience in a new place.
Here are some of the main advantages of coliving spaces:
Everything in one place
Instead of moving to a new city and having to find your own apartment, coworking space, and social circle, coliving gives you all of that in one. It’s ideal if you’re landing somewhere short-term and want to skip the hassle of setting everything up from scratch.
Built-in community
Meeting people while traveling can feel like a full-time job on its own. Coliving makes it easier. You’re surrounded by others who are also remote working, creating, or exploring. I’ve made real friendships in colivings that I still carry with me years later.
Good locations
Most coliving spaces are based in digital nomad-friendly neighborhoods. That means easy access to coffee shops, coworks, yoga studios, and restaurants—without spending hours figuring out where the “good” part of town is.
Designed for productivity
These spaces usually come with strong Wi-Fi, comfortable workspaces, and quiet zones. If you’ve ever tried to take a Zoom call in a noisy hostel, you’ll understand how valuable this is.
Insider knowledge
Whether it’s the community manager or someone who’s been living there longer, you get instant access to tips about the area. The best SIM cards, where to buy groceries, how to get around, which hikes are worth it. You’re getting a head start from the moment you arrive.
Shared experiences
From group dinners to spontaneous weekend trips, coliving makes it easy to create meaningful memories. It’s not just about being social—it’s about sharing the journey with people who understand the lifestyle.
You might pay more than if you rented a place on your own, but what you gain in time saved, connections made, and local insights often makes it worth it.
What to Look For in a Coliving Space
When you’re living and working on the road, where you stay can shape your entire experience.
I used to think all coliving spaces were pretty similar. Then I stayed at one in Lisbon that was a huge disappointment. The Wi-Fi worked and the rooms were fine, but the vibe was off. There was no real sense of community, and honestly, it felt like an overpriced Airbnb with shared walls. No one talked to each other, and without a community manager or organized events, it was hard to feel like I belonged.
It wasn’t until I stayed at Co404 in Mexico City that I realized how much of a difference great community management makes. From day one, I was welcomed in. The community manager introduced new guests, organized group dinners, and brought everyone together without it feeling forced. Within a few days, I had made new friends to explore the city and cowork with, and that sense of connection made the entire experience unforgettable.
Now, when I’m searching for a coliving space, these are the things I pay attention to:
- A strong community vibe with a dedicated host or manager
- Reliable high-speed internet
- Functional, comfortable coworking areas
- Quiet zones for focused work
- Private rooms that offer real comfort and rest
- Events or shared meals that create opportunities to connect
- A location that’s walkable to cafes, groceries, and local spots
- An outdoor space, because sunshine is important!
- One that’s dog friendly, so Puglo can come with me!
Coliving is more than just a place to sleep and work. It has the potential to completely shape your travel experience. When done right, it helps you feel connected, supported, and inspired while living abroad.
How to Make the Most of Your Coliving Experience
Even the best coliving space won’t feel magical if you don’t show up for it. Like anything in the digital nomad lifestyle, you get out what you put in.
Here’s what’s helped me get the most value out of each stay:
Be open to connection
Even if you’re introverted or deep in work mode, take a moment to introduce yourself to the people around you. Some of the best friendships I’ve made on the road started with a quick chat in the kitchen or joining a shared meal. Ask about the next event, invite someone for a walk, or just say hi during a coffee break. A small effort can lead to meaningful connections.
Protect your workflow
It’s easy to get swept up in social plans, but remember why you’re there. Set clear work hours, use the quiet zones, and treat your day like you would if you were working from home. When you create structure, it’s easier to enjoy downtime guilt-free.
Be a respectful housemate
Clean up after yourself, follow the space’s rules, and respect quiet hours. It seems basic, but not everyone gets it. A little courtesy goes a long way when you’re sharing a home with people from all over the world.
Say yes to new experiences
Join that sunset hike or cooking class, even if it’s not your usual thing. Some of my favorite travel memories have come from spontaneous moments I would’ve missed if I stayed glued to my laptop. When you make time to explore with your housemates, it makes the stay so much richer.
Coliving can be more than just a place to live. It’s a chance to find your people, explore a new destination together, and actually enjoy the remote lifestyle instead of just working from a new timezone.
Top Coliving Destinations Around the World
If you’re not sure where to head next, these destinations have a thriving digital nomad scene and some seriously inspiring coliving spaces. I’ve spent time in most of them and can say from experience, they live up to the hype.
Bali, Indonesia
Bali is a classic for a reason. It’s affordable, beautiful, and packed with tons of colivings that make it easy to meet other nomads. Think coworking by day, surfing or yoga at sunset, and smoothie bowls for breakfast. Ubud and Canggu are two of the top spots to base yourself.
Tenerife, Spain
Tenerife is an island in the Canary Islands that I spent some time living on, and it’s packed with great coliving options. I started my trip in the north at a coliving space and later, I moved to an apartment in the south for a change of pace.
What I love about Tenerife is the mix of island life with everything you need to stay productive. You’ve got mountains, surf, and sunshine year-round, plus fast internet and nomad-friendly infrastructure.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai has been one of my nomad bases for years, and I love it so much I even bought an off plan apartment there. It’s one of the easiest places to settle into remote work life. The cost of living is low, the food is amazing, and the pace of life is just right if you’re looking to focus and recharge.
There’s a strong digital nomad community here, with plenty of coliving and coworking spaces designed for deep work and connection. Many include extras like meditation classes, cultural experiences, and weekend adventures around Northern Thailand.
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is one of my favorite places for being a digital nomad in Europe. The weather is warm, the food is incredible, and it’s one of those cities that feels inspiring just walking around. There’s a creative energy here that makes it easy to feel motivated.
The remote work scene is well-established, with lots of coliving spaces and coworking cafés throughout the city. Just make sure you pick a coliving space with an actual sense of community. Some can feel more like serviced apartments, so read reviews and check if they host events or have an active host before you book.
Oaxaca City, Mexico
Oaxaca City surprised me in the best way, much in part to Co404 which was one of the most welcoming coliving communities I’ve experienced. It had structured events, community dinners, and tons of support from the host. The city itself is electric, with amazing food, culture, and day trips just outside the city.
Medellín, Colombia
Medellín has transformed into a hub for remote workers. The climate is ideal year-round and the community is super active. Many colivings here are built with connection in mind – group Spanish classes, shared meals, and curated cultural events are common. Co404 now has has a coliving here, as well as Nomadico.
Bansko, Bulgaria
If you love mountains and small-town vibes, Bansko might surprise you. It’s home to a tight-knit nomad community with regular meetups and coworking options. Summer is quiet, cheap, and great for hiking, while winter draws in the ski crowd.
Final thoughts: Are Coliving Spaces Worth It?
Coliving isn’t just a trend. It’s become a real solution for remote workers who want more connection, structure, and ease while navigating life abroad.
After years of bouncing between Airbnbs, hostels, and long-term rentals, I’ve found that the right coliving space can completely change how you experience a destination. When you land in a place that already has community, fast Wi-Fi, and a productive setup waiting for you, it removes so many of the pain points that come with the digital nomad lifestyle.
Of course, not every coliving space is perfect. But when you find one that fits your energy, it’s worth the premium.
