Difference Between PG and Hostel: Cost, Living, Culture

The difference between a PG and a hostel is a critical consideration for students, backpackers, and budget-conscious travellers in India. When seeking accommodation, they often encounter a dilemma between the cost-effective, communal living experience of hostels and the home-like ambience and cultural immersion offered by paying guests. So, what truly sets apart a hostel from PGs in India, and which option suits you best?

In the quest for lodging, travellers in India are met with a plethora of choices, ranging from traditional hotels and guesthouses to homestays and serviced apartments. Amidst this variety, two options stand out for their popularity among students, backpackers, and budget-conscious individuals: hostels and paying guests. If you're still confused about what is the difference between PG and hostel then this article aims to provide clarity. Keep reading to explore these accommodation options further.

Also read: The Complete Guide to Paying Guests & Sample PG Rent Agreement

What are Hostels?

A hostel is a budget-friendly accommodation option that typically offers dormitory-style rooms with several beds. Hostels are popular among travellers looking for a cost-effective and communal living experience. The price of a bed in a hostel is often much lower than the cost of a private room in a hotel, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious travellers.

The shared living spaces in hostels also provide an opportunity to meet other travellers, make new friends, and learn about different cultures. However, hostels can lack privacy, as there are often multiple people sharing the same room.

According to recent reports, the popularity of hostels in India is on the rise, with many young travellers opting for this type of accommodation over more traditional options.

What is Paying Guest?

PG means in hostel is a type of accommodation where a person rents a room in a private home. The cost of staying with a paying guest is typically lower than the cost of a hotel room, but higher than a hostel bed. Paying guests is popular among travellers looking for a more home-like environment and cultural immersion.

Staying with a paying guest allows travellers to experience the local culture and customs in a more personal way, as they are living in someone's home. However, this also means that travellers may have to adhere to certain rules and routines set by the host.

Recent reports indicate that the popularity of paying guests in India is also on the rise, particularly among travellers looking for a more authentic cultural experience.

Hostel vs PG Difference: Detailed Comparison

Comparison Factor	Hostel	Paying Guest (PG)
Cost	Typically cheaper, ideal for budget travellers	May be more expensive, offering a homelike atmosphere
Living Conditions	Communal living, limited privacy	More home-like, less independence, shared facilities
Cultural Immersion	Opportunity to meet diverse travellers	Personal, authentic experience with local culture
Flexibility	Often flexible with check-in/check-out times	May have stricter rules and curfews
Community	Social atmosphere, chance to make new friends	Living with a local family, the potential for deeper connections
Amenities	Shared facilities like kitchens and lounges	Access to home amenities like kitchen and living room

When it comes to knowing what is the difference between a hostel and a PG, several factors come into play, including cost, living conditions, and cultural immersion.

In terms of cost, hostels are typically the more affordable option. However, paying guests offer a more home-like environment, which may be worth the extra expense for some travellers.

Living conditions are also an important consideration. Hostels offer a communal living experience, but lack privacy, while paying guests provide a more home-like environment, but also less independence.

Finally, cultural immersion is a crucial factor for many travellers. Staying with a paying guest provides a more personal and authentic experience, while hostels offer the opportunity to meet other travellers and learn about different cultures.

Ultimately, the choice between a hostel and a paying guest will depend on the individual needs and preferences of the traveller. Budget travellers may opt for a hostel, while those looking for a more authentic cultural experience may prefer a paying guest.

PG vs Hostel Difference: Pros and Cons of Hostels

Hostels are a popular form of budget accommodation for students and travellers in India and around the world. A hostel typically provides shared dormitory-style rooms and shared facilities such as kitchens, bathrooms, and common areas. They offer a cost-effective and social living experience, with many hostels offering social activities and events to encourage communal living. A hostel is a budget-friendly accommodation option that typically offers shared rooms, including dormitory-style bunk beds or shared private rooms, with shared bathroom and kitchen facilities. Hostels cater to travellers who are on a tight budget and looking for a place to sleep and store their belongings.

Pros:

1. Cost-effective: Hostels are one of the most affordable accommodation options available, making them an excellent choice for budget travellers and students.
2. Communal living: Hostels provide an opportunity to meet people from different cultures and backgrounds, creating a social atmosphere and an opportunity to make new friends.
3. Cost-effective: Hostels are one of the most affordable accommodation options available, making them an excellent choice for budget travellers and students.

Cons:

1. Lack of privacy: As hostels provide shared accommodation, travellers have to adjust to shared living conditions and may have limited privacy.
2. Noise: With multiple people living in the same room, hostels can be noisy, making it challenging to get a good night’s sleep.
3. Crowded: With so many people in one place, hostels can get crowded, and travellers may have to wait for facilities like showers or kitchens.

Essentially, the main advantage of staying in a hostel is cost-effectiveness. Hostels offer the lowest possible prices for travellers and are ideal for backpackers, students, and budget-conscious tourists. Additionally, staying in a hostel often means that you'll be sharing a room with other travellers, which can lead to a fun and communal living experience. You can easily make new friends from all over the world, and have opportunities to participate in group activities and events organised by the hostel. 

According to a recent report, the hostel industry has seen huge growth in India in recent years, especially in tourist hotspots like Goa and Rishikesh. In 2020, the hostel industry in India saw a 25% growth in comparison to the previous year, and this trend is expected to continue. With the increasing number of budget-conscious travellers and students in India, the demand for hostels is growing rapidly.

On the downside, hostels may not offer the privacy and comfort you would expect in a traditional hotel. With multiple people sharing the same room, you may have to put up with snoring roommates, light-sensitive travellers and people coming and going at all hours. Additionally, some hostels may not have proper locks on the doors, which could make you feel uncomfortable leaving your belongings in the room.

Recent reports indicate that hostels in India have grown in popularity, especially among backpackers and budget-conscious travellers. According to a report by the Ministry of Tourism, the number of hostels in India has increased by more than 50% over the past five years, with the majority of hostels located in popular tourist destinations like Goa and Jaipur.

What is the Difference Between Hostel and PG: Pros and Cons of a PG

Paying guests (PGs) in India is similar to homestays, providing travellers with a more home-like environment than a hostel. PGs typically provide private or shared rooms within a residential home, with shared facilities like kitchens and bathrooms. The advantage of staying with a paying guest is the opportunity to experience local culture and customs and to live like a local. A paying guest (PG) is a form of accommodation where you rent a room in someone else's home. PGs offer a more homely experience compared to hostels, as you'll be staying with a local family. Typically, you'll have your own private room, but you'll have to share common areas like the kitchen, living room and bathroom with the family.

Pros:

1. Home-like environment: Staying with a paying guest provides a home-like atmosphere, giving travellers a taste of local life and culture.
2. Cultural immersion: PGs offer an opportunity to experience local customs, traditions, and ways of life, providing travellers with a more authentic cultural experience.
3. Affordable: Compared to hotels, PGs are usually more affordable, making them an attractive option for budget travellers.

Cons:

1. Lack of independence: Staying with a paying guest may feel less independent, as there are usually house rules and curfews to follow.
2. Crowded: PGs can get crowded, especially in popular tourist destinations, making it challenging to find a room.
3. Limited privacy: With shared facilities, travellers may have limited privacy and may have to adjust to shared living conditions.

Recent reports indicate that PGs in India have become increasingly popular, especially among students and young professionals. According to a report by the Ministry of Tourism, the number of PGs in India has increased by more than 25% over the past five years, with the majority of PGs located in major cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, and Delhi.

When it comes to choosing between a hostel and a paying guest, there are several factors to consider, including cost, living conditions, and cultural immersion. The main advantage of staying with a paying guest is the home-like environment and cultural immersion. You'll get to experience local life and learn about Indian culture from the family. Additionally, you'll have your private room, which offers more privacy and comfort compared to hostels.

However, the downside of staying with a paying guest is the lack of independence. You may have to follow house rules set by the family, such as curfews or restrictions on visitors. You may also have to put up with noise from the family, such as children playing or family members watching television late at night. Furthermore, if the family is not friendly, you may have a difficult time during your stay.

Living Conditions: Difference between Hostel and PG

When it comes to choosing between hostels and paying guests in India, it's important to consider several factors. If you are wondering about the main thing that sets them apart, and what is difference between PG and hostel, the main distinctions between these two types of accommodation come down to cost, living conditions, and cultural immersion.

1. Cost - PG vs hostel: In terms of cost, hostels are generally the more budget-friendly option. They offer a range of room types, from shared dorms to private rooms, with prices to match. Hostels are also more likely to offer communal facilities like kitchens, lounges, and outdoor spaces, which can help keep costs down. On the other hand, staying with a paying guest typically costs more, as you'll be paying for a private room with your own bathroom and kitchen facilities.
2. Lifestyle - hostel vs PG: Regarding living conditions, hostels are a great option if you're looking for a communal, social living experience. Hostels often have large, shared spaces where you can socialise with other travelers, and some even have events and activities to help you get to know your fellow guests. However, hostels can also be noisy, with limited privacy and no control over whom you're sharing with.
3. Environment – which is better hostel or PG? Paying guests to offer a more home-like environment, with private rooms and your bathroom. You'll also have the chance to live with a local Indian family and experience the culture first-hand, making it a great option if you're looking for a more authentic experience. However, paying guests can also be less flexible, with restrictions on your movement and fewer communal spaces to relax in.
4. Cultural immersion and exposure - is PG better than a hostel? For budget travellers, a hostel may be the better option, while for those looking for a deeper cultural immersion, a paying guest is likely to be the better choice.

The Final Verdict: Hostel or PG which is better?

The difference between PG and hostel in India boils down to crucial factors like cost, living conditions, and cultural immersion. Hostels provide an economical, communal living setup, while PGs offer a homelier atmosphere with opportunities for cultural immersion. Regardless of your choice, NoBroker is your ally in finding the perfect accommodation.

Our platform facilitates direct connections between property owners and tenants, streamlining your search for the ideal Difference between a PG and a hostel. We invite our readers to share their own experiences and inquiries about hostels and PGs in India. NoBroker remains dedicated to assisting property owners in finding renters and aiding students and professionals in their quest for suitable lodging. We're committed to ensuring your hunt for student housing in India is as seamless and stress-free as possible. Click on the link here to learn more about our PG and hostel services in your area!

Frequently Asked Questions