Private Room vs. Shared Room: What's Actually Different

"Private room" and "shared room" sound self-explanatory, but the practical differences, and how they affect your day-to-day and your monthly cost, are worth spelling out before you choose.

Private Room ($850–$1,100/mo, all-inclusive)

A private room means exactly that: your own bedroom, behind a door with a keyless lock, that no one else has a claim to. You still share the kitchen, living area, and laundry with the rest of the house, but your bedroom is fully yours: your own space to close the door on at the end of the day.

Shared Room ($550–$650/mo, all-inclusive)

A shared room means splitting a bedroom with one other resident, in addition to sharing the common spaces. It costs less each month because you share your bedroom too.

How to think about the choice

FeaturePrivate RoomShared Room
Monthly costHigherLower
BedroomYours aloneShared with one other resident
Common spacesSharedShared
Best fit forThose who want a private space at day's endThose prioritizing lower cost over bedroom privacy

Neither option is "better"; it's a budget-versus-privacy tradeoff, and the right answer depends on what matters most to you right now.

What doesn't change

Utilities, Wi-Fi, furnishings, and access to shared spaces are included either way. The difference between the two options is entirely about your bedroom; what's included stays the same.