As rent costs rise and affordable housing options shrink, many turn to extended stay motels for temporary living. While these motels offer flexibility with no lease requirement, they often come with limitations that make them less ideal for those seeking long-term, affordable housing. In this post, we’ll compare extended stay motels with PadSplit, a co-living platform offering a flexible and budget-friendly solution, to help you find the best option.
What is an extended stay motel?
Extended stay motels offer convenience and flexibility, with amenities like kitchenettes, laundry facilities, and Wi-Fi. They appeal to people in transition, such as those between homes or on temporary work assignments. However, the cost can vary depending on the time of year, location, and length of stay, making it hard to budget. Rates typically range from $400 to $700 per week in most urban areas, but some upscale options can reach as high as $1,500 per week.
While these motels don’t require long-term leases, fluctuating rates make it difficult to plan for those seeking stable, affordable living over a longer period.
What is PadSplit?
PadSplit offers a solution for those looking for more stability and affordability. Designed for flexible, low-cost living, PadSplit provides private, furnished rooms within shared homes. With fixed weekly payments that include utilities and internet, PadSplit removes the unpredictability of fluctuating costs, making it easier to plan and save.
PadSplit’s weekly rates start as low as $119, significantly less than extended stay motels, and cover all living expenses, including utilities and Wi-Fi. This makes PadSplit ideal for both short-term and long-term housing needs.
How do the costs compare?
Extended stay motels can become expensive due to fluctuating rates and extra fees for amenities like laundry and internet. While weekly rates can start as low as $400, some locations charge up to $1,500 per week, depending on demand and quality.
In contrast, PadSplit provides a more predictable and affordable solution. With set weekly payments starting at $119, including utilities, internet, and access to shared spaces, PadSplit allows you to better manage your housing costs while saving significantly over time.
PadSplit: Affordability, credit-building, and more
PadSplit’s affordability is just one advantage. It also offers members the chance to improve their financial standing through credit reporting. Rent payments are reported to Equifax and TransUnion, helping members build their credit scores—95% of PadSplit members see improvements over time. PadSplit isn’t just a place to stay; it’s a platform for building a stronger financial future.
Craig, a Houston PadSplit member, experienced these benefits firsthand: “It’s saving me money, and my room feels like home. It’s my comfort zone now,” he says. Planning to stay with PadSplit as long as he works in the area, Craig sees it as a great alternative to expensive extended-stay hotels. “If more people knew about PadSplit, they’d see what a great option it is,” he adds.
Beyond affordability, PadSplit fosters a sense of community. Members have private rooms while sharing common spaces like kitchens and living rooms, creating opportunities for interaction and support—something lacking in extended stay motels.
To further support its members, PadSplit also offers free telemedicine services, providing access to healthcare without additional costs. This unique benefit ensures residents have both financial and physical well-being.
Flexibility meets stability
While extended stay motels offer flexibility without a lease, fluctuating rates and time limits make it hard to budget and plan.
PadSplit provides both flexibility and stability. You can stay as long as you need without worrying about rate increases or move-out deadlines. For even more flexibility, you can choose a one-time $175 Flexibility Upgrade at booking, which lets you start a week-to-week commitment immediately with no penalties for early move-out. If you opt for the default 12-week commitment, you’ll enjoy the lowest rates, but if you move out early, a two-week fee will apply. After completing the 12-week commitment, you’ll automatically switch to a week-to-week plan.
If your needs change or you want to explore a new neighborhood, transferring between homes is simple and hassle-free. Your first transfer to another PadSplit property is always free, with no penalties for moving. Whether you’re looking for a location closer to work or simply want a change of scenery, PadSplit gives you the flexibility to move when you need to.
PadSplit in key metro areas
If you’re living in cities with a high cost of housing like Austin, Las Vegas, or Washington, D.C., PadSplit provides an affordable and flexible solution. By converting single-family homes into co-living spaces, PadSplit offers private, furnished rooms close to public transportation and city centers. Whether you’re working a temporary job, between apartments, or seeking a stable living solution, PadSplit is a great alternative to extended stay motels in these areas.
Frequently asked questions
What if I don’t want to share common spaces?
PadSplit homes offer privacy, with each member having their own lockable, furnished room. Some rooms also come with private bathrooms, which you can filter for during your search.
Is PadSplit available in my city?
PadSplit operates in over 25 cities across the United States, including major metro areas like Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, and Jacksonville. You can check if there are rooms available near you on the PadSplit website.
How much can I save by staying in a PadSplit?
PadSplit is often more affordable than extended stay motels or traditional rentals. Members save an average of $420 per month by choosing PadSplit, thanks to its all-inclusive weekly payments and lower rates.
Which option is best for you?
If you’re searching for short-term housing, both extended stay motels and PadSplit offer flexibility without long-term leases. However, if affordability, stability, and community are priorities for you, PadSplit emerges as the clear winner. With lower weekly rates, fixed payments, and additional benefits like credit reporting and telemedicine services, PadSplit offers more than just a place to stay—it offers a pathway to a better financial future and a sense of belonging in a new city.
Ready to make the switch?
Find your perfect PadSplit room today and start saving on rent with PadSplit’s flexible, affordable housing options. Don’t wait—move in within 48 hours! Explore the available rooms today!
