Chicago is a city of neighborhoods, each with a distinct flavor - from the artistic streets of Wicker Park to the gleaming towers of River North. For digital nomads and young professionals, the "Windy City" offers a more affordable urban lifestyle than New York or San Francisco, but with all the world-class architecture and food. However, the rental market can be fragmented. "Mom and pop" landlords dominate the neighborhoods, often requiring in-person meetings, paper checks, and strict credit history.
Coliving operators in Chicago have modernized this experience. They offer "all-inclusive" living in some of the city's best locations, like the Loop, Lincoln Park, and the West Loop. These spaces range from converted historic hotels (a specialty of Chicago) to brand-new amenity towers that function like vertical villages.
The "Coliving Premium" in Chicago buys you warmth (literally - heating bills in winter can be shocking in older buildings) and convenience. By bundling utilities and furniture, you avoid the hassle of setting up gas and internet accounts during a snowstorm. The list below covers the top operators you need to know.
For a quick overview of the best options, here is the full list at a glance:
Top Chicago Coliving Companies (Quick Reference)
- Sienna: A boutique apartment community in Streeterville offering modern, flexible living near the lakefront.
- Staying Level: (Level Hotels & Furnished Suites) A luxury hospitality brand offering serviced suites in Old Town, Fulton Market, and River North.
- Addams: (The Addams Coliving) A student and young professional focused community in the Illinois Medical District/UIC area.
- Fllat: A flexible housing platform offering fully furnished shared and private rooms in Chicago with an all-inclusive pricing model.
- Suite Home: A corporate housing provider offering high-end, fully furnished apartments for 30+ day stays in prime neighborhoods.
- X Coliving: (The X Company) A "social club" residential concept offering private apartments with massive shared gyms and coworking spaces.
- Post: (Post Chicago) A coliving operator in Lincoln Park offering rent-by-the-room suites with community amenities.
- Domu: A premier local rental marketplace often used to find independent coliving arrangements and unique landlord-managed flexible rentals.
- Furnished Quarters: A global corporate housing supplier providing design-led furnished apartments in downtown high-rises.
- Blueground: A prop-tech leader offering professionally furnished, turnkey apartments in neighborhoods like Lakeview and The Loop.
- Landing: A membership-based network offering flexible, furnished apartment living with a "Standby" option for nomads.
Sienna
Sienna is a boutique high-rise located in Streeterville, offering a mix of standard and flexible living options. While primarily a luxury rental building, its focus on modern amenities and prime location makes it a popular choice for those seeking a polished, hassle-free city base.
Location: Located at 423 E Ohio St, Streeterville. You are steps from Ohio Street Beach and the Magnificent Mile.
Website: https://www.siennachicago.com
Pricing: Mid-to-High Range, with 1-bedroom units typically starting from $2,968+ per month. Two-bedroom units often range from $3,700 to $6,400+.
Deposit: Standard administrative fee or security deposit applies. Pet fees include a one-time $350 fee plus monthly rent.
Rental Terms: 12-month standard leases are typical. Short-term premiums may apply depending on the specific unit availability.
Amenities: Rooftop deck, fitness center, and dog run. The building features concrete "soft loft" aesthetics with high-end finishes.
Staying Level
Staying Level (Level) blurs the line between a boutique hotel and a luxury apartment. They specialize in "serviced living," offering suites that are fully stocked with everything from kitchenware to linens, perfect for stays of a month or more.
Location: Prime hubs at 1140 N Wells St (Old Town), Fulton Market, and River North. These locations place you in the center of dining and nightlife.
Website: https://stayinglevel.com
Pricing: Premium daily rates often start around $215+ per night. Monthly rates for extended stays can average $4,000+ per month for a 1-bedroom.
Deposit: Credit Card Hold functions like a hotel booking. This avoids the traditional landlord security deposit process.
Rental Terms: Daily to Monthly flexibility makes it ideal for corporate travelers. It serves as a perfect bridge for relocation.
Amenities: Outdoor pools, expansive gyms, and 24/7 concierge. Units feature in-suite laundry and full gourmet kitchens.
Addams
The Addams Coliving (formerly known as Scio or similar student housing assets) is designed for students and young professionals near the university district. It offers a structured, community-focused environment with shared apartments.
Location: Located at 1407 W 15th St, near the Illinois Medical District (IMD). It is convenient for UIC students and medical professionals.
Website: https://www.addamschicago.com
Pricing: Affordable shared rooms start from $1,015 per month for a 4-bedroom unit. Private 2-bedroom units start around $2,297.
Deposit: Standard deposit roughly equal to one month's rent. An application fee of approximately $50 applies.
Rental Terms: Academic/Flexible terms aligned with semester schedules. Short-term leases are available, often with a premium.
Amenities: Fitness center, study lounges, and outdoor terrace. Rent often includes high-speed internet and utilities.
Fllat
Fllat is a flexible housing provider offering fully furnished shared and private rooms. They cater to students, interns, and young professionals seeking affordable, all-inclusive accommodations without the hassle of utility setup.
Location: City-wide listings in Chicago. They offer housing in various neighborhoods suitable for students and young professionals.
Website: https://www.fllat.com
Pricing: Affordable. Rates for shared and private rooms are designed to be budget-friendly, often including utilities and Wi-Fi in the price.
Deposit: A furniture deposit is required to secure the room. This covers potential damages and is distinct from traditional security deposits.
Rental Terms: Flexible terms including weekly and monthly options. Leases are designed to accommodate short-term stays, internships, and academic semesters.
Amenities: Furnished rooms with utilities and Wi-Fi included. Rent typically covers electricity, gas, water, and regular cleaning of common areas.
Suite Home
Suite Home Chicago is a corporate housing expert. They don't just rent apartments; they manage the entire guest experience. They are the go-to for relocation companies and individuals who need a "white glove" service level.
Location: City-wide inventory in luxury buildings like Wolf Point East and NEMA. They operate in the Loop, West Loop, and Gold Coast.
Website: https://www.suitehome.com
Pricing: Corporate Rates average $120 - $180+ per day for 30+ day stays. 1-bedroom units often cost around $3,500 per month.
Deposit: Standard booking protocols apply. Corporate accounts often waive standard consumer deposits.
Rental Terms: 30-day minimum stay is strictly enforced. This ensures compliance with local short-term rental laws.
Amenities: Weekly housekeeping, utilities included, and 24/7 guest support. Apartments come fully stocked with everything from towels to toasters.
X Coliving
The X Company (X Chicago / X Lincoln Park) has redefined coliving as a "social club that you live in." While they offer private apartments, the massive amenity floors (gyms, coworking, pools) create a coliving atmosphere.
Location: Hubs at X Lincoln Park (2242 N Lincoln Ave) and X Chicago (Roosevelt). These spots are social anchors in their respective neighborhoods.
Website: https://www.xcompany.com
Pricing: Rent-by-bedroom options start from $1,400+, while private studios range from $2,100+. Membership to the "X Club" is typically included.
Deposit: Standard deposit required. Application fees apply for credit and background checks.
Rental Terms: Flexible leases available. The focus is on building a long-term member base rather than transient guests.
Amenities: Huge gyms, coworking offices, and pool decks. The building hosts daily fitness classes and social events for residents.
Post
Post Chicago offers a dedicated coliving experience in the heart of Lincoln Park. They specialize in "rent-by-the-bedroom" suites, making it easy to live in an expensive neighborhood for a fraction of the cost.
Location: Located at 853 W Blackhawk St, Lincoln Park. It sits near the North / Clybourn Red Line station for easy commuting.
Pricing: Affordable rooms range from $1,300 - $1,835 per month. This includes furniture and shared common area access.
Deposit: Standard administrative fee usually replaces a high security deposit. This simplifies the move-in process.
Rental Terms: 3 to 14-month leases available. Short-term fees may apply for leases under 6 months.
Amenities: Community lounge, terrace, and fitness center. Units feature in-unit laundry and modern finishes.
Domu
Domu is not a building, but Chicago’s premier local rental marketplace. It is the best resource for finding independent coliving arrangements, landlord-managed "coach houses," and unique vintage apartments that aren't on big corporate sites.
Location: City-wide listings with a focus on neighborhoods like Wicker Park and Logan Square. It captures the local "mom and pop" rental market.
Website: https://www.domu.com
Pricing: Varies by landlord, with shared rooms often found for $800 - $1,000. Private apartments range from budget to luxury.
Deposit: Varies by landlord, often a "move-in fee" ($300-$500) rather than a full deposit. This is a unique Chicago rental market quirk.
Rental Terms: Varies, but typically 12 months. Sublets and shorter terms can often be found for summer or semester stays.
Amenities: N/A. Amenities depend on the specific building, ranging from vintage charm to modern renovations.
Furnished Quarters
Furnished Quarters is a global leader in corporate housing. In Chicago, they offer design-led, fully furnished apartments in some of the city's most prestigious residential towers.
Location: Prime units at 845 N State St (State & Chestnut) and 21 E Chestnut. Locations are central to the Gold Coast and River North.
Website: https://www.furnishedquarters.com
Pricing: Premium rates start at approx $125+ per day for a 1-bedroom. Monthly costs typically exceed $3,500.
Deposit: Standard credit requirements apply. Corporate guarantees are often accepted in lieu of personal deposits.
Rental Terms: 30-day minimum stay. Designed for executives and consultants needing a turnkey home.
Amenities: Bespoke furnishings, utilities included, and guest services. Residents often have access to the luxury building's pool and gym.
Blueground
Blueground offers turnkey, professionally furnished apartments for flexible stays. They focus on mobility, allowing you to book an apartment on an app and move in the next day with just your suitcase.
Location: Listings at 77 W Huron and 445 E Ohio St. They cover major neighborhoods like Lakeview, River North, and The Loop.
Website: https://www.theblueground.com
Pricing: Premium pricing with 1-bedrooms starting from $2,200 - $3,000+ per month. Pricing is dynamic based on lease length and season.
Deposit: Varies but often waivable for US residents connecting a bank account. International guests may need a security deposit.
Rental Terms: Monthly terms from 1 to 12 months. The booking process is entirely digital, making it easy for overseas arrivals.
Amenities: High-quality furniture, welcome kits, and maintenance app. Guests get access to building amenities like pools and gyms.
Landing
Landing is a membership-based network of furnished apartments. Their "Standby" model is unique, offering lower rates for nomads willing to be flexible with their location, while standard bookings offer guaranteed stability.
Location: City-wide inventory in hundreds of buildings. You can find units in almost every major Chicago residential district.
Website: https://www.hellolanding.com
Pricing: Standby membership is $1,495/mo. Standard reservations reflect market rates plus a premium for flexibility.
Deposit: Low/None for members. The annual membership fee covers the flexibility usually secured by a deposit.
Rental Terms: Flexible start and end dates. Members can transfer between cities with just a few days' notice (on Standby).
Amenities: Uniform furniture standards, utilities included, and 7-day support. Apartments are set up to a consistent brand standard.
Chicago is a city that rewards preparation. The rental market is seasonal, vast, and highly dependent on which of the "77 neighborhoods" you choose to call home.
- The "Heating" Factor: Chicago winters are legendary for a reason. Temperatures can drop well below zero. A major hidden benefit of coliving operators like Sienna and Staying Level is that they are often in modern, energy-efficient high-rises. If you rent a vintage "greystone" or "walk-up" via a private landlord on Domu, be prepared for drafty windows and gas bills that can spike to $150+ in January. Coliving bundles these utilities, protecting your budget from seasonal shock.
- Neighborhood Vibe: Your experience will be defined by your location. If you want a walkable commute to the financial district, Staying Level or Furnished Quarters in River North are ideal. If you prefer a younger, artistic vibe with vintage stores and dive bars, look for listings in Wicker Park or Logan Square via Domu or Fllat. Lincoln Park (home to Post and X Coliving) offers a perfect middle ground: leafy, safe, and packed with young professionals.
- The "L" Train Logic: Chicago is best navigated by the "L" (elevated train). When booking, check your proximity to a Red Line or Blue Line station. Living near these lines makes the city feel small; living far from them in winter can make the city feel isolating. Most major coliving operators position themselves strategically near these transit hubs.
- Move-in Fees vs. Deposits: Unlike NYC or LA, many Chicago landlords (and some coliving operators) charge a non-refundable move-in fee (approx $300-$500) instead of a large security deposit. This lowers your upfront costs significantly but means you don't get that money back when you leave. Always clarify this structure before signing.
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