New York City is the ultimate concrete jungle - a place of endless ambition, energy, and opportunity. But for newcomers, the rental market is notoriously brutal. With broker fees that can equal 15% of the annual rent, strict "40x rent" income requirements, and the need for guarantors, securing a traditional apartment is a full-time job.
Coliving operators in NYC have become the essential "hack" for navigating this landscape. They bypass the credit checks and broker fees, offering fully furnished rooms in prime boroughs like Brooklyn and Manhattan. From luxury towers in Long Island City to renovated brownstones in Bushwick, these spaces provide a "soft landing" with all-inclusive bills and instant community.
While the monthly rent might look higher on paper, the "Coliving Premium" in NYC saves you the massive upfront cash outlay (often $10k+ for a standard lease) and the headache of buying furniture. 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 New York Coliving Companies (Quick Reference)
- Outpost Club: A major operator with a massive network of shared homes across Brooklyn and Manhattan, ideal for creatives and tech workers.
- Roomrs: A curated coliving provider offering stylish, renovated apartments in trendy neighborhoods with flexible terms.
- The Reserve: (The Reserve Rentals) A luxury high-rise in Harlem offering high-end amenities and coliving suites.
- SharedEasy: A membership-based living club focused on community, with locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens.
- Node Living: A boutique global brand offering design-led, curated apartments in historic Brooklyn brownstones.
- Fllat: A flexible housing provider often associated with hotel conversions and serviced apartments in Midtown.
- Aya: (Aya Living) A rapidly growing operator offering affordable, reliable rooms in key areas like Bushwick and the East Village.
- Cohabs: A Belgian-born brand famous for its incredible interior design and deeply integrated community events in Brooklyn.
- Crossover: (Crossover Living) A provider focused on affordable, smart shared apartments in Long Island City and Manhattan.
- Roomster: A listing platform (not a building operator) for finding roommates and rooms; use with caution due to unverified listings.
- Furnished Quarters: A premium corporate housing provider offering design-led, serviced apartments for stays of 30+ days.
- New York Shared Space: A budget-friendly option often providing no-frills shared rooms for students and interns.
- Intern Housing NYC: A specialized service (managed by Outpost Club) catering specifically to summer interns and students.
Outpost Club
Outpost Club is one of the largest and most reliable operators in the city. They manage a vast network of "Houses" across Brooklyn and Manhattan, making them a go-to for anyone needing a room quickly without a credit score.
Location: Operates over 30 houses across Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens. Key hubs include the Ridgewood House, Bed-Stuy, and East Harlem.
Website: https://outpost-club.com
Pricing: Affordable pricing starts from $850+ for shared rooms and $1,450+ for private rooms. Rent includes all utilities and amenities.
Deposit: Security Deposit options are available, including deposit-free alternatives via Qira. This lowers the barrier to entry for international arrivals.
Rental Terms: Flexible terms start from 1 month, with rolling extensions available. This flexibility is perfect for those testing out different neighborhoods.
Amenities: Includes coworking spaces, shared kitchens, and bi-weekly cleaning. Residents also get access to curated events and a dedicated house leader.
Roomrs
Roomrs focuses on "smart living" in curated apartments. They partner with landlords to renovate units into stylish, tech-enabled shared homes, offering a slightly more polished aesthetic than typical flat-shares.
Location: Concentrated in trendy Brooklyn (Williamsburg, Bushwick) and Manhattan (UES, Harlem) neighborhoods. Locations are chosen for their proximity to subway lines and nightlife.
Website: https://roomrs.com
Pricing: Mid-Range pricing typically falls between $1,300 and $1,800+ per month. Rates cover rent, utilities, and Wi-Fi, simplifying monthly bills.
Deposit: No Deposit options are frequently available through insurance partners. This significantly reduces the upfront cost of moving in.
Rental Terms: Flexible lease terms form 3 to 12 months. They cater to young professionals seeking stability without a multi-year commitment.
Amenities: Features smart locks, Apple TV, and furnished interiors. The monthly service fee covers all utilities, Wi-Fi, and regular cleaning.
The Reserve
The Reserve (The Reserve Rentals) brings a luxury high-rise experience to the coliving market. Unlike converted townhouses, this is a dedicated development offering amenities usually reserved for luxury condos.
Location: Located at 215 East 124th Street, East Harlem. It sits in a culturally rich neighborhood with easy access to the Metro-North and subway.
Website: https://thereservenyc.com
Pricing: Mid-to-High Range, with rooms in shared suites starting from $1,632 - $2,100 per month. Pricing reflects the extensive building amenities.
Deposit: Standard deposit is required. The building is professionally managed, ensuring a secure and structured leasing process.
Rental Terms: 12-month leases are preferred, but flexible terms are often available for specific units. Perfect for those wanting a luxury building lifestyle.
Amenities: Includes a golf simulator, rooftop lounge, and podcast studio. Residents also enjoy a fitness center, coworking spaces, and a sauna.
SharedEasy
SharedEasy operates as a "living club," emphasizing membership and community. They offer a hassle-free entry into NYC living with homes that are fully stocked and managed.
Location: Homes are located in Manhattan (Central Park West), Brooklyn, and Queens. Their network covers diverse neighborhoods to suit different vibes.
Website: https://sharedeasy.club
Pricing: Affordable rates start from $990 for shared rooms and $1,350+ for private rooms. The all-inclusive fee covers bills and supplies.
Deposit: Flexible deposit terms apply. They aim to make housing accessible for students and interns with limited upfront cash.
Rental Terms: Monthly membership offers high flexibility. Members can often transfer between houses if their work location changes.
Amenities: Weekly cleaning and household supplies (detergent, coffee) are included. Many locations feature gyms and coworking areas within the home.
Node Living
Node is a boutique global brand that curates "instagrammable" apartments. Their NYC location in Brooklyn is famous for its restoration of historic architecture blended with modern interior design.
Location: Located in Brooklyn (likely Bed-Stuy/Bushwick) in a renovated historic walk-up. The setting offers a quintessential "Brooklyn brownstone" experience.
Website: https://node-living.com
Pricing: Mid-Range pricing starts from ~$1,450 per month for rooms. One-bedroom apartments are also available from approx $3,050.
Deposit: Standard deposit required. Professional management ensures the high quality of the designer furnishings.
Rental Terms: Flexible terms typically require a minimum stay of 3 months. This fosters a more stable community than transient hotels.
Amenities: Features a backyard garden, residents' lounge, and SMEG fridges. Community curators organize monthly events like dinners and gallery visits.
Fllat
Fllat is a flexible housing provider often associated with hotel conversions or specific serviced properties. They offer a solution that sits between a hotel stay and a rental apartment.
Location: Properties often include 85 John St (FiDi) and 40 Waterside Plaza. Locations are central, catering to students and interns working in Manhattan.
Website: https://fllat.com
Pricing: Mid-to-High rates starting around $475+ per week. Weekly pricing structures offer flexibility for short-term projects.
Deposit: Booking Fee or deposit may apply. Terms are generally more flexible than traditional annual leases.
Rental Terms: Weekly and Monthly flexibility. Ideal for summer interns or corporate travelers needing immediate housing.
Amenities: Hotel-style amenities often include front desk support and elevators. Units come furnished with utilities included in the rate.
Aya
Aya (Aya Living / Hello Aya) is a rapidly expanding operator known for reliability and scale. They offer standardized, clean, and well-managed rooms in high-demand neighborhoods.
Location: Strong presence in East Village, Bushwick, and Williamsburg. They target the most desirable neighborhoods for young creatives.
Website: https://helloaya.com
Pricing: Affordable to Mid-Range with rooms from $1,200 - $1,450+ per month. Pricing is competitive for the prime locations offered.
Deposit: Standard deposit required. The process is streamlined for quick move-ins, often within days of application.
Rental Terms: Flexible terms. They cater to the "generation rent" demographic needing stability without 12-month lock-ins.
Amenities: Furnished rooms and high-speed Wi-Fi are standard. They provide a support app for maintenance requests and rent payments.
Cohabs
Cohabs is a Belgian coliving brand that has made a huge splash in NYC with its design-forward homes. They buy and renovate entire townhouses, creating dense but beautifully designed communities with high social engagement.
Location: Key houses in Crown Heights, Bed-Stuy, and Harlem. They operate properties like "Prospect 885" and "Bushwick 321".
Website: https://cohabs.com
Pricing: Mid-to-High rates range from $1,630 - $2,100+ per month plus utilities. The premium pays for the exceptional design and community features.
Deposit: Standard deposit (approx one month's rent) is required. This secures your spot in these high-demand houses.
Rental Terms: 6 months minimum is typical to ensure community cohesion. They prioritize residents looking for a home, not just a hotel.
Amenities: Cinema rooms, rooftop decks, and gyms are common features. The interiors are heavily styled, and monthly community events are mandatory fun.
Crossover
Crossover (Crossover Living) offers "Smart Shared Apartments." They focus on affordability and flexibility for students and young professionals, often in modern buildings.
Location: Properties in Long Island City, Astoria, and Manhattan. Locations are chosen for quick subway access to midtown.
Website: https://www.crossover.live
Pricing: Affordable pricing starts from $1,300+ per month. Rates are all-inclusive, covering rent, utilities, and internet.
Deposit: Standard deposit applies. Terms are straightforward, designed for international students and newcomers.
Rental Terms: Flexible lease terms. Tenants can transfer between units if their needs change, offering great agility.
Amenities: Regular cleaning and furnished interiors. Rent includes high-speed Wi-Fi and all essential household utilities.
Roomster
Warning: Roomster is a listing platform, not a building operator. It connects people looking for rooms with those renting them. It has faced legal action regarding unverified listings, so users should exercise extreme caution and verify everything in person.
Location: Global/City-wide listings. Coverage extends across all five boroughs and into New Jersey.
Website: https://www.roomster.com
Pricing: Variable rates set by individual landlords. Can range from budget sublets to expensive master suites.
Deposit: Varies by listing. Beware of scams asking for deposits via apps like Zelle before viewing the property.
Rental Terms: Varies. Terms are negotiated directly with the leaseholder or landlord of the specific unit.
Amenities: N/A. Amenities depend entirely on the specific apartment and what the current roommates provide.
Furnished Quarters
Furnished Quarters is a corporate housing giant. They are not "coliving" in the social sense but offer premium, furnished apartments. Ideal for business travelers who need a private, high-end home.
Location: Prime locations in Chelsea, Upper West Side, and Financial District. Properties are situated in luxury residential towers.
Website: https://www.furnishedquarters.com
Pricing: Premium corporate rates start from **~$150+ per day** ($4,500+/mo). Pricing includes full service and taxes where applicable.
Deposit: Standard credit card hold or deposit. The process is professional and geared towards corporate compliance.
Rental Terms: 30-day minimum stay is strictly enforced. This complies with NYC's short-term rental laws while offering flexibility.
Amenities: 24/7 guest service and housekeeping. Apartments feature bespoke furnishings, fully equipped kitchens, and premium linens.
New York Shared Space
New York Shared Space operates in the budget segment, offering no-frills shared accommodation. It is often geared towards students or those needing the absolute lowest cost of entry into the city.
Location: Listings often appear in Brooklyn and Queens. Locations are typically in residential neighborhoods further from the city center.
Website: Check local listings or third-party aggregators. Often found on platforms catering to budget student travel.
Pricing: Budget rates. One of the cheapest options for shared rooms, designed for tight student budgets.
Deposit: Standard deposit. Usually minimal, reflecting the budget nature of the accommodation.
Rental Terms: Flexible. Often used as a stepping stone for people first arriving in the city.
Amenities: Basic furnished rooms. Expect functional necessities rather than luxury perks.
Intern Housing NYC
This is a specialized service, largely managed by Outpost Club, dedicated to summer interns. It simplifies the process for students coming to NYC for 3 months, ensuring they are placed with other people their age.
Location: Houses in Manhattan and Brooklyn. Locations are chosen to be within a reasonable commute to major midtown offices.
Website: https://interns.nyc
Pricing: Package rates start from $690+ per month for shared spaces. Pricing is structured to align with intern stipends.
Deposit: Standard deposit is required. The process is designed to be simple for students booking from out of state.
Rental Terms: Semester and Summer terms. Leases align perfectly with standard internship durations (June-August).
Amenities: Social events and roommate matching. The focus is on creating a supportive community for young professionals starting their careers.
Navigating New York City's rental market is a rite of passage, but it doesn't have to be a nightmare. Coliving offers a strategic advantage in a city where the "barrier to entry" is arguably the highest in the world.
- The "40x Rule" Bypass: The single biggest reason to choose coliving in NYC is to avoid the strict financial requirements of private landlords. Most NYC apartments require you to earn 40 times the monthly rent (e.g., earning $120k to rent a $3k studio) and have a US credit score of 700+. Operators like Outpost Club and SharedEasy often waive this or accept simple third-party insurance (like The Guarantors), making them the only viable option for international students, freelancers, and new arrivals.
- Location vs. Commute: In NYC, you measure distance in "subway minutes," not miles. Living in Bushwick (Cohabs, Outpost) offers a vibrant, artistic community and cheaper rent, but it can be a 40-minute commute to Midtown. Living in Harlem (The Reserve) or Upper Manhattan (Roomrs) can offer express train access that gets you to Times Square in 20 minutes. Always check the "L Train" or "Express" status of your coliving location before booking.
- Safety and Legitimacy: New York has strict laws against "SROs" (Single Room Occupancies). reputable operators like Cohabs, Aya, and Common (now part of Habyt) operate legally compliant buildings. Be very cautious with Craigslist or Roomster listings that ask for cash deposits via apps like Zelle before you have seen the apartment - these are almost always scams.
- Heating is Key: NYC winters are freezing. A major hidden perk of coliving is that heat and hot water are almost always included in your flat monthly fee. In a private, older Brooklyn walk-up, you might be shocked by a $300 heating bill in January. Coliving protects your budget from these seasonal spikes.
Want to get your coliving space listed? Contact us to be featured in this guide.