Whether you’re a digital nomad, international student, remote worker, or someone relocating temporarily, finding the right short-term housing is key to making your transition smooth. The good news is that in 2025, there are more platforms than ever that cater specifically to city-by-city short-term rentals and shared living spaces.
From fully-furnished apartments to community-based coliving, these platforms offer flexibility, affordability, and convenience without locking you into a long lease.
This guide breaks down the best platforms for different types of short-term living needs, with a focus on international access and city-level search precision.
Airbnb: Still the Global Giant
Airbnb continues to dominate the short-term rental market. It’s available in over 190 countries and allows users to filter by location, price, amenities, and length of stay. Many hosts now offer “Monthly Stay” discounts, and Airbnb has even started highlighting listings tailored for remote work with features like fast Wi-Fi and dedicated workspaces.
You can also filter by “Private Room” or “Entire Place” based on your budget or privacy preference. It’s ideal for stays ranging from a few nights to a few months. Start exploring with Airbnb’s monthly stays filter.
Blueground: Premium Furnished Apartments
Blueground focuses on high-quality, furnished apartments in urban centers like New York, London, Dubai, Paris, and more. It’s ideal for professionals or expats who need a seamless move-in experience for 30+ days.
Unlike Airbnb, Blueground manages the properties directly, which ensures consistency in quality and service. You can browse apartments with flexible lease terms and utilities included. Check out their city-by-city listings.
HousingAnywhere: Best for Students and Internationals
HousingAnywhere is popular among exchange students, university interns, and visiting scholars. It operates in over 60 countries and focuses on medium-term rentals—typically 1 to 6 months.
You can search by city, university, or price range and filter for private rooms or studios. Some landlords specialize in student housing and offer documents needed for visa or proof-of-residence applications. Explore listings at HousingAnywhere’s platform.
Homelike: Corporate-Ready Apartments
Homelike offers short- and medium-term apartments tailored for business travelers. It’s widely used in Europe, especially in cities like Berlin, Amsterdam, and Barcelona.
Each listing includes verification, fast Wi-Fi, utilities, and invoicing suitable for corporate reimbursements. This makes it a great option if you’re traveling for work and need official documentation. Browse rentals through Homelike’s homepage.
Coliving.com: Community Living in Global Cities
If you’re looking for a more social living setup, Coliving.com helps you find shared apartments with communal spaces in major cities. It’s perfect for digital nomads or solo travelers who want to meet like-minded people while keeping costs low.
You can filter by city, price, and type of room. Locations like Lisbon, Bali, Berlin, and Mexico City have strong coliving networks. Find out more at Coliving.com.
NomadX: For Long-Term Travelers on a Budget
NomadX offers budget-friendly coliving and coworking options with longer stay discounts. Focused on destinations like Portugal, Thailand, and Indonesia, the platform is ideal for digital nomads who want affordable community living for 1–12 months.
Listings typically include shared kitchens, cleaning services, and common workspaces. It’s perfect for those embracing the slow-travel lifestyle. Learn more about their locations at NomadX rentals.
Spotahome: Verified Listings with Video Tours
Spotahome serves cities across Europe with a unique approach—it sends “Home Checkers” to verify listings and create professional video walkthroughs. You can view properties in detail before booking, which is especially useful if you’re moving from another country.
The platform also offers a secure booking process, often without needing to visit in person. Ideal for students, interns, or anyone relocating from abroad. Explore the inventory at Spotahome’s city search.
Anyplace: Designed for Remote Workers
Anyplace targets professionals looking for furnished, move-in-ready spaces that cater to remote work. All listings include high-speed Wi-Fi, ergonomic chairs, and noise-canceling workspaces.
They cover cities in the US, Canada, Germany, Japan, and more, with monthly or flexible rental terms. Anyplace also provides cleaning and 24/7 support. Discover options on Anyplace’s platform.
Facebook Marketplace and Local Expat Groups
For more casual or last-minute stays, Facebook Marketplace and city-specific expat groups can be great resources. You’ll find everything from sublets and room shares to temporary rentals not listed on major platforms.
However, use caution—always verify listings and avoid sending payments before confirming with a video tour or local contact. Search directly within Facebook using city names and housing keywords.
Key Factors to Consider Before Booking
Before you settle on a short-term rental, keep these in mind:
Location: Proximity to work, transit, or school matters
Length of stay: Some platforms require a 30-day minimum
Inclusions: Utilities, Wi-Fi, and furnishings vary widely
Security deposit: Understand what’s refundable
Visa or registration needs: Some cities require proof of address
Reviews: Always check user feedback and ratings
Cross-reference listings across 2–3 platforms for the same city to ensure you’re getting a good deal.
Choosing the Right Platform Based on Your Travel Type
Finding short-term housing doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you’re on a business assignment, taking a gap year, or just testing life in a new city, these platforms provide a range of secure, flexible options to suit your lifestyle.
The key is to know your priorities: privacy vs community, budget vs amenities, and city vs countryside. With the right filters and smart planning, you’ll find a comfortable home base for your next adventure without the hassle of long-term leases.