How Long Can You Stay in a Hostel?

Short answer: depends on the hostel! Some hostels allow long-term stays, while others have strict limits (often 14-30 days). Whether you’re a digital nomad, student, budget traveller, or someone testing out a new city before committing, hostel living can be a great option—but it comes with its own set of challenges.

I’ve personally lived in a hostel (it’s listed here on my top places in Riga) for over six months in exchange for work, and it was one of the most rewarding (and at times frustrating) experiences of my travels.

Not only did it help me save money, but it also gave me a chance to connect with people from all over the world and learn a lot about myself. I’m planning to do it again because I love slow travel that allows me to fully experience a place beyond just the tourist sights.

In this guide, I’ll break down the pros and cons, share practical tips from my own experience, and help you find the best hostels for extended stays.

Table of Contents

Can You Stay in a Hostel Long-Term?

Yes, but not all hostels allow it! Here are the most common ways people make it work:

🏨 Monthly Guest Stays

Some hostels offer long-term discounts if you book for a month or more. This is a good option if you prefer stability but don’t want to commit to a rental contract.

💼 Work for Accommodation

Many hostels let travellers stay for free in exchange for a few hours of work per day. I did this for six months, helping with reception and cleaning in exchange for a bed. It saved me so much money and gave me a built-in social circle.

🌍 Co-Living Hostels

Some hostels cater specifically to digital nomads and remote workers, offering better WiFi, private workspaces, and a more stable environment for long stays.

❗ Hostel Policies Matter

Always check the hostel’s policies—some have strict stay limits, while others are more flexible, especially during the off-season when beds are harder to fill.

Pros & Cons of Living in a Hostel Long-Term

✅ Pros: Why Would You Do It?

✔ Affordable – Can be way cheaper than renting an apartment, especially in bigger, expensive cities. Especially if you have a few hours per week to donate and get a free or discounted stay!

✔ Social Life – You’ll always have people around, so it’s great if you love meeting new people. I’m an introvert, but I would still hate staying alone in hotel rooms for weeks.

✔ Convenience – No need to worry about utility bills, furniture, or leases.

✔ Central Locations – Hostels are usually in the heart of the action, saving on transportation costs.

Central location also can make it feel more like home: somewhere you pop in during the day for lunch, or a nap, while you’re out and about.

A dormitory-style hostel room with multiple white bunk beds, a red patterned rug, a green couch, and personal belongings scattered around. The room appears well-lit with natural light. — My room for about 3 months!

❌ Cons: Why Is It Challenging?

✖ Lack of Privacy – Sharing a room for months can be exhausting. Although you can break it up by booking a private room every now and then!

Same goes for the kitchen and bathrooms. Some days I just wished I would have my own kitchen, where I could leave my dishes in the sink and worry about them the next day!

✖ Constant Change – Roommates come and go, making it hard to build a stable social circle.

It can also be exhausting to answer the same questions months on end: Where are you from? (Easy.) Where are you heading next? (I don’t know yet.) How many countries have you been to? (I should probably count this, as it seems to be a popular question!)

✖ Not Always Work-Friendly – If you’re a digital nomad, noisy common areas can be a nightmare. Or lack of comfortable working spaces. That sofa can sustain you for only so long.

Why Would Hostels Not Want You to Stay Long-Term?

While some hostels welcome long-term guests, others prefer to keep stays short. Why? Because having the same people around for too long can change the hostel’s atmosphere in ways that aren’t always positive.

I have seen this happen, and most of these things are not a problem, as long as as a long-term guest, you are mindful of these!

People Get Too Comfortable – When guests start treating the hostel like their home, they may become less considerate of new arrivals, spreading out their belongings or claiming common spaces as their own.
Clique Formation – Long-term guests naturally bond, but tight-knit groups can make it harder for new travellers to feel included, which goes against the open, social nature of hostels.
Rule-Bending – The longer someone stays, the more likely they are to start bending the rules—whether it’s sneaking in guests, taking over the kitchen, or ignoring curfews.
Blurring Guest-Staff Boundaries – Some long-term guests develop close relationships with staff, which can lead to awkward situations when rules need to be enforced.
Hoarding Behavior – Staying longer often means accumulating more stuff, and some guests spread out like they own the place, making dorms feel cluttered and less inviting.

A cluttered hostel room with wooden bunk beds, backpacks, open suitcases, and scattered belongings covering the floor. A pair of slippers, a reusable water bottle, and various clothing items are visible. The room has a mix of brown walls and tiled flooring, with personal items hanging from the bunk beds. — The joys of having a small room: it does get messy.

How to Find a Hostel That Allows Long-Term Stays

🔎 Check Booking Sites – Some hostels advertise monthly rates on Hostelworld & Booking.com, but these are rare!

📧 Email Hostels Directly or Ask At The Reception – Many don’t advertise long-term options but will offer them if you ask.

💻 Look for Digital Nomad/Co-Living Hostels – These are especially designed for extended stays.

📅 Travel Off-Season – Hostels are more likely to offer long-term deals when they have empty beds. Also my tip about booking somewhere for a few days before committing long term only works if they have beds available = off-season!

Tips for Living in a Hostel Long-Term

✔ Choose a hostel with lockers & secure storage for your valuables.

✔ Get comfortable with hostel etiquette—cleaning up after yourself, respecting quiet hours, and sharing space.

✔ Use noise-canceling headphones & eye masks to improve sleep.

✔ Make friends but set social boundaries if needed. Don’t be afraid to say good night early and snuggle in with your Netflix/Disney+/Viki.

✔ Cook meals in the hostel kitchen to save money and eat healthier. Can’t imagine staying in a hotel long-term, I’d spend a fortune eating out!

A white plate with scrambled eggs mixed with cherry tomatoes, spinach, and cheese, served on toasted bread. Fresh cucumber slices are arranged on the side. The dish is placed on a wooden table with a knife and fork beside it. — My go-to breakfast for nearly 6 months straight…

Make your hostel stay easier by reading The Ultimate Guide to Hostel Life before you go.

Best Hostels for Long-Term Stays

Some hostels are better suited for long stays than others. Look for ones that:

Have a common kitchen (so you’re not forced to eat out all the time).
Offer discounts for weekly or monthly stays.
Have dedicated workspaces (if you need to work remotely).
Allow longer bookings without constant check-outs and re-check-ins.
Have at least some safety measures in places, such as lockers!

Should YOU Live in a Hostel?

Hostel life isn’t for everyone, but if you love budget travel and meeting new people, it’s a fantastic option. Whether you’re looking to save money, experience a new culture, or just enjoy the flexibility of not being tied to a lease, living in a hostel can be an adventure.

Just be sure to choose the right one for your needs!

Would I do it again? Absolutely. There’s something about slow travel and hostel life that just works for me—after all, why rush when you can take your time getting to know a place properly?

Eager to learn more about staying in hostels?