Monthly Rentals vs. Short-Term Airbnbs

Picture this: You land in a new city, ready for your next chapter as a digital nomad. But after a few days in a cramped studio with bad Wi-Fi and noisy neighbours, the dream starts to wobble.

Choosing the right remote housing option — whether a monthly rental or a short-term Airbnb — can make or break your nomadic lifestyle. It’s not just about price; it’s about comfort, stability, productivity, and feeling at home even when you’re thousands of miles away.

In this blog, we’ll compare monthly rentals and short-term Airbnb rentals from every angle. You’ll get practical tips, real-world scenarios, and key questions to ask before booking your next stay — so your accommodation can support, not sabotage, your adventure.

Why Housing Choices Matter for Digital Nomads

It Affects Your Productivity

Reliable Wi-Fi, a proper desk, and a quiet environment mean you can actually work, not just dream about it.

It Shapes Your Experience of a City

Where you live influences who you meet, how you spend your time, and even how safe or connected you feel.

It Impacts Your Budget and Flexibility

Choosing the wrong type of housing could either drain your travel fund or leave you feeling trapped in a bad lease.

Understanding the Basics

What Are Monthly Rentals?

Monthly rentals typically involve signing a short-term lease (30+ days) for apartments, studios, or shared houses. They’re often booked directly through landlords, agencies, or sites like:

• Facebook Marketplace
• Local classified sites (e.g., Craigslist, Idealista)
• Specialised platforms like NomadX, Flatio, or Blueground

What Are Short-Term Airbnbs?

Short-term Airbnbs are usually rented for a few days to a few weeks. However, many hosts offer monthly discounts for stays of 28+ days, making them viable for longer stays too.

Always check if the property offers a “Long-Term Stay Discount” badge.

Monthly Rentals vs. Short-Term Airbnbs: The Full Breakdown

1. Pricing and Value

Monthly Rentals

• Generally cheaper per night than Airbnb
• Utilities are often included (but not always)
• Security deposits are required upfront (typically 1–2 months’ rent)
• Negotiation is possible, especially off-peak

Short-Term Airbnbs

• Higher nightly rates, but monthly discounts available (10–30%)
• All bills usually include
• Cleaning fees can add up
• Less negotiating power (but you can sometimes message for discounts)

Real Example: In Lisbon, a private studio monthly rental might cost ~£800/month, while an equivalent Airbnb would be ~£1,100 after fees, but no security deposit required.

2. Flexibility

Monthly Rentals

• Typically requires 1–3 months minimum stay
• Harder to leave early without losing the deposit
• May involve paperwork and contracts

Short-Term Airbnbs

• Easy to extend or shorten stays
• Cancel policies vary (moderate to strict)
• Instant booking = less hassle

If you’re planning to stay under two months, Airbnb offers more flexibility. Longer than that? Rentals may save you serious money.

3. Comfort and Amenities

Monthly Rentals

• More of a “local living” feel
• Often bigger kitchens, better layouts
• Furnishing quality can vary widely
• Not always geared for remote work (desk setups not guaranteed)

Short-Term Airbnbs

• Designed for temporary comfort
• High chance of Wi-Fi, desks, and modern interiors
• Appliances and kitchen supplies are often basic
• “Instagram ready” — but can feel sterile over time

Always check Wi-Fi speed screenshots on Airbnb listings. Ask landlords for internet test results before signing rental agreements.

4. Community and Local Integration

Monthly Rentals

• Live among locals, not tourists
• Easier to build real-world friendships and routines
• Better for learning languages and blending into daily life

Short-Term Airbnbs

• Often located in tourist-heavy areas
• Limited sense of belonging
• Harder to find local cafés, gyms, or communities organically

Lena, a remote marketer from London, said her monthly flat in Buenos Aires gave her “actual neighbours, a gym two blocks away, and a favourite bakery — Airbnb couldn’t offer that.”

5. Legal and Visa Considerations

Monthly Rentals

• Some landlords require proof of visa status or bank statements
• Signing contracts may help with visa extensions (proof of address)
• Rent receipts (“facturas”) are useful for tax or residency paperwork

Short-Term Airbnbs

• No paperwork, contracts, or legal obligations
• Booking platforms handle taxes and transactions
• No address proof is needed for visa extensions

Key Scenarios: Which Option Fits You Best?

Choose Monthly Rentals If:

• You plan to stay 2+ months
• You want to live like a local
• You’re budget-conscious and willing to commit
• You value space, kitchens, and community feel

Choose Short-Term Airbnbs If:

• You’re staying under 2 months
• You need instant flexibility
• You’re trying out a city before committing to it longer
• You want a hassle-free set-up (especially on arrival)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not Reading Reviews Carefully

Photos lie. Reviews reveal the truth about Wi-Fi speeds, noisy neighbours, or bad hosts.

2. Ignoring the Fine Print

Monthly rentals might require you to pay for:

• Internet/ WiFi
• Electricity overages
• End-of-lease cleaning fees

3. Overcommitting Before Arrival

Unless you know you’ll love a city, don’t lock into a six-month rental immediately. Stay flexible initially.

Quick Decision Checklist

Before you book, ask:

• How long am I staying?
• Do I need fast, reliable Wi-Fi for work?
• Is location (near coworking spaces/cafés) important?
• Will I cook often or eat out mostly?
• Do I want a local experience or a ready-to-go space?
• Am I okay with contracts and deposits?

Answering these honestly will guide you to the right fit.

Conclusion: Home Is Where the Wi-Fi (and Comfort) Are

Choosing between monthly rentals and short-term Airbnbs isn’t just a budget decision — it’s about how you want to experience life abroad.

If flexibility and ease matter most, Airbnb wins. If saving money, deeper community, and more “home” vibes matter, monthly rentals are gold.

The beauty of urban nomadism in 2025? You don’t have to stick to just one model. Mix and match based on your season, goals, and energy.