- 1. Short-term accommodation options:
- 1.1 Inns (hotels)
- Hotels in the US offer varying levels of comfort and value, from budget options to luxury hotels. Popular hotel booking platforms:
- Booking.com
- Expedia
- Hotels.com
- Hotel Categories:
- Budget Hotels: Offer minimal amenities and are often located away from the city center. For example, Motel 6, Super 8, Days Inn chains.
- Mid-range: Offer more amenities such as breakfast, gyms, and pools. Examples: Holiday Inn, Comfort Inn, Hampton Inn.
- Luxury Hotels: Include a wide range of amenities such as spas, restaurants, concierge service. Examples: Marriott, Hilton, Ritz-Carlton.
- Cost:
- Average room rates can range from $50 per night at budget hotels to $300 or more per night at luxury hotels in major cities.
- 1.2 Airbnb.
- Airbnb allows you to rent accommodation from individuals. You can choose from:
- Room: Renting a room in a host's home is a budget-friendly option.
- Apartment: A fully furnished apartment, often with a kitchen, which is convenient for those who want to cook.
- House: Ideal for groups or families looking for more space and privacy.
- Cost:
- Depends on the city and type of lodging. For example, a one-bedroom apartment in New York City can cost $100 to $200 per night, while in less popular cities it can cost $50 to $100.
- 1.3 Hostels Hostels are budget accommodation popular with young people and students. Hostels provide dormitories and sometimes private rooms. Popular hostel chains:
- Hostelling International (HI): HIUSA.org is a well-known network of hostels across the United States.
- Hostelworld: Hostelworld.com is the largest platform for finding hostels.
- Cost:
- A night in a hostel can cost anywhere from $20 to $60 depending on the city and room type.
- 1.4 Short-term rental services (Vrbo)
- Vrbo is a counterpart to Airbnb that offers short-term rentals of houses and apartments. The difference is that here it is more common to rent large houses, oriented to families or groups of people. Cost:
- Similar to Airbnb, prices depend on location and type of accommodation.
- 2. Long-term rentals
- 2.1 Apartments
- Renting an apartment in the United States is the most common option for long-term housing. Apartments vary in size (studios, studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, etc.) and comfort level. Where to look for apartments for rent:
- Zillow: Zillow.com is a popular site for finding housing.
- Apartments.com: Apartments.com is one of the most convenient sites to find apartments nationwide.
- Craigslist: Craigslist.org - local listings, including rentals.
- Rental Rates:
- In larger cities like New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, renting an apartment can cost anywhere from $1500 to $4000 or more per month.
- In smaller cities like Houston, Denver, or Philadelphia, rent can range from $800 to $2000 per month.
- Rental Features:
- A deposit is usually required (usually equal to one month's rent).
- Utility fees may be included in the rent, but are sometimes paid separately (electricity, water, internet).
- Signing a lease agreement is a legal commitment, usually for 6 months to 1 year.
2.2 Houses
Renting a house is an option for those looking for more space, such as for a family. Where to look for houses to rent:
Zillow and Realtor.com are also popular places to search for houses.
Local real estate agencies are local real estate agencies.
Rental Costs:
Renting a house can start at $1,500 in small towns and go up to $5,000 or more in prime areas of large cities.
3. Rental Tips
Inspecting the Condition of the House
Always inspect the house before signing a lease. Look at the condition of the plumbing, electrical wiring, heating, and air conditioning.
Researching the Neighborhood
Before renting a house, research the area's amenities (shops, schools, public transportation).
Lease Terms
Read the lease carefully, especially any sections on early termination penalties and home maintenance policies (such as pet policies).
Credit History
In the United States, a credit score check is often required to rent a house. If you don’t have a credit history, some landlords may ask for additional documentation, such as proof of income or a guarantor’s guarantee.
4. Alternative Housing Options
1. Student Residence Halls
For students, colleges often offer on-campus dorms. This is a good option for saving money, especially for international students. 2. Roommates Renting with roommates is a popular way to reduce costs. You can find roommates on specialized platforms such as Roomster or Craigslist. This guide covers the main types of housing in the US for short-term and long-term stays, and provides useful tips on renting and finding options that fit your budget and goals.