The rent is too damn high — and this guy seems to have found a way around paying an arm and a leg to live in New York.
A recent TikTok video showcasing what appears to be an $89-a-night hostel bunk has sparked a flurry of reactions about a man’s living space, which blurs the lines between a tiny dorm room and a budget-friendly accommodation.
The viral video, courtesy of content creator and real estate aficionado Erik Conover, unveils the abode of a man named Dylan in what can only be described as a pod-style living space.
Measuring a mere 5 by 6 feet, the room houses a single bed, a foldable desk, and limited storage tucked above and below the sleeping quarters.
Dylan, showcasing the “humble yet accommodating” space, demonstrates just how snug the setup is, with his head and feet nearly grazing the room’s walls as he reclines.
Adding to the compact space, the bathroom and kitchen are communal facilities located just beyond Dylan’s quarters, while the living area is a shared space among other guests.
Critics were swift to voice their disbelief at the $89 nightly rate, equating it to thousands per month to rent a space of such minuscule proportions.
“So almost $2,700 a month,” one commenter said.
(That said, the median Manhattan rental price hit $4,195 per month in October, according to the most recent statistics from Douglas Elliman and Miller Samuel — a 4.6% increase year-over-year from $4,009 in October 2022.)
Another skeptic bluntly stated, “Nothing will ever convince me it’s worth living in NYC.”
However, a revelation soon emerged: Dylan’s lodgings are in fact part of a hostel known as Interfaith Retreats.
The hostel’s mission goes beyond mere lodging; proceeds from guest reservations contribute to providing meals for the homeless, adding a philanthropic angle to the budget accommodation.
Funny enough, despite the initial shock at the room size and shared amenities, the $89-per-night rate at Interfaith Retreats emerges as a comparative steal in the context of New York City.
Reports from travel experts at Kayak revealed that the average hostel stay in the city typically hovers around $144 per night, significantly higher than the rates at this unique establishment.
Notably, amid the skepticism, positive reviews came through.
One glowing testimonial on Conover’s post hailed the hostel, stating, “I stayed there one night!!! That place was awesome,” emphasizing the potentially overlooked virtues of this unconventional living arrangement.