How to avoid overpaying for short-term stays
List the full cost before you agree: rent, utilities, cleaning, booking fees, deposits, parking, furniture, and any extension rate. A low nightly price can be the most expensive option after mandatory charges.
Compare the cost by month and by commute. A cheaper room far from work may cost more in time and transportation. A furnished room can be worth a premium if it avoids buying and moving a household’s worth of things.
Do not send money before you have verified the listing and the person offering it. Pressure, unusual payment methods, and a refusal to show the home are reasons to walk away.