Planning a 30–90 day stay for work, relocation, or a temporary assignment can get complicated fast. A hotel’s nightly rate rarely reflects the true out-of-pocket cost once you factor in taxes, fees, and everyday living expenses.
To make a smart decision—especially when comparing hotels to furnished corporate rentals—look past the sticker price to your effective daily rate: total cost divided by total nights, including every factor that affects your budget.
At Gumball Properties, we provide fully furnished, move-in-ready housing for 30+ day stays. We’re a housing vendor for professionals—clear terms, practical comfort, and reliable Wi-Fi.
Prefer a shortcut? When you’re ready to plug in numbers, use our TCO calculator to compare hotel vs. furnished housing and find your breakeven day.
Occupancy Taxes & Thresholds
In many jurisdictions, occupancy taxes change after a certain length of stay—often around 30 days. Depending on local rules, taxes may be reduced, capped, or waived once you pass that threshold. Because rules vary, model your exact dates and location.
Lifestyle Costs
- Kitchen access reduces food spend and delivery fees.
- In-unit laundry cuts direct costs and time away from work.
- Dedicated workspace limits coworking/day-office expenses.
These practical differences are why furnished housing often wins on a true cost-per-night basis for medium-term stays.
The All-Inclusive Advantage of Furnished Rentals
- Furnishings & housewares (beds, seating, cookware, linens)
- Utilities (electric, water, often gas)
- High-speed internet suitable for professional use
- Full kitchen for flexible, home-cooked meals
- In-unit or on-site laundry
- Parking at no or flat cost (varies by property)
Because these essentials are typically included in monthly rent, you’ll encounter fewer surprise charges—and more control over your budget.
Deposits & One-Time Fees
Furnished rentals may involve one-time expenses you should spread across total nights for accuracy:
- Security deposit — often refundable (confirm policy)
- Cleaning/setup fees — at move-in or move-out
- Pet deposits/fees — refundable or not, depending on policy
Calculator (Video)
Prefer a quick walkthrough? This short video shows how to plug in your numbers and compare true cost per night.
The Value of Space & Routine
- Cooking at home lowers food spend
- Dedicated workspace supports productivity and reduces coworking fees
- Private, functional space supports better rest during long assignments
Conclusion: Make the Effective Daily Rate Your North Star
For medium-term stays, the nightly rate is only the starting point. The effective daily rate—total cost divided by total nights—reveals the real value once taxes, deposits, one-time fees, and lifestyle factors are included.
Gumball Properties provides fully furnished, move-in-ready housing designed to simplify that equation—transparent pricing, reliable Wi-Fi, and home-like comfort that supports both work and rest.
FAQ
How do I spread one-time fees across my stay?
Add up deposits and setup/cleaning charges, then divide by total nights and add that amount to your nightly comparison for an apples-to-apples view.
What counts as lifestyle costs?
Recurring items tied to how you live during the stay—dining vs. groceries, laundry costs, paid workspaces, delivery fees, and parking.
What if my employer reimburses per diem?
Use the effective daily rate to see whether furnished housing fits within per diem while reducing out-of-pocket add-ons like dining and laundry.
Next Steps
Ready to compare real numbers? Use our TCO calculator to see when a furnished rental starts saving your team money. Then share dates, bedrooms, city/area, and budget—Gumball will send options that fit.
Open TCO Calculator Contact Gumball Properties
Next in the series: Find your breakeven day with the TCO calculator.
Published by Gumball Properties
