This Article was fact checked and last updated for accuracy on November 16, 2025 by Mani Karthik
When I moved back to India in 2017, finding temporary housing was a nightmare.
My family and I needed a place for 3 months while we figured out where to settle permanently.
Airbnb seemed like the obvious choice back then.
Fast forward to 2025, and there’s a new player that’s making waves among returning NRIs and students: Staze.
But which one actually makes sense for you?
Let me break it down based on real experience and current data.
What Exactly is Staze?
Staze is a managed co-living and rental platform focused on India.
Think of it as Airbnb’s younger cousin who actually understands the Indian rental market.
They offer fully furnished apartments with everything from WiFi to housekeeping included.
The platform targets students, young professionals, and yes, returning NRIs who need move-in-ready homes.
Started in 2019, Staze operates primarily in major cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai.
What caught my attention: They handle the landlord relationship for you.
No broker fees. No negotiating deposits. No wondering if the geyser works.
Airbnb India: The Global Giant
Airbnb India needs no introduction.
It’s the platform that revolutionized travel accommodation worldwide.
In India since 2016, they have over 75,000 listings across the country.
From heritage homes in Rajasthan to beach shacks in Goa, the variety is unmatched.
But here’s what most NRIs don’t realize: Airbnb in India works very differently than Airbnb in the USA.
The regulations are different. The host expectations are different. Even the cancellation policies can catch you off guard.
I learned this the hard way when a “confirmed” booking in Mumbai got cancelled 2 days before our arrival.
The Real Comparison: What Matters to Returning NRIs
Let me give you the data that actually matters.
| Feature | Staze | Airbnb India |
|---|---|---|
| Average Monthly Rent (1BHK Bangalore) | ₹18,000 to ₹35,000 | ₹25,000 to ₹60,000 |
| Deposit Required | 1 month rent | Varies (often 2-3 months) |
| Minimum Stay | 1 month | 1 night (but monthly discounts apply) |
| Utilities Included | Yes (WiFi, electricity up to limit, water, housekeeping) | Rarely (usually extra) |
| Broker Fee | Zero | Zero (but hosts may have their own terms) |
| Furniture Quality | Standardized, modern | Highly variable |
| Lease Flexibility | Month to month after initial period | Depends on host |
| Property Management | Centralized by Staze | Individual hosts |
| Maintenance Response | 24-48 hours via app | Depends on host availability |
| Cities Covered | 15+ major cities | 1,400+ cities and towns |
Looking at affordability and settling back? Check out my guide on how much money you need to save to move back to India.
My Take: When to Choose Staze
Staze makes sense if you:
Need a place for 1 to 12 months while you figure things out.
Want predictable monthly costs with no surprise bills.
Don’t want to deal with brokers or landlord drama.
Are moving to a metro city where they operate.
Value consistency over character.
I would have saved myself 3 weeks of apartment hunting stress if Staze existed in 2017.
Here’s what I appreciate: The monthly billing is transparent.
You know exactly what you’re paying. Electricity beyond a certain limit? You get charged separately, but it’s clear upfront.
The properties are standardized, which means you won’t get that “charming” apartment with a toilet that doesn’t flush.
When Airbnb India Wins
Go with Airbnb if you:
Need flexibility for short stays (less than a month).
Want to experience different neighborhoods before committing.
Are looking for unique properties (farmhouses, heritage homes, vacation rentals).
Need coverage in smaller cities or tourist destinations.
Have a higher budget for premium experiences.
The honest truth: Airbnb shines for short term stays.
When my parents visited from the US last year, we booked an Airbnb in Coorg for 5 days.
Perfect for that use case.
But for someone returning to India and needing a base for months? The math doesn’t work out.
Quick calculation: A 1BHK Airbnb in Bangalore averaging ₹2,000 per night comes to ₹60,000 per month.
The same standard of living on Staze? Around ₹25,000 to ₹30,000.
Still deciding where to settle? My article on which state in India is best for NRIs coming home might help.
The Hidden Costs Nobody Talks About
With Airbnb:
Service fees can add 12 to 15% to your total bill.
Cleaning fees (often ₹1,500 to ₹3,000 per stay).
Electricity and WiFi usually separate.
Host cancellations can derail your plans.
With Staze:
What you see is mostly what you pay.
The catch? Lock in period.
Most properties need at least a 1 month commitment.
Early termination might cost you the deposit.
Real Talk: The Bureaucracy Factor
Here’s something I wish someone told me before moving back.
Indian rental agreements are painful.
Police verification. Aadhaar linking. Owner meetings.
Staze handles most of this for you through their digital platform.
You sign online. Upload documents. Done.
With Airbnb? You’re dealing with individual hosts.
Some are tech savvy. Others will ask you to print, sign, scan, and courier documents.
If you’re still figuring out your Aadhaar and PAN linking from abroad, this matters more than you think.
What About Customer Support?
Staze has centralized support through their app and WhatsApp.
Response time is usually under 24 hours.
Airbnb has both app support and host support.
Quality varies wildly based on your host.
I’ve had hosts respond in 5 minutes. I’ve also had hosts ghost me for 2 days when the AC stopped working.
The Verdict for Different Scenarios
Just landed and need 2 to 3 months to house hunt? Staze wins. Hands down.
Coming for a 2 week visit to scout neighborhoods? Airbnb. More flexibility.
Student heading to college in Bangalore or Pune? Staze. Purpose built for this exact scenario.
Planning a family vacation in Goa? Airbnb. Way more options and experiences.
Remote worker testing out different cities? This is tricky. I’d say Staze for your base city, Airbnb for short exploration trips.
Think about your banking needs too while you’re at it. My comparison of best banks for NRIs covers what to set up when you arrive.
Personal Experience: What I Would Do Today
If I were moving back in 2025 instead of 2017, here’s my strategy:
Book a Staze property for 3 months in my target city.
Use that as base while exploring neighborhoods on weekends.
Once I know where I want to live long term, either extend with Staze or find my own place.
This gives you breathing room without the pressure of making permanent decisions immediately.
When you’re ready to set up your finances properly, check out my guide on converting NRE/NRO accounts to resident savings accounts.
The Bottom Line
Both platforms solve different problems.
Staze is building infrastructure for medium term stays with predictability.
Airbnb offers variety and flexibility for short term needs.
Choose based on your timeline, not the brand name.
And remember: your first housing choice in India doesn’t have to be your forever choice.
TLDR:
- Staze offers managed, furnished rentals perfect for 1 to 12 month stays in metro cities
- Airbnb India provides flexible short term options across 1,400+ locations
- Staze costs 40 to 50% less than Airbnb for monthly stays
- Airbnb wins for vacation rentals, unique properties, and stays under 30 days
- Staze handles all landlord interactions and maintenance centrally
- Both platforms eliminate broker fees
- For returning NRIs needing temporary housing: Staze is more economical
- For exploring cities before deciding: Airbnb offers better flexibility
Sources:
- Staze pricing data: staze.com (accessed November 2025)
- Airbnb India statistics: airbnb.co.in and Economic Times coverage of sharing economy in India
- Rental market averages: 99acres.com and MagicBricks (Bangalore market data, November 2025)