What CitizenM offers and who it's for

CitizenM is a hotel chain that rents furnished micro-apartments by the night, week, or month in major cities across Europe, Asia, and North America. Unlike traditional apartments you lease for a year, CitizenM units are designed for people who need short-term housing — relocating for work, between homes, or staying in a city temporarily. The company owns and operates all its buildings directly, so there is no landlord negotiation or lease signing the way there would be with a private rental.

A CitizenM room is typically 160 to 220 square feet and includes a bed, bathroom, kitchenette, desk, and storage. The furniture is built-in and modular, designed to fit the small footprint without feeling cramped. Common areas — a lobby bar, coworking space, or lounge — are part of every location, which is how CitizenM compensates for the small private space.

CitizenM is not a housing program or subsidy. It is a commercial rental option, so you pay the full nightly or monthly rate out of pocket. The company does not screen for income, employment, or credit the way a traditional landlord does — you book and pay online, similar to a hotel reservation.

Key Takeaways

  • CitizenM charges by the night or month, with monthly rates typically 20 to 40 percent lower per night than nightly rates at the same location.
  • You can book online without a credit check or employment verification, though you do need a valid payment method and ID at check-in.
  • Stays are month-to-month with no long-term lease, so you can leave at the end of any month without penalty.
  • Utilities, WiFi, and access to common areas are included in the rate; you pay separately for food, parking, and any services beyond the room.
  • CitizenM locations are in major cities only — there are roughly 30 properties worldwide, concentrated in Europe and a handful of U.S. cities.

Monthly rates and how they compare to nightly pricing

CitizenM publishes rates on its website by location and date. Monthly rates vary widely depending on the city and season. A month in Amsterdam or London typically costs more than a month in a secondary European city. U.S. locations — currently New York, Miami, and Los Angeles — are among the highest.

The company does not publish a single "monthly rate" for each location. Instead, the price changes based on demand, similar to airline pricing. A month in January may cost less than a month in June at the same property. To see what a month costs, you enter your dates on the CitizenM website and the system shows the total price for that specific month.

Monthly stays are discounted compared to paying nightly rates for the same 30 days. The discount typically ranges from 20 to 40 percent, depending on the location and season. For example, if a nightly rate is $120, a monthly rate might be $2,400 to $2,880 for 30 nights, rather than $3,600 if you paid $120 each night. The longer you stay, the bigger the per-night savings.

What's included and what you pay extra for

Your monthly rate covers the room, utilities, WiFi, and access to common areas. Housekeeping is included — your room is cleaned weekly during a monthly stay, and you can request additional cleaning for a fee. Linens and towels are provided and changed weekly.

You pay separately for food and beverages. CitizenM locations have a small market or café where you can buy breakfast, snacks, and drinks. Some locations have a restaurant or bar. These are optional — you can bring your own food or eat elsewhere.

Parking, if available at the location, costs extra and is usually charged daily. Pet fees, if the location allows pets, are also separate. Some locations offer paid services like laundry, printing, or gym access; others do not.

How to book and what happens at check-in

You book a CitizenM stay on the company's website or through its mobile app. You select your location, dates, and room type (if options are available), enter your payment information, and confirm. There is no process, no credit check, and no employment verification. The booking is when ready.

At check-in, you present a valid government-issued ID and the payment method you used to book. CitizenM holds a security deposit on your card — the amount varies by location but is typically $100 to $300. The deposit is released after you check out, provided there is no damage to the room.

Check-in is usually self-service via a keycard or mobile app. You do not meet with a staff member unless you request help. If you arrive outside standard check-in hours, the app or website will guide you through late check-in procedures.

Month-to-month terms and how to extend or leave

CitizenM stays are month-to-month with no long-term commitment. You can stay for one month, three months, or longer, but you are not locked into a lease. At the end of each month, you can choose to leave or book another month at the current rate.

If you want to extend your stay, you book the next month through the same website or app. Rates may change from month to month based on demand, so the price you pay in February may differ from January, even at the same location.

If you want to leave, you straightforward check out on your final day. There is no notice period and no early-termination fee. If you have booked a month and decide to leave after two weeks, you cannot recover the remaining balance — the booking is non-refundable once confirmed.

Locations and availability

CitizenM operates roughly 30 properties worldwide. Most are in Europe, with locations in Amsterdam, Berlin, London, Paris, and other major cities. In Asia, there are properties in Tokyo and other cities. In North America, CitizenM currently has locations in New York City, Miami, and Los Angeles, with plans to expand.

Availability varies by location and season. Popular cities in peak season (summer in Europe, winter in Miami) may have limited availability or higher rates. Secondary cities and off-season months typically have more rooms available at lower prices.

You can check availability and pricing for any location and date range on the CitizenM website. If a location is fully booked for your dates, the website will show that and suggest nearby dates or other locations.

How CitizenM compares to other short-term housing options

CitizenM is one of several ways to find short-term furnished housing. Airbnb and Vrbo connect you with private landlords and property managers renting individual units or rooms. Prices and terms vary widely because each listing is independent. Furnished rental platforms like Blueground or Sonder operate similarly to CitizenM — they own or manage properties and rent them furnished by the month — but they have different locations and pricing structures.

Traditional extended-stay hotels (like Extended Stay America) offer month-to-month rooms at lower nightly rates than standard hotels, but the rooms are typically larger and less design-focused than CitizenM units. Coliving spaces like Common or WeLive rent shared apartments with private bedrooms and shared common areas, often at lower monthly costs than CitizenM but with less privacy and more community-focused living.

The main difference is control and consistency. CitizenM guarantees the same standard room, amenities, and service at every location. Private rentals and Airbnb vary by listing. Extended-stay hotels are cheaper per night but offer less design and fewer amenities. Coliving is cheaper overall but involves shared living. Your choice depends on how long you are staying, your budget, and whether you value consistency or flexibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I stay at CitizenM for just a few weeks instead of a full month?

Yes. CitizenM books by the night, so you can stay for any number of consecutive nights. A two-week stay costs roughly half the monthly rate, though the per-night cost is higher than a full month. The website shows the total price for whatever dates you select.

What if I need to leave before my month is up?

You can check out early without penalty, but you cannot recover the cost of the remaining nights. The booking is non-refundable once confirmed. If your plans change, you lose the money for the unused portion of your stay.

Do I need a job or proof of income to book?

No. CitizenM does not verify employment or income. You need a valid ID and a payment method that works (credit card, debit card, or digital wallet). The company does not screen tenants the way a traditional landlord does.

Are utilities and WiFi really included, or are there hidden fees?

Utilities, WiFi, and access to common areas are included in your quoted rate. The only additional charges are for optional services — parking, food, extra cleaning, laundry, or pet fees if applicable. The website and booking confirmation show what is included and what costs extra.

What cities have CitizenM locations right now?

CitizenM has properties in Amsterdam, Berlin, London, Paris, and other European cities; Tokyo and other Asian cities; and New York, Miami, and Los Angeles in North America. The company continues to expand. Check the CitizenM website for the full current list and to see if a location exists in your target city.