A PG or "paying guest" is a type of rental accommodation where a person rents a room in someone elses house and shares facilities with other people living in the house. The renter pays for the accommodation and facilities available to them, which can vary from one PG to another. Some PGs provide food, while others do not. The landlord decides what amount is to be set as rent in a PG, and generally, the cost of electricity, housekeeping, and water being used is included in the PG rent.

Compared to renting an entire flat or buying a house, PGs are more affordable. PGs are popular among young people and bachelors who are moving away from their hometowns to pursue careers and higher education. There are different types of shared living options available, including flats/apartments and PG accommodations. Families generally prefer flats as they require significant space and maintain their privacy, while PGs are preferred by students or working professionals as they provide food facilities accompanied by other services like cleaning, etc. .

Some key differences between PGs and hostels include:

• Privacy: PGs generally offer more privacy, especially if you take a single room, while hostels can be noisy 24/7.
• Cleanliness: While most PGs maintain a clean environment, there are a few exceptions that dont keep their premises clean. Cleanliness and hygiene in a hostel can be questionable.
• Amenities: While some PGs have a lot of amenities, some others lack the most basic ones like meals and wifi. Hostels generally offer fewer amenities than PGs.

In summary, a PG room is a type of rental accommodation where a person rents a room in someone elses house and shares facilities with other people living in the house. PGs are more affordable than renting an entire flat or buying a house and are popular among young people and bachelors who are moving away from their hometowns to pursue careers and higher education.