Cheapest Work From ‘Home’ Destinations on the West Coast

Even before the pandemic rocked our world, many people were able to work remotely—and now, even more people have traded the office for their home. Working from home might sound glamorous to some, but if you ask the most seasoned remote workers, they can tell you it can get old real quick. Add in a global health crisis and home can start to bring on intense feelings of cabin fever.

Coffee shops, libraries, and cafes are great if you want to get out of the house for a couple of hours and rentable workspaces are another option. But there’s only so much time you can spend at the same coffee shop and rentable workspaces can sometimes be distracting and/or expensive.

Sometimes it’s nice to just get away for a while to finish that project, meet that deadline, or just clear your head so you can work in peace. Thankfully, there are plenty of inexpensive and unique places to rent on the West Coast if you want to work from home...somewhere else. WiFi? Check. Workspace? Check. Cool change of scenery? Check.

Here are some destinations for under $100 where you can work remotely, relax, and take a break from your day-to-day norm. Keep in mind that although the rentals below all have WiFi available, the desks provided may be inadequate for some remote workers. If you’ll need a large desk or office area, double-check the listing as to what they designate as a ‘workspace’—some offer spacious tables while others may only have a small nook or countertop.

Poolside Suite in Chino Hills

Oceanside studios can cost a fortune, but poolside suites? You can find hidden gems all over the place—like this charming rental in Chino Hills. Perched upon the hillside, you can rent an entire guest suite with breathtaking views of the mountains and valley and, the cherry on top, a pool right outside the back door. The studio is simply furnished but has everything you could need for a weekend- (or week-) long stay. Next to the window is where you’ll find a desk for your laptop. Taking dips in the pool as a work break sounds pretty nice. Book a night’s stay starting at just $54.

Vintage Airstream in Joshua Tree

Head out to your own private retreat in the desert and stay at this vintage 1972 Sovereign International Airstream near Joshua Tree. The unique rental feels like a bohemian cabin inside and is fully equipped with WiFi. There is a small workspace inside or you can sit outside while watching jackrabbits and roadrunners dash by before taking in an incredible sunset. Book a stay starting at $72 a night.

Quaint Cottage in Solana Beach

Sure, we’d all like to hop on a plane and go to Costa Rica or the Caribbean right about now but we all know travel is currently on hold. You can, however, stay in a quiet cottage that feels like it’s in the middle of a jungle—and it’s only 30 minutes north of San Diego. The cottage feels like your own private oasis that is walking distance to trailheads and close to the beach. Feel free to work outside on the deck surrounded by massive plant leaves and palm trees or if you’d prefer to stay inside, there’s a desk for you to post up at as well. Rent this one-of-a-kind space starting at $72 a night.

Live the Cabin Life in Auburn

Located next to the Auburn State Recreation Area, about an hour and a half from Lake Tahoe, is the ‘Rambler’s Roost’—a small getaway with a log cabin feel. The private guesthouse is set on the 1.5-acre main property. The deck of this rental is its selling point. It’s the ideal place for sitting with your coffee or a glass of wine while you put in a few hours of work. There is a table and a desk if you’d prefer to do some work while staying cozy inside. Book your stay starting at $68 a night.

Oceanfront Beachy Vibes in Lincoln City

We mentioned earlier that oceanfront rentals can be spendy—unless you know where to look. In the small coastal of Lincoln City, Oregon, you can find incredible beachfront rentals at a steal—like this bright and welcoming apartment with ocean views. The two-bedroom apartment is the perfect place to set-up your laptop and watch storms roll in or take in the salty summer air. Once you’re done for the day, enjoy a nightcap by the fireplace. You can stay at this little slice of heaven starting at $95 a night.

Tiny Cabin Surrounded by the Forest Near Mount Hood

If solitude and silence are what you’re after, this tiny cabin in White Salmon, Washington has both of those things along with breathtaking views, wilderness, and access to tons of recreational activities. Bring your laptop to the back deck where you can take in views of the expansive forest that surrounds you with peek-a-boo views of nearby Mt. Hood in Oregon. Despite feeling like you’re in the middle of nowhere, your Wi-Fi will still work like a charm. Book a stay starting at $80 a night.

Beachside Studio with Hot Tub in Northern Washington

If you happen to live in Seattle and want to get out of the city so you can buckle down and get some work done, you need to hop in the car and drive to Kingston, Washington—just an hour and a half away. This adorable studio is literally steps from the beach with a hot tub where you can soak while listening to the crashing waves. Work outside with the ocean as your view or use the laptop space indoors if it happens to be stormy. Stays start at $75 a night.

Written by Ashley Brewer for Knockaround.