> Anyone looking for cheap travel would be making a mistake if they're using Airbnb IME.

Can you stay an entire month at a hostel? Usually not. It's also the end of the spectrum in terms of privacy, although there is couch surfing also.

You totally can. I have seen people living in them for months. To learn a language, or in party hostels to enjoy the summer. When I was young spending a few weeks in a hostel was my favorite way to spend time between house hunting in a new city.

You totally cannot in many hostels, maybe it's a thing in the US but I've been to many hostels in the world and some will limit your stay to a few days.

Just like AirBNB hosts.

At least there you have much more choices. I personally never ran into this doing airbnb.

> Can you stay an entire month at a hostel? Usually not

Yes, you can. You can probably negotiate a lower rate if you're staying that long or longer.

As I said elsewhere, it depends on the hostels, some will limit your stay to a few days.