the traditional solution is a studio. rent for a modest living space plus a separate modest studio space nearby is generally cheaper than an equivalent combined space, and when you split rent with co-tenants it becomes even more reasonable. even my broke friends working service jobs are able to afford this.

more privately, townhouses in my area often include this kind of space with garages and what realtors like to call "bonus" rooms.

and there's nothing that prevents apartment buildings from having shared space like this among the other amenities, except culture.

if there's no collective space near you, perhaps that's an opportunity to establish one.