lodgings - singular or plural or both?
a rented flat or house = lodgings (digs)?

Lodgings is very cheap. or Lodgings are very cheap.

The dictionary describes in plural. (lodgings)

Question

lodgings -  singular or plural or both?
a rented flat or house = lodgings (digs)?

Lodgings is very cheap. or Lodgings are very cheap.

The dictionary describes in  plural. (lodgings)

Answer

Yes, always plural. And therefore 'are'. But you would always always have something before it:
My lodgings are very comfortable. His lodgings are very cheap - I can't think of an example where you would use it 'bare'.
Both that and digs are very British words, I think. I'm not sure if Americans would use them - we rarely do.

Answer

"Lodgings" is very rarely used in the U.S.. "Lodging" is more common, but still rare, and if used, would more likely be used as a verb. "Where is he lodging?"

"Housing" would be the more common term as a generic for different places to live.

"Housing is expensive in NYC."

"Housings" is not a word.

Answer

Being American, I am inclined to agree with Gary's answer.

However, I think it is an American/British English difference.

http://www15.uta.fi/FAST/US1/REF/engtran.html