A few Virgin F/Os needed to take a Melbourne base when they upgraded and decided to commute rather than shift the whole family. Commuting for them is out of necessity rather than choice and they will shift back home as soon they can.
Some airlines want you in the departure city 24 hours prior to flight to avoid fatigue which isn't unreasonable. Airline staff sometimes rent out rooms to crew needing a bed for the night. The USA has a well developed "crash pad" system for commuters but the accommodation on offer can get crowded and might involve having to reserve a bathroom slot for the morning.
Commuting works best for long haul pilots who only go to work a few times a month, ideally they should have a room available in the city they sign on in, home shouldn't be too far away and there needs to be multiple daily flights between the two locations.