Airbnb vs Hotel Calculator

Airbnb adds multiple fees on top of the base nightly rate: a service fee (typically 14-16% of the booking subtotal), a cleaning fee (set by the host, often $50-200 per stay regardless of length), local occupancy taxes (similar to hotel taxes), and sometimes a security deposit. These can add 30-50% to the advertised nightly rate, especially for short stays where the fixed cleaning fee is a large proportion of the total cost.

Hotels charge a nightly room rate plus: occupancy and hotel taxes (typically 10-18% depending on the city), resort fees or amenity fees ($20-50 per night, charged even if you don't use amenities), parking ($20-60 per night in cities), and Wi-Fi (often free now, but not always). Hotel loyalty program members may receive some fees waived. Always check the total price at checkout, not just the room rate.

Airbnb tends to be cheaper for longer stays (7+ nights) where the cleaning fee is amortised over more nights, for groups needing multiple rooms (one large Airbnb vs multiple hotel rooms), and in destinations with limited hotel options. Airbnb can also be cheaper when the kitchen allows you to cook meals rather than dining out for every meal.

Hotels are often better value for short stays (1-3 nights) where Airbnb cleaning fees represent a large cost proportion. They are also preferable when location matters (hotels in prime areas may match Airbnb prices), when flexibility is needed (hotels have more flexible cancellation), and when amenities like a pool, gym, or daily housekeeping are important to you.

Get the total checkout price for both options for the same dates and location (not just the advertised nightly rate). Factor in: any parking you would need to pay at the hotel but not at an Airbnb with free parking; meal savings from cooking in an Airbnb kitchen; the value of hotel loyalty points; and cancellation flexibility. This calculator does the cost comparison for you automatically.