Airbnb vs. Hotel vs. Second Home: A 2023 comparison - Pacaso | Pacaso (2024)

FAQs

Is it cheaper to stay in hotel or Airbnb? ›

Airbnbs are usually cheaper than hotels for longer stays and large groups, but they don't offer the same services. Sally French is a travel rewards expert who joined NerdWallet in 2020. She previously wrote about travel and credit cards for The New York Times and its sibling site, Wirecutter.

Authentic Local Experience: One of the primary reasons travelers are choosing Airbnb rentals is the opportunity to immerse themselves in the local culture. Unlike hotels, which often offer a standardized experience, Airbnb properties are unique and reflective of the local environment.

Lack of Oversight. While hotels have strict policies to protect guest privacy, Airbnb does not offer the same level of oversight. Hosts might have access to guests' personal information, increasing the risk of identity theft or other privacy breaches.

Which?, a U.K.-based consumer research group, compared the average price of thousands of hotels with 300,000 Airbnb and Vrbo listings. They also looked at 50 locations over a year to monitor price trends. Their findings? On average, hotels were less expensive 75% of the time.

Do Airbnb hosts stay with you depends on the type of room. In an entire house, the host will not stay with you. If the Airbnb is a private room, the host will stay in the same home while the guest is there, but the guest will have their own room. In a shared room the host will stay in the same room as the guest.

Because of the high surcharge on Airbnb rentals, many people have returned to staying in hotels. As many Twitter users pointed out, hotel amenities – such as a concierge, cleaning services, pools, and better security – might be worth more than an Airbnb stay.

150 million people use Airbnb to book vacation stays or experiences. Over 1 billion guests have stayed at Airbnbs. Airbnb has listings in over 220 countries and regions. Roughly 60% of Airbnb's user base are millennials.

But what about people picking Airbnb? The reason why travelers choose Airbnb over hotels and rental properties is that Airbnb's typically closer to where they need to be. Approximately 30% of Millennials will likely choose Airbnb over other housing options because of this convenience factor alone.

Who is Airbnb's biggest competitor? ›

Added Fees: Like hotels, Airbnb imposes a number of additional fees. For each booking, both guests and hosts pay a service fee to Airbnb, which can be steep. Banks or credit card issuers may also add fees, if applicable. Taxes: Hosts and guests in some countries may be subject to a value-added tax (VAT).

More customized accommodations, such as extra space and amenities for large groups. Lower costs for guests who opt to cook and dine in, rather than go to restaurants. A more homely atmosphere that comes with staying in a house rather than a hotel.

Always communicate and pay on Airbnb

Keep yourself, your payment, and your personal information safe by staying on our secure platform throughout the entire process—from communication to booking and payment. You should never be asked to wire money, provide credit card information, or otherwise pay a Host directly.

Is Airbnb or Vrbo safer? Both Airbnb and Vrbo offer similar protections, such as host liability insurance and guest screening. However, each platform has its own unique policies and features, so a Vrbo or Airbnb host should carefully review these before deciding which marketplace best meets their needs.

Hotels Are Actually Cheaper Than Vacation Rentals on Airbnb and Vrbo, According to a New Report. A new study says hotels are the more affordable option over Airbnbs and Vrbos — across 50 global markets.

This data provides a snapshot of when it was collected in June 2022 and suggests that Airbnbs — unlike hotels — are usually cheaper when booked in advance.

Airbnb weekly stays are more cost effective

The nightly rate for booking an Airbnb is, on average, a 32% discount when you commit to at least seven nights versus just one. It's an even steeper 46% discount when you commit to 30 days.

Is it cheaper to just live in a hotel? Ultimately, there aren't many situations when living in a hotel is going to be cheaper than your rent or mortgage payment. Consider that the average hotel room cost is estimated at about $150 per night.