It’s the long-standing question every traveler confronts: choose an Airbnb or opt for a hotel? Since the homestay platform emerged as a San Francisco startup, Airbnb has become a go-to for many travelers and a lucrative side gig for property owners.
What was once an obvious pick for frugal travelers now requires more thought. Hotel chains often hike rates during busy seasons in popular destinations, while Airbnb hosts are tacking on cleaning charges that can raise the nightly cost of vacation rentals.
So, which lodging actually stretches your travel budget further? As you’d expect, the answer isn’t solely about price but also about the overall value you get from an Airbnb stay versus a hotel room.
Picking Between an Airbnb and a Hotel Is More Than a Price Decision
For travelers, much of the Airbnb-versus-hotel discussion boils down to what kind of trip you want. A business traveler has very different priorities than a big family traveling together for vacation.
Below are several factors beyond base price that help determine whether a hotel or an average Airbnb is the better value.
Location
Business travelers and sightseers often pick luxury properties or budget hotels because they’re located near attractions and downtown hubs. That convenience can cut the need for renting a vehicle and is one reason hotels justify higher prices.
Amenities
Craving room service, complimentary breakfast, an indoor pool and other upscale hotel perks? No judgment — those features can make splurging on a four- or five-star hotel worthwhile.
Still, many short-term rentals offer useful amenities too: laundry access, more living area, and something many standard hotel rooms lack—greater privacy and quiet.
Number of Travelers
A single hotel room typically serves a small party. Pricing can even rise if you add a third guest. For larger groups, Airbnb often works out to a lower per-person cost compared with many hotels.
Length of Stay
Unless you book an apartment-style hotel geared toward long stays, renting through Airbnb is generally less expensive than hotel private rooms for extended visits.
That said, verify the host’s rules on longer bookings and whether discounts apply to service and cleaning charges.
Quality and Consistency
A recentstudy from Boston Universityreported that independent travelers’ top concern in choosing between Airbnb and hotels was cleanliness—somethinghotels often make easier to monitor. Travelers want a space that’s clean and matches the advertised experience. Still, another reason many pick Airbnb is the chance for unique, local experiences,AirDNA notes.
Older data shows those whochose Airbnbtended to prefer it to hotels, although that preference may shift as Airbnb rates rise with added fees that make costs more comparable.
Price Check: Airbnb vs. Hotel Room
Which is cheaper for your trip: a hotel or an Airbnb? Despite the caveats above, a direct comparison of costs points to a clear result in many cases.
Statista reports theaverage hotel nightly ratein the U.S. for 2024 was $155. Airbnb nightly prices in the U.S. that year varied substantially by city, typically ranging from $126 to $194 per night.
Yet by city, nightly charges swing significantly, with Airbnb somewhat cheaper in certain markets. And aside from safety and consistency concerns, Airbnb often proves notably less expensive in many international destinations.
Average Nightly Rates at Airbnbs & Hotels
| City | Airbnb | Hotel |
|---|---|---|
| Boston | $190 | $303 |
| Denver | $140 | $198 |
| London | €181 | €183 |
| Los Angeles | $160 | $185 |
| Miami | $193 | $125 |
| New York City | $184 | $288 |
| Philadelphia | $126 | $175 |
| San Diego | $194 | $134 |
| Seattle | $143 | $172 |
| Toronto | $214 (Canadian) | $179 |
| Washington, D.C. | $134 | $174 |
Sources: AllTheRooms,Cheaphotels.org,Statista,Hostaway,Awning,Statista,The Globe and Mail
Those average hotel nightly rates include a mix of budget to luxury properties. And with Airbnb, prices differ widely between renting a spare bedroom in someone’s home and booking an entire property.
This comparison also doesn’t factor in taxes, occupancy levies and the extra cleaning charges that many
guests reporthave become a more aggravating part of Airbnb’s pricing model.5 Reasons to Choose a Hotel for Your Next Trip
Airbnb holds the edge in certain markets, but there are many reasons you might save or enjoy more convenience by staying at a hotel.
1. You Want to Avoid Renting a Car
In cities with robust public transit and scarce parking, being centrally located is financially sensible. Hotels often place you steps from sights and transit, plus they give easier access to taxis, rideshares or airport shuttles.
2. You Don’t Want to Handle Housekeeping
Vacation is time to relax and step away from the chores of daily life. Let someone else tidy up while you unwind, guilt-free.
3. You Don’t Want to Cook
Free breakfast is a huge draw. While an Airbnb kitchen can help you save by cooking, if your aim is to sample the city’s food scene, hotels usually position you closer to the best restaurants.
4. You Belong to a Hotel Loyalty Program
Business travelers and points collectors can reap valuable perks from hotel loyalty schemes, such as free nights, upgrades and other member benefits.
5. You Want a Full Tourist Experience
Visiting a city for the first time? Hotels make it easier to meet other travelers and get tips (and possibly discounts to attractions) from the concierge.
5 Situations Where an Airbnb May Offer Better Value
Here are scenarios where short-term rentals can be cheaper than hotels. Just be mindful of the fine print and include service and cleaning charges in your final cost calculations.
1. You’re Traveling with a Big Group
Renting an entire house may seem costly, but if several companions split the bill, it becomes economical. That’s why Airbnb and
similar platforms like Vrboare ideal for group trips or family reunions.2. You Plan to Cook Your Own Meals
Restaurant dining can quickly add up. If you don’t mind preparing food, staying somewhere with a kitchen can substantially cut meal expenses.
3. You’re Staying for an Extended Period
Longer stays are often more affordable via Airbnb, particularly outside dense urban centers where apartment-style hotels may be rare. Just check the cancellation policy in case plans change.
4. You Need Room to Spread Out
Space needs vary by group. Families may find a home less stressful than tight hotel quarters, with more room to relax and share bedrooms without awkwardness.
5. You Want a Local Experience
Some hosts are hands-off, providing a lockbox code at check-in; others are local experts who share recommendations for dining and activities.
Staying in an Airbnb often puts you in residential or mixed-use neighborhoods, giving you a better sense of local life and neighborhood character.
Which Is Best for Your Next Trip: Airbnb or Hotel?
The upshot: for many travelers in most U.S. markets, hotels and Airbnbs land in a similar price range. But it’s worth noting there are
concernsthat Airbnb’s popularity can reduce housing supply in some areas, making things tougher for first-time buyers and renters.Your choice should weigh both cost and the kind of experience you want. Consider how to get the most from your travel dollars so you can rest and recharge—whether that’s at a luxury hotel or in someone else’s comfortable home.
Alex Monroe is a former senior staff writer at Savinly covering personal finance and budgeting. Over the past decade, Alex has reported on topics ranging from money and health to education and technology.
