Are Airbnbs cheaper than hotels?

Airbnbs were originally promoted as a more affordable accommodation option than hotels. However, listing prices seem to have skyrocketed in recent years. Now, when you’re browsing, you might be surprised how expensive renting someone else’s home can be, especially once you see the final booking total with hefty cleaning fees.

According to a new study by NerdWallet, on average, hotels cost nearly half the price of an Airbnbs for a one-night stay. The median hotel room per night in the United States costs $178 compared to the median rate of $314 for an Airbnb.

If you’re traveling in a group of three or more, this may be when you’ll save money by booking an Airbnb rather than a hotel. NerdWallet found that the median accommodation price per person per night was as follows:

• Hotel room (for two adults:) $89
• Small Airbnb (for two adults): $125
• Large Airbnb (for six adults): $60

Remember to consider Airbnb’s often high cleaning fees when looking for a vacation rental. Keep in mind that Airbnb only shows a property’s base price in searches, so it’s only when you click on a listing that you’ll see the additional cleaning fees and service charges that apply. can often double the price. NerdWallet’s study found that the median Airbnb cleaning fee for a one-night stay was $75, and 8% of listed properties had cleaning fees of 40% or more of the overall cost.

Looking to save even more by staying at a hotel? Book on our partner site, SmarterTravel Hotelswhere you’ll find incredible rates on properties all over the world.

You might also like:

• The 17 best hotels in Atlanta
• Spotlight on SmarterTravel: AutoCamp Cape Cod
• SmarterTravel Spotlight: Equinox Golf Resort & Spa, Manchester, VT
• 17 Gorgeous Honolulu Beach Resorts
• 10 Dreamy Hotel wedding venues in the United States