The truth about Airbnb fees: What you need to know

Oct 1, 2024

Discover how Airbnb fees work and how you can use AirDeals to avoid them

If you’ve ever booked an Airbnb, you’re probably familiar with the frustration of the final price not matching the one you saw at first. That difference? Airbnb fees. But what exactly are these fees, how much do they cost, and how can you avoid them?

In this post, we’ll break down Airbnb’s fee structure and show you how tools like AirDeals can help you hack the system and save big on your next trip.

Understanding Airbnb Fees

Airbnb’s fee structure is relatively simple but can be surprisingly high. The platform typically charges around 20% in total fees, split between the host and guest.

  • Guests are charged 15-20% in fees, which are baked into the marked-up nightly rate and the “Airbnb Service Fee” item.

  • Hosts are charged about 3%, which is withheld from their payout.

By booking directly with hosts using AirDeals, you can save 15-20% by bypassing these fees.

Example savings

Still skeptical? Let’s take a look at a real example.

Airbnb property: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1207360158347335889

Direct booking with host: https://www.cascadevacationrentals.com/vrp/unit/Sunrise_Shores-368-15

Price on Airbnb = $3,660

Direct booking price = $3,049

You save about $600 by booking directly with the host!

How AirDeals Helps You Avoid Airbnb Fees

This is where AirDeals comes in. Our free Chrome extension is designed to save you money by helping you book directly with hosts whenever possible, bypassing Airbnb’s hefty service fees.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Install AirDeals: Add the extension to your Chrome browser.

  2. Search for Deals: Browse Airbnb as usual. AirDeals scans for direct booking links.

  3. Save Money: Book directly with hosts to avoid Airbnb's ridiculous fees.

By using AirDeals, travelers save up to 15%, while hosts can also keep more of their earnings—a true win-win!

Conclusion

Airbnb fees can add up quickly, turning what seemed like an affordable stay into a more expensive one. Understanding these fees and where they appear is the first step to making smarter booking decisions. Tools like AirDeals take it further by helping you avoid these costs altogether, ensuring your travel budget goes further.

Ready to start saving? Install AirDeals today and see how much you can keep in your pocket!