How to Save Money on Airbnb: 10 Booking Tips That Work
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our airbnb in banos, ecuador
After staying in more than 60 Airbnbs across 11 years of travel, I've learned a thing or two about finding great accommodations without overspending. From family-friendly apartments in Europe to unique vacation rentals across the United States, I've discovered that saving money on Airbnb takes more than simply finding the lowest nightly rate.
This was our super cool washington DC Airbnb -- an authentic row house - came with a free parking spot too! (Click image to see listing)
In this guide, I'm sharing my favorite Airbnb booking tips, including how to find discounts, compare total prices, avoid unnecessary fees, and book safely so you can get the most value from your next stay.
However, over the past few years the prices on Airbnb have gone up drastically. If you’re like me, you’re looking for how to save money on Airbnb so you can take the extra money and use it for a good meal or experience.
In order to keep costs reasonable and stay on budget - I have put together my best tips for getting your next Airbnb at a great price. From the best time to book Airbnb stays to the Airbnb weekly discount, I have all the details you need.
View to the courtyard from our Kitchen balcony in Florence, Italy -- we felt like locals with our clothes hanging to dry!! WE LOVED IT!!
The coliseum in Rome was SO close to our Rome Airbnb -- it made catching public transportation very easy!
This was our airbnb in budapest, Hungary -- 3 bedrooms, VERY centrally located and only $84. per night
How to Book an Airbnb Safely
Finding a great Airbnb isn't just about getting the best price. Before booking, I want to know that the property is legitimate, accurately described, and a good fit for our trip.
We stayed in an AMAZING 80s themed airbnb in oak hill, west virginia. it had a pizza hut inside!
Over the years, I've developed a checklist of things I look for before reserving a vacation rental.
Read the most recent reviews. Look for consistent feedback about cleanliness, communication, location, and whether the property matches the listing.
Look beyond the star rating. A property with excellent reviews from several years ago may have changed. I pay particular attention to recent guest experiences.
Check the location carefully. Make sure the neighborhood, parking situation, and proximity to attractions actually work for your itinerary.
Review the cancellation policy. Understand when you can cancel and whether you'll receive a refund.
Keep payments and communication on Airbnb. Never send money directly to a host through an outside payment app to secure a reservation.
Check the amenities and safety features. Confirm sleeping arrangements, stairs, air conditioning, smoke alarms, and anything else important for your group.
I also recommend messaging the host through Airbnb before booking if something in the listing isn't clear. A responsive host who answers your questions thoroughly can make a big difference in your experience.
No booking platform can guarantee a perfect stay, but doing a little research before reserving can help you avoid unpleasant surprises.
We saw the northern lights from the porch of our airbnb in iceland
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So, what do you need to know about Airbnb?
Hows this for size? This 2 bedroom New orleans apartment came with a stocked kitchen & they included chilren's utensils & toys for our kids!
Are Airbnb stays safe? We think so! We have never felt unsafe or threatened staying at an Airbnb. Actually, quite the opposite. Here are some saftey items I like to bring for extra precaution.
Is Airbnb cheaper than hotels? Yes, they can be. We usually pay less per night for an Airbnb than a hotel room would cost. I am cheap and I like to travel on a budget.
Know the rules. Each Host has posted rules with their accommodation. Make sure you know and understand them, so you don’t get into a situation when you arrive. For instance, if a particular Airbnb host says they do not accept children and you show up with your kids, it could get awkward and your trip may get really expensive.
You aren’t staying in a hotel. This is a private citizen’s home. Most Airbnb houses do not offer 24/7 check in/check out, there is no room service or front desk, no parking garage, etc. Keep an open mind here.
the kids loved this room in our airbnb in quito, ecuador
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Tips for Getting the Best Deal on Airbnb:
This tub!!! Our Airbnb in Montreal was extremely well located & very nice on the inside. 2 bedrooms, laundry, full kitchen
There are several ways to save money on your next Airbnb Stay. These 10 tips for saving money on an Airbnb are what I use every single time.
1.Compare the Total Price, Not Just the Nightly Rate
One of the biggest mistakes travelers make when booking an Airbnb is choosing a property based only on its nightly rate.
A rental advertised at $125 per night might look like a better deal than one listed at $150, but cleaning fees, taxes, and other charges can change the final cost significantly.
Airbnb displays the total price including fees before taxes in its search results, making it easier to compare listings. Always review the complete price breakdown before confirming your reservation.
My tip: Compare the total cost of several properties for your exact dates and number of guests. For shorter stays, a higher nightly rate with a lower cleaning fee may actually save you money.
2. Look for Weekly and Monthly Airbnb Discounts
One of the easiest ways to save money on Airbnb is to stay a little longer! Some hosts offer discounted rates for reservations of seven nights or more, with additional savings available for stays of 28 nights or longer.
These discounts aren't available on every property, and the amount varies by host.
When planning a trip, I recommend comparing the total cost of different stay lengths. Sometimes adding an extra night can unlock a weekly discount that makes the longer stay surprisingly affordable.
My tip: If your travel dates are flexible, compare six-night and seven-night stays. Just make sure the total cost is actually lower before extending your reservation.
Our airbnb in bequia in the grenadines
3. Check for Early-Bird Airbnb Discounts
Planning ahead can sometimes save you money! Some Airbnb hosts offer early-bird discounts for guests who book well in advance.
These discounts aren't guaranteed, but they're worth looking for when planning vacations months ahead of time.
My tip: If you know your travel dates, start comparing properties early. You'll often have more accommodations to choose from, especially during holidays and school breaks.
4. Look for Last-Minute and New-Listing Discounts
Some Airbnb hosts offer last-minute discounts to fill empty nights, while newer listings may have introductory pricing to attract their first guests.
If you're flexible about where you stay, these can be great opportunities to save money.
Just remember that newer listings may have fewer guest reviews, so take extra time to review the property details and communicate with the host before booking.
My tip: Last-minute deals are best for flexible trips. I wouldn't recommend waiting until the last minute for a major family vacation or a popular destination during peak season.
our airbnb for 4 nights in selfoss, iceland
5. Use Airbnb Filters to Find the Right Property
One of my favorite things about Airbnb is being able to search for accommodations that fit exactly what we need.
Use the filters to narrow your search by bedrooms, beds, property type, amenities, and price.
For example, selecting "Entire place" lets you find private accommodations rather than renting a room in someone's home.
My tip: Don't automatically choose the biggest rental available. Compare the sleeping arrangements and actual beds before booking. A smaller property with a smart layout may save you money without sacrificing comfort.
6. Split the Cost When Traveling With a Group
Traveling with extended family or friends? Renting one larger Airbnb can sometimes cost significantly less than booking multiple hotel rooms.
We've found that having shared living spaces, a kitchen, and enough bedrooms makes group travel easier and more enjoyable.
Before booking, compare the total rental cost with the price of separate accommodations, and make sure the property allows your entire group.
My tip: Divide the total cost by the number of families or adults contributing. A beautiful rental that initially looks expensive might actually be an excellent deal when everyone shares the cost.
our Airbnb in Atenas, Costa rica
7. Choose an Airbnb With a Kitchen and Laundry
One of the biggest reasons I love staying in Airbnbs is having access to a kitchen and washing machine, especially when traveling with kids.
Preparing breakfast, packing lunches, and cooking a few meals instead of eating at restaurants every day can save a surprising amount of money.
Having laundry available also means we can pack fewer clothes, which can help us avoid checked baggage fees.
My tip: Before booking, check whether the kitchen has the equipment you'll actually need and whether laundry facilities are included or cost extra.
laundry is imperative if you want to travel light! We do lots of laundry on our trips. This is an airbnb in reykjavik!
8. Compare Different Dates and Locations
If your travel schedule is flexible, try adjusting your check-in and checkout dates to compare prices.
A property might be more expensive on weekends, holidays, or during major local events.
You can also look just outside popular tourist areas. Staying a little farther from the main attractions may offer better value, especially if you have a rental car.
My tip: Always factor in parking, transportation costs, and travel time. A cheaper Airbnb isn't necessarily a better deal if you're spending significantly more money getting around.
our airbnb in la fortuna, costa rica was amazing. we were high up in the jungle!
9. Ask Hosts About Available Amenities
Before booking, don't hesitate to message the Airbnb host with questions about the property.
We've often traveled with young children, so I've learned how valuable it can be to confirm whether a rental has a pack-and-play, high chair, washing machine, or other essentials.
Having those items available can save money on equipment rentals, baggage fees, or buying supplies at your destination.
My tip: Never assume a property includes baby gear or other special amenities. Ask the host to confirm what's available before you reserve.
10. Compare Airbnb Prices With Hotels Before Booking
I love Airbnb, but I don't automatically assume it's the cheapest accommodation option.
Sometimes a hotel offers a better deal, especially for shorter stays when cleaning fees can make vacation rentals more expensive. Compare the total cost of an Airbnb with nearby hotels, including parking, breakfast, resort fees, taxes, and any other expenses. For longer stays or larger groups, an Airbnb with multiple bedrooms and a kitchen may offer much better value.
My tip: Choose the accommodation that offers the best overall value for your trip, not simply the lowest advertised nightly rate.
Why We Love Staying in Airbnbs
Beyond saving money, one of my favorite things about Airbnb is getting to experience a destination differently.
I love staying in local neighborhoods, looking out over apartment courtyards, hearing neighbors speaking their native language, and feeling like we're experiencing a small piece of everyday life in a new destination.
We've stayed in Airbnbs around the world, and some of our favorite travel memories have come
view from our Our Airbnb in cartagena, colombia
PRO TIP: Ask for Airbnb gift cards for gifts — you can use these to book amazing accommodations and experiences. We swam with Mantarays in Hawaii after our families gifted us Airbnb gift cards!
Enjoy the experience!! Airbnb is the BEST way for us to get to experience living the way locals do. We absolutely love going up to the apartments, looking out into the courtyards and seeing laundry on the line, hearing neighbors speak the local language, etc. It makes our trips feel more authentic and less touristy.
When you book your next trip – explore Airbnb’s website before you get a standard hotel. Find a great apartment or house to stay in, get your kids their own room to sleep in, and meet some locals!
View from our airbnb at lake atitlan in guatemala
(You’re welcome in advance for the most authentic trip you’ve been on!)
We would love to hear about your Airbnb experiences!! Please leave a comment or send us your story!
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