Are Houses on Airbnb Really More Affordable Than Hotels? This Data Set Says No.

In 2017, 81 percent of Airbnb’s revenue came from whole-unit rentals, but if you’re in the minority and are comfortable staying in a private room, an Airbnb is cheaper in all 50 cities Upgraded Points looked at. The biggest difference between a private room and a hotel was in Las Vegas, where opting for a private room saves $269. It may not be worth it if you’re headed to Orlando, Florida, though, where the average savings was just $7.30.

Photo: Upgraded Points

If you’re looking to have an entire place to yourself, you’re not going to see the same return. In fact, in 46 out of 50 cities, a hotel stay is cheaper. In Los Angeles, you’re going to see a savings of almost $330 if you choose a hotel, while in Miami it’s a savings of $304. But in Atlanta, you’ll only see a savings of $2.30. So if you find the whole-house Airbnb of your dreams, it’s not going to break your bank.

Were consumers right about raising Airbnb taxes and fees? Upgraded Points says they are. An Airbnb can run you an average of over 40 percent of the listing cost in taxes and fees, and in some cities like Orlando, you might see that go up to 50 percent. Comparatively, hotels average a little over 15 percent of taxes, with the peak reaching 22 percent in Las Vegas.

Photo: Upgraded Points

Of course, Airbnbs tend to offer more unique stays than a regular hotel room, like luxurious yurts in the winter, a cabin in the hills of Kauai, or a tiny house in upstate New York. Ultimately, the best stay is the one that’s best for you and your travel goals.