Airbnb Host Fees – How Much Do They Take? [2024]

Last Updated: October 19, 2023 by Cameron Smith

There are more than4 million Airbnb hosts worldwide. Many homeowners have found using Airbnb to rent out their homes is a profitable business. However, Airbnb host fees can affect the bottom line. Here’s what you need to know.

How Much Are Airbnb Host Fees?

Most hosts pay a flat 3% service fee of the booking total. However, Airbnb offers a few different fee structures so you can choose what works best for you.

Fee type	Fee percentage
Flat Service Fee (Split Fee)	3% (Host) 14.2% (Guest)
Host-Only Fee	14% – 16%
Value Added Tax (VAT)	6.6% (USA)
Airbnb Plus Host Fees	$149 application fee 14-16% Host Only Fee
Super Strict Cancellation Policy Fees	2% added to service fee
Airbnb Experience Fees	20%
Airbnb Luxe Fees	3% – 5%

Flat Service Fees (Split-Fee)

Flat service fees are the most common and are charged at 3% to the host and 14.2% to the guest.

Hosts pay 3% and the guests pay 14.2% of the booking subtotal, including the nightly rate, cleaning fee, and any additional guest fees. It excludes any Airbnb fees and taxes.  

This can be frustrating for guests as they only see the nightly rate when searching for a place to stay. When they go to pay, the number is significantly more, especially if hosts add several fees on top.

Host-Only Fees (Simplified-Pricing)

Some hosts pay host-only fees which are typically 14% – 16% of the total booking price. This can vary if a guest pays for a monthly stay or if a host has a strict cancellation policy.

The simplified pricing structure is mandatory for hotels, serviced apartments, and software-connected hosts located outside of:

• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Bahamas
• Argentina
• Taiwan
• Uruguay

“Software-connected” means a host uses a third-party software platform to integrate with Airbnb. Airbnb uses software connectivity to determine which Airbnb hosts are using the platform as a primary or sole source of income (i.e., running their Airbnb properties as a first or second business).

If the majority of your listings are in one of the countries listed above, you can choose which pricing structure you wish to use, even if you use third-party software to connect to Airbnb.

Additional Airbnb Host Fees

In addition to the basic Airbnb host fee structures broken down above, some Airbnb hosts may face ancillary fees charged by this listing platform. These include:

• VAT Charges
• Airbnb Plus Hosts
• Airbnb hosts with Super Strict cancellation policies

These additional fees are added on top of the standard fees levied against each booking.

VAT Charges

A 6.6% Value Added Tax (VAT) or Goods and Services Tax (GST) may be required to be added to your listing depending on your location. It is a tax assessed on the supply of goods and services in certain areas according to Airbnb.

Airbnb Plus Host Fees

For a $149 one-time application fee, truly special properties and exceptional hosts can apply to Airbnb Plus. Airbnb Plus has set standards and criteria that must be met to be approved, including:

• Style standards – each room must feel “tied together” and be aesthetically pleasing
• Comfort standards – spaces are clean and offer everything a guest needs to feel at home
• Hospitality standards – host offers outstanding service with a personal touch throughout the stay

As an Airbnb Plus host, you will also pay the host-only fees, usually about 16%, depending on the property location and size. While this can seem like a steep price, your property listing will be featured in guest searches and have a special badge.

Super Strict Cancellation Policy Fees

An additional 2% fee is charged on top of the standard service fee if a host selects a super strict cancellation policy.

These policies are invite-only and only available to hosts under special circumstances. These policy options include:

• Super Strict 30 days – guests must cancel at least 30 days prior to check-in to receive a 50% refund for all nights. If the guest cancels past the 30-day deadline, the host is paid in full regardless.
• Super Strict 60 days – guests must cancel at least 60 days prior to check-in to receive a 50% refund for all nights. If the guest cancels past the 30-day deadline, the host is paid in full regardless.

Unless your property takes a ton of preparation, you probably will not have the option for either of these policies.

Special Airbnb Types

Airbnb offers two special Airbnb types that are charged differently, these include:

• Airbnb Experience hosts
• Airbnb Luxe hosts

Airbnb Experience Fees

Airbnb Experience hosts pay a 20% fee of the final booking price. This takes the place of the other payment fee structures.

An Airbnb Experience host offers something that brings people together like a class, tour, or concert. The host usually provides a certain level of expertise in the task, special access, or connections.  They must also meet special standards and requirements including:

• Experience requirements
• Verification requirements
• Listing page requirements
• Hosting standards

The 20% fee covers additional tools that may be needed to help you host your activity including scheduling tools, unique resources on the Airbnb app, and more.

Airbnb Luxe Fees

Airbnb Luxe hosts pay between a 3% and 5% fee of the total booking price.

This exclusive Airbnb program offers a collection of pristine, upscale homes with high-end amenities, and services. They also include options like:

• Custom itineraries from a trip designer
• 300-point inspection and vetting of the property
• Private airport pick-up
• In-person welcome
• Fully stocked home (food, toiletries)
• Tailored services (personal chefs, massage therapists)

What Does Airbnb Host Fees Cover?

Fees cover marketing, product development, and community support. They also offer their hosts a range of perks including:

• Guest identity verification
• Reservation screening
• Superhost guidance
• $3 million in damage protection
• $1 million liability insurance
• 24-hour safety line

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What Is Airbnb Smart Pricing?

Airbnb Smart Pricing is a tool that automatically changes your nightly price based on demand. It uses hundreds of factors including guest behavior to calculate and adjust your nightly price, it also considers:

• Property details – location, amenities, property type, and reviews
• Search activity – how many people are looking at certain dates in your area
• Completed bookings – how many similar properties are booked during a certain date

This tool can be turned off at any time and overridden on any specific unbooked dates. Hosts can also choose a nightly maximum/minimum the tool won’t exceed.

How Do Airbnb Host Fees Compare to Competitors?

Airbnb isn’t the only rental listing site available to homeowners. Check out this list below to see how Airbnb stacks up.

Site	Typical fees
Airbnb	3% service fee per total booking price
VRBO	8% (3% processing fee, 5% commission fee of the total booking price)
Booking.com	15% of the total booking price
Trip Advisor	3% fee per total booking price

How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Make?

The average Airbnb Host made $13,800 in 2021 and it doesn’t look like things are slowing down anytime soon. In the second quarter of 2022, Airbnb broke its own record when guests collectively booked 103.7 million stays and experiences.

With an average of $99 per night for a private room and $242 per night for units with up to 4 guests, there is a real opportunity to make some extra money.

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How Much Does Airbnb Charge Guests?

Guests typically pay a 14% service fee of the total booking to Airbnb directly. However, some hosts may charge fees in addition to their nightly rate including:

• Cleaning fee – covers the cost of cleaning the space after the guest leaves
• Extra guest fee – covers the cost of added utility costs for additional guests
• Security deposit – covers the cost of potential damage to the property
• Cancellation fees – applies only if the guest cancels the reservation during certain periods