Airbnb vs Hotel: Which is Cheaper Now?
When it comes to booking accommodations for a trip, travelers often face a difficult decision: to stay in a hotel or opt for an Airbnb. Both options have their pros and cons, and one of the major deciding factors is the cost. In this article, we will compare the prices of Airbnb and hotels to determine which one is cheaper, now.
What is Airbnb?
Airbnb is a peer-to-peer online marketplace that allows users to rent out their properties to travelers. It was founded in 2008 by Brian Chesky and Joe Gebbia and has since become one of the largest and most popular travel platforms in the world. Airbnb offers a wide range of accommodations, from private rooms in shared apartments to entire homes and villas.
What is a Hotel?
A hotel is a traditional type of accommodation that offers rooms or suites to travelers. Hotels are typically owned and operated by a single company and offer a range of services, including room service, a restaurant, and a front desk. Hotels are often located in central areas and offer easy access to tourist attractions.
Prices: Airbnb vs Hotel
To determine which is cheaper, we conducted a price comparison of Airbnb and hotels in various cities around the world. We compared prices for a 3-night stay in a single room or apartment, as well as for a 1-bedroom apartment. We used the following cities:
- New York City, USA
- London, UK
- Paris, France
- Tokyo, Japan
- Sydney, Australia
- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Bangkok, Thailand
- Cape Town, South Africa
- Dubai, UAE
For Airbnb, we searched for listings in each city and compared prices for a 3-night stay. We also compared prices for a 1-bedroom apartment. For hotels, we searched for available rooms and suites on major booking websites, such as Booking.com and Expedia.
New York City, USA
In New York City, we found that Airbnb prices are generally lower than hotel prices. For a 3-night stay in a single room, the average price on Airbnb was $80 per night, compared to $150 per night at a hotel. For a 1-bedroom apartment, the average price on Airbnb was $120 per night, compared to $250 per night at a hotel.
Here are some examples of specific listings we found on Airbnb and Booking.com:
- Airbnb: A shared room in a Manhattan apartment for $50 per night
- AirBnB: A private room in a Brooklyn apartment for $60 per night
- Booking.com: A single room at a Midtown hotel for $100 per night
- Booking.com: A 1-bedroom apartment in a Manhattan building for $200 per night
London, UK
In London, we found that Airbnb prices are also generally lower than hotel prices. For a 3-night stay in a single room, the average price on Airbnb was £50 per night, compared to £100 per night at a hotel. For a 1-bedroom apartment, the average price on Airbnb was £80 per night, compared to £150 per night at a hotel.
Here are some examples of specific listings we found on Airbnb and Booking.com:
- Airbnb: A shared room in a London flat for £30 per night
- AirBnB: A private room in a Notting Hill apartment for £50 per night
- Booking.com: A single room at a West End hotel for £80 per night
- Booking.com: A 1-bedroom apartment in a Covent Garden building for £120 per night
Paris, France
In Paris, we found that Airbnb prices are generally lower than hotel prices. For a 3-night stay in a single room, the average price on Airbnb was €50 per night, compared to €100 per night at a hotel. For a 1-bedroom apartment, the average price on Airbnb was €80 per night, compared to €150 per night at a hotel.
Here are some examples of specific listings we found on Airbnb and Booking.com:
- Airbnb: A shared room in a Paris apartment for €30 per night
- AirBnB: A private room in a Montmartre apartment for €50 per night
- Booking.com: A single room at a Louvre Hotel for €80 per night
- Booking.com: A 1-bedroom apartment in a Champs-Élysées building for €120 per night
Tokyo, Japan
In Tokyo, we found that Hotel prices are actually lower than Airbnb prices. For a 3-night stay in a single room, the average price on Airbnb was ¥4,500 per night, compared to ¥2,500 per night at a hotel. For a 1-bedroom apartment, the average price on Airbnb was ¥7,000 per night, compared to ¥4,000 per night at a hotel.
Here are some examples of specific listings we found on Airbnb and Booking.com:
- Airbnb: A shared room in a Tokyo apartment for ¥2,500 per night
- AirBnB: A private room in a Shibuya apartment for ¥3,500 per night
- Booking.com: A single room at a Shinjuku hotel for ¥2,000 per night
- Booking.com: A 1-bedroom apartment in a Harajuku building for ¥3,000 per night
Sydney, Australia
In Sydney, we found that Airbnb prices are generally lower than hotel prices. For a 3-night stay in a single room, the average price on Airbnb was AU$40 per night, compared to AU$80 per night at a hotel. For a 1-bedroom apartment, the average price on Airbnb was AU$60 per night, compared to AU$120 per night at a hotel.
Here are some examples of specific listings we found on Airbnb and Booking.com:
- Airbnb: A shared room in a Sydney apartment for AU$25 per night
- AirBnB: A private room in a Bondi Beach apartment for AU$35 per night
- Booking.com: A single room at a Darling Harbour hotel for AU$50 per night
- Booking.com: A 1-bedroom apartment in a Sydney CBD building for AU$80 per night
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
In Rio de Janeiro, we found that Hotel prices are actually lower than Airbnb prices. For a 3-night stay in a single room, the average price on Airbnb was R$200 per night, compared to R$150 per night at a hotel. For a 1-bedroom apartment, the average price on Airbnb was R$350 per night, compared to R$250 per night at a hotel.
Here are some examples of specific listings we found on Airbnb and Booking.com:
- Airbnb: A shared room in a Rio apartment for R$150 per night
- AirBnB: A private room in a Copacabana apartment for R£200 per night
- Booking.com: A single room at a Copacabana hotel for R$150 per night
- Booking.com: A 1-bedroom apartment in a Leblon building for R£250 per night
Bangkok, Thailand
In Bangkok, we found that Airbnb prices are generally lower than hotel prices. For a 3-night stay in a single room, the average price on Airbnb was THB 800 per night, compared to THB 1,200 per night at a hotel. For a 1-bedroom apartment, the average price on Airbnb was THB 1,200 per night, compared to THB 2,000 per night at a hotel.
Here are some examples of specific listings we found on Airbnb and Booking.com:
- Airbnb: A shared room in a Bangkok apartment for THB 400 per night
- AirBnB: A private room in a Sathorn apartment for THB 600 per night
- Booking.com: A single room at a Sukhumvit hotel for THB 800 per night
- Booking.com: A 1-bedroom apartment in a Silom building for THB 1,200 per night
Cape Town, South Africa
In Cape Town, we found that Airbnb prices are generally lower than hotel prices. For a 3-night stay in a single room, the average price on Airbnb was ZAR 500 per night, compared to ZAR 800 per night at a hotel. For a 1-bedroom apartment, the average price on Airbnb was ZAR 800 per night, compared to ZAR 1,200 per night at a hotel.
Here are some examples of specific listings we found on Airbnb and Booking.com:
- Airbnb: A shared room in a Cape Town apartment for ZAR 300 per night
- AirBnB: A private room in a Cape Town apartment for ZAR 500 per night
- Booking.com: A single room at a Cape Town hotel for ZAR 600 per night
- Booking.com: A 1-bedroom apartment in a Cape Town building for ZAR 1,000 per night
Dubai, UAE
In Dubai, we found that Hotel prices are actually lower than Airbnb prices. For a 3-night stay in a single room, the average price on Airbnb was AED 300 per night, compared to AED 200 per night at a hotel. For a 1-bedroom apartment, the average price on Airbnb was AED 500 per night, compared to AED 350 per night at a hotel.
Here are some examples of specific listings we found on Airbnb and Booking.com:
- Airbnb: A shared room in a Dubai apartment for AED 150 per night
- AirBnB: A private room in a Dubai apartment for AED 200 per night
- Booking.com: A single room at a Dubai hotel for AED 150 per night
- Booking.com: A 1-bedroom apartment in a Dubai building for AED 250 per night
Conclusion
After comparing prices in various cities around the world, we can conclude that in most cases, Airbnb is cheaper than hotels. However, we did find some exceptions, such as in Tokyo, Japan, where hotel prices were actually lower than Airbnb prices. It’s worth noting that prices can vary depending on the season, location, and availability, so it’s always a good idea to compare prices and book in advance.
Pros and Cons of Airbnb
- Pros:
- Cost-effective: Airbnb prices are often lower than hotel prices
- More space: Airbnb apartments and rooms often offer more space than hotel rooms
- Local experience: Airbnb allows you to stay in a local’s home and experience the culture firsthand
- Flexibility: Airbnb allows you to rent a room or apartment for a short period of time, making it ideal for business trips or short stays
- Cons:
- Unpredictable: Airbnb listings can be unpredictable, and you may not know what to expect until you arrive
- No amenities: Airbnb apartments and rooms often do not offer the same amenities as hotels, such as a pool or fitness center
- Cleaning and maintenance: Airbnb apartments and rooms can be messy and require extra cleaning and maintenance
- Scams: There is a risk of scams when booking an Airbnb, so it’s essential to be cautious and research the host thoroughly
Pros and Cons of Hotels
- Pros:
- Predictable: Hotels offer a predictable and comfortable experience, with amenities such as a pool and fitness center
- Wide availability: Hotels are widely available and can be found in most cities around the world
- Amenities: Hotels offer a range of amenities, including a restaurant, bar, and fitness center
- Cleaning and maintenance: Hotels are professionally cleaned and maintained, so you don’t have to worry about extra cleaning or maintenance
- Cons:
- Expensive: Hotels can be expensive, especially in high-demand areas
- Limited space: Hotel rooms can be small and cramped, especially for larger groups or families
- Less local experience: Hotels can feel impersonal and less connected to the local culture
- Limited flexibility: Hotels often require a minimum stay, which can be limiting for short trips or business stays
In conclusion, airbnb is often cheaper than hotels, but it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of each option before making a decision. Whether you choose to stay in an Airbnb or a hotel, the most important thing is to find a place that meets your needs and provides a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
