Airbnb Fees for Hosts (2025): How Much Does Airbnb Charge Hosts?

Airbnb has quickly become the go-to platform for millions of hosts and guests worldwide, revolutionizing the short-term rental market. Whether you're renting out a cozy apartment downtown or a beachfront villa, Airbnb connects hosts to travelers looking for unique, personalized stays.

But here's the thing—while hosting can be profitable, understanding how Airbnb fees work is crucial if you want to maximize your earnings. The fees Airbnb charges hosts can vary significantly depending on the listing type and pricing model chosen. Below, we'll dive into exactly how much Airbnb takes from hosts, break down the different fee structures, and share some tips to help you keep more money in your pocket.

If you're serious about keeping more of your Airbnb earnings, Awning’s expert management services can help optimize your revenue while minimizing hassle. Let Awning handle the details so you can focus on growing your profits with confidence.

Understanding Airbnb’s Fee Structures

When it comes to Airbnb fees, not all hosts are charged the same way. Airbnb uses two main fee structures: the Split-Fee Model and the Host-Only Fee Model. Here's how each one breaks down.

Split-Fee Model

This is the most common setup, especially if you’re managing your own listing independently. As a host, you typically pay Airbnb a small 3% fee, which applies to your booking subtotal—that's the nightly rate plus extras like cleaning fees or pet charges. Meanwhile, Airbnb charges your guests separately, usually between 14% to 16% of that same subtotal. This keeps your hosting fees relatively low and transparent, making it ideal if you aren’t using specialized software or property management systems.

Host-Only Fee Model

Under this model, you cover all Airbnb service fees, typically between 14% and 20% of your booking subtotal. Guests don't see a separate Airbnb fee; the price they see listed is exactly what they pay. This structure is required if you're using property management software, running a traditional hospitality business like a hotel or serviced apartment, or listing outside of Airbnb’s specified countries like the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Uruguay, Taiwan, or the Bahamas.

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Special Fee Categories

If you're offering unique local activities—like cooking classes, city tours, or kayaking adventures—you fall under Airbnb Experiences. Airbnb charges a flat 20% service fee on the total price for these bookings. This might seem high, but it covers all the marketing, booking management, and support Airbnb provides to help your experiences stand out and reach travelers.

Got a high-end villa or luxury property that meets Airbnb's strict Luxe standards? Then you'll qualify for Airbnb Luxe, a special category designed for exclusive, upscale stays. In return for showcasing your property to a premium audience, Airbnb takes a smaller cut—between 3% and 5% of the total booking price—making it an attractive option for hosts with luxury offerings.

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Additional Fees and Considerations

Beyond the basic service fees, Airbnb hosts might encounter a few extra charges, depending on certain choices or tools they use.

If you're invited by Airbnb to use their Super Strict cancellation policies, keep in mind there's an extra cost involved—specifically, an additional 2% fee added to your usual host fee. Airbnb offers these policies only under special circumstances, typically for hosts with unique or high-demand listings. It can be helpful if you need greater protection against last-minute cancellations, but remember, it does slightly eat into your profits.

Many hosts rely on channel managers or other software to simplify bookings. But using these tools means you'll typically shift to Airbnb's host-only fee model. This change bumps your service fee significantly, typically to between 14% and 20% per booking.

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Recent Policy Changes and Their Implications

Starting May 10, 2025, Airbnb is rolling out new rules to boost transparency and fairness on the platform. Here's what hosts need to know:

• All mandatory fees—like cleaning fees or pet charges—must now be bundled directly into your listing price. No more surprises at checkout!
• Off-platform bookings and hidden fees are completely off-limits. Airbnb is cracking down to keep things fair and straightforward.
• You're no longer allowed to collect payments or sensitive guest information outside the Airbnb platform.

These changes aren't random—they’re part of Airbnb’s effort to comply with new regulations set by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, which demand clearer pricing. Ultimately, Airbnb is working to enhance guest trust and make the booking process seamless and predictable for everyone involved.

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How Airbnb Compares To Other Platforms

Airbnb isn't the only player in town, so let's quickly see how it stacks up against some popular alternatives. On VRBO, hosts pay a straightforward 5% commission on each booking, while guests might face service fees up to 20%. Booking.com, meanwhile, puts all the fees on the host side, charging a flat 15% commission per reservation—guests see exactly what they'll pay, with no surprises at checkout. TripAdvisor is a bit gentler on hosts, asking just 3% per booking, but guests typically pick up additional service fees.

Knowing how Airbnb compares to these platforms can help you price smarter, attract guests, and ultimately make more money from your rental.

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Strategies for Hosts to Manage and Mitigate Fees

As a host, fees are just part of the Airbnb game—but that doesn't mean you can't manage them smartly. One straightforward approach is adjusting your nightly rates to absorb those service fees. Guests appreciate clear, upfront pricing, so baking fees into your overall rate can actually make your listing more attractive.

It's also crucial to pick the right fee structure for your hosting style. If you're targeting budget-conscious travelers, opting for Airbnb's split-fee model might be better. On the other hand, higher-end listings or hosts using property management software might benefit from the host-only model.

Lastly, keep yourself in the loop. Airbnb's policies change frequently, and staying updated helps you avoid surprises and maximize profits. Regular check-ins on Airbnb’s announcements page will keep you ahead of the curve.

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The Bottom Line

Understanding Airbnb's fee structures is essential for any host aiming to maximize profitability. By staying informed about the different fee models and adjusting your strategies accordingly, you can ensure your hosting venture remains both compliant and lucrative.​

If managing these complexities feels overwhelming, consider partnering with a professional property management service. Awning offers full-service vacation rental management, handling everything from marketing and guest communication to cleaning and maintenance. Their services are designed to optimize your property's performance and free up your time.