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Airbnb stays cheaper than hotels in ten US cities, study shows
A new price comparison shows Airbnb rentals are cheaper than hotels in ten U.S. cities, with the biggest dollar savings in Nashville. The study, released by Highland Cabinetry, highlights average three‑night cost differences and offers guidance for travelers weighing short‑term rentals against traditional lodging.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- Airbnb rentals now show lower average three‑night costs than hotels in ten US cities
- Timing
- Study released in November 2026
- Who is affected
- Travelers comparing accommodation costs in the listed cities
The details
Study Overview and Methodology
Highland Cabinetry compared one‑night and three‑night stays on Airbnb with traditional hotel rates across major U.S. cities. The analysis calculated average totals for identical dates, party sizes and locations, then ranked cities by potential dollar savings.
Top Cities by Dollar Savings
Nashville leads with a $382 average saving on a three‑night stay, where Airbnb averages $506 versus $888 for a hotel. Austin follows with a $221 gap, San Diego $211, Chicago $207 and Philadelphia $195. Additional cities—New Orleans, Asheville, Atlanta, Las Vegas and Tampa—show smaller but still notable savings.
- Nashville: $506 Airbnb vs $888 hotel
- Austin: $582 Airbnb vs $803 hotel
- San Diego: $650 Airbnb vs $861 hotel
- Chicago: $556 Airbnb vs $763 hotel
- Philadelphia: $504 Airbnb vs $699 hotel
Caveats and Additional Airbnb Updates
The figures reflect Highland Cabinetry’s specific sample and do not guarantee prices for any individual booking. Dates, property counts and inclusion of taxes or fees were not disclosed. Airbnb hosts may add cleaning, extra‑guest or service fees, which can affect final costs. Recent Airbnb policy changes also limit mandatory checkout chores and introduce new credit‑card perks with American Express.
- Hosts can no longer require guests to put away dishes or take out trash
- Eligible Amex cardholders can earn extra points and up to $850 in statement credits on Luxe stays
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Travelers can compare final three‑night totals for Airbnb and hotels to identify the most cost‑effective option
- Group trips may benefit from fitting all guests in a single Airbnb rather than multiple hotel rooms
- Longer stays that need kitchen or laundry facilities may see greater savings with rentals
Cost and documents
- No new fees are introduced by the study itself; existing Airbnb cleaning or extra‑guest fees still apply
- Travelers should verify whether taxes and service fees are included in quoted Airbnb totals
What you need to do
- Check the latest Airbnb listing prices for the exact travel dates before booking
- Review each host’s house rules and additional charges to avoid unexpected costs
- Consider eligible American Express cards if planning a Luxe stay to access statement credits
Who this affects
-
Budget‑focused solo travelers
They seek the lowest total accommodation cost for short trips
What to do Compare three‑night Airbnb averages with hotel rates in the study cities
-
Families or groups needing multiple rooms
A single rental can accommodate all members, avoiding several hotel rooms
What to do Look for Airbnb properties with sufficient guest capacity and compare total cost
-
Long‑stay travelers wanting kitchen facilities
Extended stays increase the value of self‑catering options
What to do Factor in potential savings from Airbnb versus hotel when planning stays longer than three nights
Frequently asked questions
Which US city offers the biggest dollar savings on Airbnb vs hotel?
Nashville provides the largest average saving, with a three‑night Airbnb costing $506 compared with $888 for a hotel, a difference of $382.
How much cheaper is an Airbnb stay in Austin compared to a hotel?
In Austin, a three‑night Airbnb averages $582 while a comparable hotel costs $803, giving travelers a $221 saving.
Do Airbnb cleaning or extra‑guest fees affect the reported savings?
Yes, the study notes that individual hosts may charge cleaning, extra‑guest or service fees, which can reduce the apparent savings if not included in the listed totals.
Are taxes and fees included in the Airbnb price comparisons?
The analysis does not specify whether all taxes and fees are included, so travelers should verify the final checkout amount on each listing.
What new Airbnb policy changes could impact my stay?
Airbnb now limits mandatory checkout chores, prohibiting hosts from requiring guests to put away dishes or take out trash, and offers new credit‑card perks for eligible American Express users.
