Question 1

Does this tool use real hotel or Airbnb prices?

Accepted Answer

No. This tool does not use real hotel or Airbnb prices, taxes, or availability. It only performs simple math on the numbers you enter yourself. You need to research current prices from booking platforms, hotels, or Airbnb listings and enter those numbers into the calculator. Real prices vary significantly by location, time of year, property, and platform.

Question 2

Why are my actual booking quotes different from this estimate?

Accepted Answer

Many factors can cause differences: dynamic pricing that changes based on demand, seasonal rates, promotional discounts, loyalty program benefits, last-minute deals, currency exchange rates, additional fees not included in your estimate, and many other variables. This tool provides a snapshot comparison based on the numbers you enter at one point in time. Always verify actual costs with booking platforms before making decisions.

Question 3

Does this include cleaning, parking, or taxes?

Accepted Answer

This tool includes whatever costs you enter. It has separate fields for cleaning fees (Airbnb), parking per night, taxes and fees, and other costs. You need to research and enter these amounts yourself. Different properties and platforms have different fee structures, so make sure to include all relevant costs when entering your numbers.

Question 4

Can I use this to decide if a hotel or Airbnb is better for my trip?

Accepted Answer

This tool only compares monetary costs based on the numbers you enter. It does not account for other important factors like location, amenities, cancellation policies, safety, convenience, space, privacy, or personal preferences. A cheaper option on paper might not be the best choice for your specific needs. Use this tool as one input in your decision-making process, not as the sole factor.

Question 5

What if I'm comparing multiple hotels or multiple Airbnb listings?

Accepted Answer

This tool compares one hotel option to one Airbnb option at a time. If you want to compare multiple options, you can run the calculator multiple times with different inputs and compare the results yourself. The tool does not store or compare multiple scenarios automatically.

Question 6

Does this account for loyalty points, rewards, or discounts?

Accepted Answer

No. This tool only compares the direct costs you enter. If you have loyalty points, rewards, discounts, or promotional codes, you would need to factor those into your cost estimates before entering them. For example, if a hotel costs $200/night but you have a 20% discount, enter $160/night. The tool does not calculate discounts or rewards automatically.

Hotel vs Airbnb Cost Comparison

Enter Your Stay Details

Trip Basics

Hotel Costs

Airbnb-Style Rental Costs

Compare Hotel vs Airbnb Costs

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Tools

Multi-City Travel Budget Planner

Road Trip Fuel Cost & Distance Planner

Monthly Public Transport vs Car Ownership Comparison