8 Vacation Spots Where Airbnbs Are Cheaper Than Hotels
Book a hotel or Airbnb? This has become a common question with travelers looking to make the most of their vacation budget. As with many things in life, the answer depends on one thing: Location, location, location.
According to Jamie Lane, vice president of research at AirDNA, which gathers short-term rental data, the average daily rate (ADR) for one-bedroom and studio Airbnbs can be 20% to 40% cheaper than hotels, depending on where you’re headed.
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“Typically, in big cities or luxury resort areas, hotels can charge a premium. But in many vacation rental markets, particularly where hotels are limited, short-term rentals can offer significant savings,” he said.
Here are eight destinations where booking an Airbnb can leave more money in your pocket.
Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles is one city where Airbnbs consistently undercut hotel rates. Between November 2024 and January 2025, the average hotel room cost about $186 per night, according to CoStar, a global real estate data provider.
Meanwhile, AirDNA data shows that comparable one-bedroom or studio Airbnbs averaged $150 to $157 per night — a savings of roughly $30 to $38 per night.
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Orlando, Florida
Orlando is home to Disney World, Universal Studios and a robust hotel scene — but you might save more by booking an Airbnb. In November 2024, the average nightly rate for a hotel was $187.38, compared to just $113.30 for an Airbnb, saving travelers over $74 per night, according to CoStar and AirDNA data.
Lane notes that in markets like Orlando, “hotels provide proximity to where people want to be, and they can charge a premium for that. But short-term rentals can be a much cheaper alternative — especially if you’re flexible on location.”
Park City, Utah
Park City, a high-end ski destination, is typically known for pricey hotels near the slopes.
Travelers willing to stay a bit outside the resort core may find Airbnb options hundreds of dollars cheaper per night during peak season. In January, for instance, hotels averaged $761 per night — nearly double the $391 average for an Airbnb over the same period, according to AirDNA and CoStar data.
“When you have a ski slope right outside your door, hotels charge a premium for that,” said Lane.
Maui, Hawaii
Maui’s luxury resorts are famously pricey, but Airbnb rentals can offer a more affordable alternative. Over the past year, AirDNA data shows that one-bedroom or studio Airbnbs in Maui averaged about $323 per night, while CoStar data shows hotel rates regularly surpassing that figure, especially during peak season.
Paris, France
Paris is one of the classic examples where Airbnb can be cheaper than a hotel. Lane mentioned that, like in New York or Los Angeles, the hotel market in Paris is often supply-constrained — and short-term rentals step in to fill the gap at a lower price point.
“Airbnb’s competitive pricing often comes into play in destinations where high seasonal demand or special local market conditions make traditional hotel models less viable,” said Tim Choate, founder and CEO of vacation rental site RedAwning.com.
London, United Kingdom
Similarly, in London, AirDNA has found that Airbnb rentals — especially one-bedroom and studio spaces — are often more affordable than hotels. In a city where hotel prices surge during events and peak seasons, short-term rentals provide flexibility and value.
“In many capital cities, you typically see hotel rates substantially more expensive than the average short-term rental rate,” said Lane.
Lisbon, Portugal
“Airbnb listings quoting a 20 to 30% cost saving over hotels in off-peak periods are common in cities such as Lisbon and Barcelona,” according to Choate.
Lisbon’s short-term rental market is particularly robust, giving travelers a range of lower-cost options in neighborhoods beyond the tourist hubs.
Eastern Europe
Many up-and-coming urban destinations in Eastern Europe — including Kosovo, Moldova, North Macedonia, and Serbia — offer some of the cheapest Airbnb rates in the world, according to AirDNA data. Hotel supply in these areas is limited, and short-term rentals often fill the gap.
“One study found that in these markets, the flexible and diverse range of Airbnb accommodations allows travelers to experience authentic local experiences relative to a lower price point,” Choate said.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 8 Vacation Spots Where Airbnbs Are Cheaper Than Hotels
