Key takeaways
- Airbnb takes 3% to 16% of each booking from hosts, depending on your fee structure.
- Airbnb uses two host fee models: the “split fee” and the “single fee.”
- Hosts can add optional charges like cleaning fees, pet fees, or security deposits.
- Reducing fees comes down to smart listing management, direct booking strategies, and controlling operational expenses.
Listing your place on Airbnb opens the door to a whole new income stream. Some hosts use it to cover their mortgage, others turn it into a full-on STR business. But no matter your goal, one thing’s certain: Airbnb will always take its cut.
You don’t have to pay to create an Airbnb listing, but you will have to cough up a percentage of your earnings to Airbnb. Of course, that percentage isn’t the same for everyone, and the fine print can be easy to miss.
So let’s clear the air: How much does Airbnb charge hosts?
This guide breaks down:
- The two main Airbnb host fee structures
- Optional fees you can charge guests
- Practical ways to keep more of your earnings
First off: What are Airbnb host fees?
In a perfect world, the $600 your guest pays for a long weekend stay would go straight into your wallet.
Unfortunately, that’s not reality.
It’s not technically free to list your rental property on Airbnb, which means you don’t get to pocket the full amount you earn from every booking.
Instead, Airbnb takes a cut of your earnings in the form of Airbnb host service fees. This commission fee is used to cover the platform's services that hosts enjoy, like payment processing, customer support, and marketing.
Host fees are deducted from your payout automatically, so you never see them hit your bank account directly – they’re taken out before your balance arrives.
So how much of a cut does Airbnb take from hosts?
Airbnb takes between 3% - 16% of each booking as a host service fee.
You’ll have to cough up 3% if you’re on the split-fee model, or 14-15% if you use the single-fee model.
Airbnb also tacks on a ~14% service fee (paid by guests) if you’re on the split-fee model.
Airbnb takes between 3% - 16% of each booking as a host service fee.
And how much does it cost to list on Airbnb?
Technically, it’s free to list your rental property on Airbnb. There’s no fee to create and publish your listing. You’ll only pay a host fee once a guest books your property.
Overview of Airbnb host fees
You can look at Airbnb host fees as the cost of doing business on the platform. It’s the price you pay to get your listing in front of the hundreds of millions of travelers who use Airbnb.
Airbnb calculates host fees as a percentage of each stay, using one of two fee structures:
- Split fee
- Single fee
The math behind each model isn’t complicated, but the impact on your take-home pay can be significant. That’s why it’s critical to know which model you’re under and how it affects your visibility and occupancy rates.
Let’s look at each model in closer detail:
Split fee: Hosts & guests pay
Under the split fee model, hosts and guests each pay a service fee. This is the most common fee structure.
Currently, hosts on the split fee model pay a 3% fee, which is automatically deducted from each payout.
In addition to the host’s 3% fee, Airbnb also charges guests a ~14.2% service fee. Guests will see this fee in the price breakdown when they book a stay.
Single fee: Only hosts pay
Under the single fee model, only hosts pay a service fee.
Typically, hosts pay a 14-16% fee, depending on the details of the booking, the host’s location, and the property style.
Some Airbnb properties, including traditional hospitality listings (think hotels and inns) and serviced apartments, are required to use the single fee model. In many countries (like Spain, Italy, and Germany), this model is required for any host who connects their Airbnb listing to third-party property management software.
Update!
Effective October 27, 2025, all hosts who use property management or channel management software to set their nightly rates will automatically be switched to the single fee structure. Learn more here.
Should I use the single fee or split fee model?
Assuming you have the option between the two models (i.e. you aren’t using a channel manager or PMS to manage your nightly rates), you’ll receive a larger payout if you use the split-fee model.
But be aware – tacking on a service fee for guests means their total cost to book your property goes up. Set your nightly rates with this in mind.
Optional fees you can charge your guests
Beyond Airbnb’s built-in service fees, you also have the flexibility to add your own fees to cover specific expenses. These are totally optional, so implement them (and set your prices) strategically.
Cleaning fees
The most common add-on, cleaning fees cover the cost of turning over the property between stays. Guests expect them, but many hosts opt to bake cleaning costs into their nightly rates to avoid making guests feel like they're being nickel and dimed.
If you do implement a cleaning fee, keeping your fee reasonable is key. A $400 cleaning fee on a two-night stay is going to drive prospective travelers away fast.
Pet fees
Pet-friendly Airbnbs are in high demand, as more and more people opt to travel with pets. While allowing pets can help you reach a larger pool of travelers, it also opens you up to greater risk. Having pets in your space may mean faster wear and tear, extra cleaning costs, and potentially even property damage.
Charging a pet fee isn’t a bad idea to help cover those added expenses – just be mindful of the amount you charge. Guests will probably scoff at a $200 pet fee and look elsewhere for lodging, but probably won’t mind a $25-75 fee.
Be sure to also clearly state any restrictions, like weight limits, number of animals, or breed restrictions.
Security deposit
To clarify: You can’t charge Airbnb guests a security deposit unless you use a third-party property management software that offers this feature.
If this applies to you, weigh your options carefully. Most Airbnb hosts don’t charge a security deposit, so charging one can actually be a deterrent. That said, hosts of high-end or luxury properties may prefer the peace of mind.
Keep in mind that every stay on Airbnb is covered up to $3 million by the Airbnb Host Damage Protection through AirCover. As such, security deposits generally aren’t necessary or recommended on Airbnb.
How to reduce the Airbnb host fees you pay
You can’t avoid Airbnb host fees entirely, but you can make them sting less by offsetting and minimizing them.
Here are a few approaches:
Encourage longer stays
Airbnb fees are charged per booking, not per night. That means a one-night reservation carries the same percentage fee as a week-long stay.
By spreading the fee over more nights, you’ll often keep a slightly bigger share of revenue.
For example, a $600 seven-night stay might carry just $18 in host fees, while seven separate $100 one-night stays would rack up $21. It’s not significant, but multiplied over dozens of bookings, it adds up.
So how do you win more long stays?
- Adjust your minimum-night settings
- Offer discounts for longer bookings
Encourage direct bookings
While you shouldn’t ditch Airbnb (it’s an incredibly effective way to reach travelers), make it as easy as possible for past guests to rebook directly through your own website or a booking platform that charges lower commissions.
Think of Airbnb as the introduction and your direct site as the long-term relationship. Even if only 20% of your guests book directly the next time, that’s 20% fewer service fees to pay.
Set your cancellation policy strategically
Hosts on the single-fee model who have a “Super Strict” cancellation policy often have to pay higher fees closer to 16%. Opting for a flexible or moderate policy can reduce your commission fee and win you more bookings. Just be sure to balance the risk of last-minute cancellations with the potential fee savings.
Bundle value into your nightly rate
Airbnb calculates service fees on the booking subtotal (nightly rate plus cleaning fees). That means the way you structure charges matters.
Rather than piling on big add-on fees – which increase the cut Airbnb takes and make the final price less appealing – raise your nightly rate slightly and keep extras reasonable. This approach keeps fees consistent and helps your listing stand out in search results.
Leverage pricing tools
Dynamic pricing software can help you set rates that absorb service fees while staying competitive. If Airbnb is taking 14% on a $150 booking, bumping your rate to $172 still keeps you in line with market averages and your competitors’ rates while protecting your margins.
Airbnb service fee FAQs
What percentage does Airbnb take from hosts?
3-16%.
Hosts on the split-fee model pay a 3% fee, while hosts on the single-fee model pay between 14-16% on average.
Why is my Airbnb host service fee 15%?
If your Airbnb host service fee is 15%, you’re probably on the single-fee (or host-only) fee structure. This is common if you use property management software.
How do I avoid paying Airbnb fees?
You can’t avoid paying Airbnb fees entirely if you want to list your rental on the platform. But you can reduce their impact by steering repeat guests toward direct bookings, encouraging longer stays, and keeping operational costs low in other areas.
How much do Airbnb hosts make?
Earnings vary widely by market, property type, and occupancy. After fees, utilities, cleaning, and maintenance, many hosts see margins of 50-70% of gross revenue.