How to Save Money on Airbnb - Easy to Understand

how to save money on airbnb

Introduction

Airbnb has made travel feel more personal and flexible than ever. But the costs? They can add up fast — cleaning fees, taxes, and higher nightly rates can quickly burn a hole in your wallet. The good news is: there are easy, proven ways to save money on Airbnb without compromising on comfort or safety. Let’s explore 9 powerful tricks every budget traveler should know in 2025.

1.Book During Off-Peak Seasons

Traveling during shoulder seasons — like April-May or September-October — helps you avoid high prices. Hosts often reduce rates during these months due to low demand.

Bonus Tip: Use flexible dates in Airbnb’s calendar to discover cheaper stays.

2. Stay Longer for Weekly or Monthly Discounts

Many hosts offer 10% to 30% discounts for stays longer than 7 or 28 days. Even if you only need a place for 5 nights, it can sometimes be cheaper to book 7 nights with a weekly discount.

3. Politely Negotiate with the Host

It never hurts to message the host and ask if they’re open to a small discount—especially if:

You’re booking last minute
You’re staying longer than 5 days
The calendar is mostly empty

Always be polite and respectful in your request.

4. Review the Fees Before Booking

Example message:

Some listings show a low nightly rate but hide high cleaning fees, service fees, or extra guest charges. Click “Price Breakdown” to understand the true cost.

5. Use Airbnb Promo Codes & Referrals

First-time users often get $30–$50 off with a referral code. Check Google or Reddit for updated promo codes before booking.

You can also refer a friend and earn travel credits.

6. Share with Friends or Family

Booking an entire apartment or house and splitting the cost between 3–4 people can be much cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.

Example: $120 per night for 4 friends = just $30 per person.

7. Book in Local Neighborhoods

Properties near tourist hotspots cost more. Try booking 15–20 minutes away in safe, local neighborhoods where nightly rates are lower—and you experience authentic local culture.

8. Filter for “No Cleaning Fee” Listings

Airbnb’s filters allow you to search for listings with low or no cleaning fees. Combine this with longer stays and you save a lot overall.

Also, check for listings with self-check-in (saves service charge on managed listings).

9. Use “Split Stay” Option for Longer Trips

If you’re traveling for more than a week, consider booking 2–3 different stays. Sometimes combining two shorter bookings can be cheaper than one long expensive stay in the same place.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I negotiate prices on Airbnb?

Yes, sometimes. While Airbnb doesn’t have a direct “bargain” button, you can message the host (especially for longer stays or off-season travel) and politely ask if they’re open to offering a discount.

Are Airbnb stays always cheaper than hotels?

Not always. Airbnb can be cheaper, especially for longer stays or group travel, but hotels may be a better deal for short trips or when Airbnb adds high cleaning fees. It’s best to compare both before booking.

How do I find listings with no or low cleaning fees?

There’s no direct filter for this, but you can check the price breakdown of each listing before booking. Look for total cost rather than just the nightly rate. Some newer hosts or private rooms may charge lower fees.

Is it safe to book new Airbnb listings with no reviews?

It can be, if you do your research. Check the host’s profile, read the full description, look at the photos, and feel free to message the host with questions. Many new listings offer lower prices to get their first few bookings.

Do I get discounts for staying longer?

Yes! Many hosts offer weekly or monthly discounts automatically. You can see the discounted price when you enter your dates—longer stays often mean a lower average price per night.

What are Airbnb referral credits and how do I use them?

If you invite someone to Airbnb and they book a trip, both of you can earn credit toward your future stays. You can find your referral link in your Airbnb account and share it with friends.

What’s the best time to book an Airbnb?

For popular destinations, it’s best to book early—1 to 3 months in advance. But if you’re flexible and traveling during the off-season, last-minute deals may offer big savings too.

Are there any hidden costs on Airbnb?

Sometimes, yes. Always check for cleaning fees, service charges, and extra guest fees before booking. Use the “total price” toggle to avoid surprises.

Can I use credit card points or cashback for Airbnb?

Many travel or cashback credit cards let you earn rewards on Airbnb purchases. You can also look for cashback offers through sites like Rakuten or TopCashback when available.

Conclusion

Saving money on Airbnb isn’t hard—it just takes a little planning and smart decision-making. By booking at the right time, being flexible, using filters wisely, and looking out for discounts or hidden fees, you can enjoy great stays without overspending. Use these simple tips on your next trip and stretch your travel budget further while still enjoying a comfortable, memorable experience.

Bonus Tips to Save Even More on Airbnb

Use the Wishlist Feature

Add listings to your Wishlist and watch for price drops or availability updates. Airbnb sometimes shows notifications if prices go down on saved listings.

Travel with a Group

Splitting the cost of a larger Airbnb with friends or family often works out cheaper per person than booking individual rooms or hotel stays.

Book Longer Stays to Avoid Weekend Rates

If possible, avoid booking just Friday and Saturday nights, as weekend rates are usually higher. Booking a few extra days midweek can reduce the average nightly rate.

Check for Discounts in the Description

Some hosts mention special deals or personalized discounts in the listing description—especially for weekly, monthly, or repeat stays.

Avoid Tourist Hotspots

Staying a little outside the city center or away from major tourist areas can save you a lot—and often gives a more local, authentic experience.

Read Reviews Carefully

Past guests sometimes mention hidden costs or tips for saving money in their reviews. It’s a great way to get insider info before you book.

How to Save Money on Airbnb – 9 Smart Booking Hack that actually work