Airbnb takes between 3% and 16% from hosts, depending on the fee structure, and charges guests a separate service fee of around 14% under its default pricing model. The exact amount varies based on whether the host uses Airbnb’s split-fee model or the host-only fee model, and whether they’re offering a stay or an experience.
The Split-Fee Model
Most Airbnb hosts are on the split-fee model, which divides the service charge between the host and the guest. Hosts pay roughly 3% of the booking subtotal, while guests pay a service fee that typically falls between 14% and 16% of the subtotal. The guest fee varies based on factors like the length of stay, the listing price, and the location.
From the host’s perspective, this means Airbnb deducts about 3% from each payout. If you set your nightly rate at $150 for a three-night stay ($450 subtotal), you’d receive roughly $436 after Airbnb’s cut. The guest, meanwhile, would see a service fee of $63 to $72 added on top of the $450 listing price at checkout. Cleaning fees, if you charge them, are included in the subtotal that both percentages are calculated on.
The Host-Only Fee Model
Some hosts use a host-only fee structure, where the guest pays no separate Airbnb service fee. Instead, Airbnb takes a larger cut from the host, typically around 14% to 16% of the booking subtotal. This structure is required for hosts who use software that connects to multiple booking platforms (like Vrbo and Booking.com simultaneously), and some professional property managers are also placed on it automatically.
The trade-off is straightforward: guests see a lower total price because there’s no visible service fee at checkout, which can make your listing look more competitive in search results. But you need to build that higher commission into your nightly rate. A host charging $150 per night under the split-fee model might need to charge $165 or more under the host-only model to net the same payout.
Fees for Experiences
If you host an Airbnb Experience rather than a property listing, the fee is significantly higher. Airbnb charges experience hosts a flat 20% service fee, deducted automatically from each payout. So if you price a walking tour at $50 per person and four people book, your gross is $200 but your payout is $160.
How VAT Affects Your Total
In many countries, Value Added Tax or a similar consumption tax is applied on top of Airbnb’s service fee. This doesn’t change the percentage Airbnb itself takes, but it increases the total amount deducted from your payout or added to the guest’s bill. VAT rates on Airbnb service fees range from 5% in places with lower tax regimes to as high as 27%, depending on the country. In the United States, no VAT applies to service fees, so U.S. hosts and guests won’t see this charge.
If you’re VAT-registered for business purposes, you may be able to reclaim the VAT charged on Airbnb’s service fees through your tax return. The service fee displayed in your Airbnb dashboard is VAT-inclusive where applicable, so the percentage you see already accounts for it.
What Hosts Actually Take Home
Your net payout depends on more than just Airbnb’s service fee. The platform also collects and remits occupancy taxes in many jurisdictions, which come out of the guest’s payment before you see it. And if a guest pays in a different currency, Airbnb applies a currency conversion fee.
For a rough calculation on a standard split-fee listing, expect to receive about 97% of your listed price (before any local taxes). On the host-only model, expect around 84% to 86%. These are useful benchmarks when setting your nightly rate to hit a specific income target.
You can see the exact fee breakdown for any booking in your Airbnb transaction history. Each reservation shows the gross earnings, the service fee deducted, and any taxes collected, so you can verify the percentage on every stay.