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📊 STR Platform Comparison Calculator

Compare Airbnb vs VRBO vs direct booking by net revenue and annual platform fees. Find which platform makes you the most money.

📍 Property Address (optional)
InputsYour Numbers
Listing Performance
Average Daily Rate (ADR)?
$
Airbnb Occupancy %?
%
VRBO Occupancy %?
%
Cleaning Fee / stay?
$
Avg Stay Length (nights)?
Platform Fees
Airbnb Host Fee %?
%
VRBO Host Fee %?
%
Direct Booking Cost / mo?
$
As-Is AnalysisCurrent
Enter values to see results
Airbnb Net Revenue
--
monthly, after fees
VRBO Net Revenue
--
monthly, after fees
Winner by Revenue
--
net of fees
Annual Fee Difference
--
airbnb vs vrbo fees
Airbnb Analysis (Monthly)
Airbnb Occupancy / Nights--
Airbnb Gross Revenue--
Airbnb Fee (15.5%)--
Airbnb Net Revenue--
VRBO Analysis (Monthly)
VRBO Occupancy / Nights--
VRBO Gross Revenue--
VRBO Fee (8%)--
VRBO Net Revenue--
Pro FormaAfter Plan
Enter pro forma values
Dual-Platform Combined
--
both platforms
Direct Booking Net
--
your own website
Annual Fee Savings
--
vs Airbnb only
Best Single Platform
--
by net revenue
Annual Fee Comparison
Airbnb Annual Fees--
VRBO Annual Fees--
Direct Booking Annual Cost--
Cheapest Option--

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1
Enter ADR and Occupancy Per Platform
Airbnb and VRBO often have different occupancy rates for the same property. VRBO typically shows 5-10% lower occupancy but longer stays.
2
Understand the Fee Difference
Airbnb charges 15.5% host-only; VRBO charges ~8%. But lower VRBO fees don't help if occupancy is significantly lower.
3
Consider Direct Booking Costs
Building your own booking channel costs $50-150/mo but eliminates platform fees entirely. Works best for repeat guests and high-volume hosts.
4
Read Net Revenue, Not Gross
Compare net revenue after fees, not gross. A platform with lower fees but much lower occupancy may net you less total income.
5
Model Dual-Platform Listing
Listing on both Airbnb and VRBO captures two guest pools. Use a channel manager to prevent double bookings. The combined estimate shows upside.
6
Annual Fee Comparison
The annual fee total often surprises hosts. At $3K/mo gross revenue on Airbnb, you pay $5,580/yr in platform fees. VRBO at the same revenue would cost $2,880/yr.

Choosing the right distribution strategy can meaningfully impact annual revenue. The optimal platform depends on your property type, market, and management style.


Airbnb dominates volume in most urban and tourist markets. Higher fees (15.5%) but typically stronger occupancy and more established trust with guests. Best for: city apartments, unique stays, and hosts who want maximum bookings.


VRBO skews toward family vacation rentals, higher ADR, and longer stays. Lower fees (~8%) but lower search volume in most markets. Best for: beach houses, mountain cabins, and large group properties.


Direct booking eliminates fees entirely but requires marketing investment and trust building. Works best for repeat guest relationships, social media audiences, and established brands.

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