Housing Comparison
Airbnb vs. VRBO: Best Housing for Travel Nurses in 2025
Both Airbnb and VRBO (Vacation Rental By Owner) are popular short-term rental platforms, but which is better for travel nurses on 13-week assignments? This comprehensive comparison breaks down costs, lease flexibility, amenities, and travel nurse-specific features to help you maximize your housing stipend.
Quick Comparison: Airbnb vs. VRBO
| Factor | Airbnb | VRBO |
|---|---|---|
| Target Audience | Short-term travelers & extended stays | Vacation rentals & family groups |
| Average Monthly Cost | $1,200-2,500/month (with monthly discount) | $1,000-2,200/month (with monthly discount) |
| Lease Length | Days to months (28+ days for monthly discount) | Days to months (28+ days for monthly discount) |
| Furnished | Yes (fully furnished) | Yes (fully furnished) |
| Utilities Included | Usually included | Usually included |
| Platform Fees | 10-15% service fees | 5-12% service fees |
| Cleaning Fees | Often $50-150 per stay | Often $75-200 per stay |
| Property Types | Rooms, apartments, houses | Primarily entire homes |
| Monthly Discounts | Available (varies by host) | Available (varies by owner) |
Detailed Cost Comparison
Airbnb Pricing
Short-Term Rental Platform
- Average Monthly Rent: $1,200-2,500/month (with monthly discount)
- Service Fees: 10-15% of rental cost
- Cleaning Fees: $50-150 per stay (one-time)
- Monthly Discounts: Available for 28+ day stays (varies by host, typically 10-30%)
- Utilities: Usually included
- Furnishings: Fully furnished
Example Airbnb Rental (3 months):
- Base Monthly Rent: $1,800/month
- Monthly Discount (20%): $1,440/month
- Service Fees (12%): $173/month
- Cleaning Fee: $100 (one-time, $33/month average)
- Total Monthly Cost: $1,646
- Total 3-Month Cost: $4,938
VRBO Pricing
Vacation Rental Platform
- Average Monthly Rent: $1,000-2,200/month (with monthly discount)
- Service Fees: 5-12% of rental cost (typically lower than Airbnb)
- Cleaning Fees: $75-200 per stay (one-time, often higher)
- Monthly Discounts: Available for 28+ day stays (varies by owner, typically 10-25%)
- Utilities: Usually included
- Furnishings: Fully furnished
Example VRBO Rental (3 months):
- Base Monthly Rent: $1,700/month
- Monthly Discount (15%): $1,445/month
- Service Fees (8%): $116/month
- Cleaning Fee: $150 (one-time, $50/month average)
- Total Monthly Cost: $1,611
- Total 3-Month Cost: $4,833
Cost Comparison: VRBO typically has slightly lower service fees (5-12% vs. 10-15% for Airbnb), but often higher cleaning fees. The total cost difference is usually minimal ($50-200/month), so focus on finding the best property for your needs rather than platform alone.
Key Differences: Airbnb vs. VRBO
Property Types
Airbnb
- ✅ Private rooms in shared spaces
- ✅ Entire apartments
- ✅ Entire houses
- ✅ Unique stays (treehouses, boats, etc.)
- ✅ More variety in property types
VRBO
- ✅ Primarily entire homes
- ✅ Vacation properties
- ✅ Family-friendly properties
- ✅ Larger properties (good for groups)
- ✅ Fewer shared spaces
Platform Features
Airbnb Features
- Mobile App: Excellent, user-friendly app
- Instant Book: Many properties offer instant booking
- Reviews: Extensive review system (both ways)
- Host Communication: Built-in messaging system
- Experiences: Also offers local experiences/tours
VRBO Features
- Mobile App: Good, but less polished than Airbnb
- Instant Book: Less common, more owner approval required
- Reviews: Review system (primarily guest reviews)
- Owner Communication: Direct messaging with owners
- Property Focus: Focused on vacation rentals only
Lease Flexibility Comparison
Airbnb Flexibility
Flexible Booking Policies
- ✅ Monthly discounts available (28+ days)
- ⚠️ Cancellation policies vary by host (often strict)
- ⚠️ Platform fees apply even for cancellations
- ⚠️ Less flexible for assignment changes
- ✅ Good for very short-term stays (under 1 month)
- ⚠️ May charge penalties for early departure
VRBO Flexibility
Owner-Dependent Policies
- ✅ Monthly discounts available (28+ days)
- ⚠️ Cancellation policies vary by owner (often strict)
- ⚠️ Service fees apply even for cancellations
- ⚠️ Less flexible for assignment changes
- ✅ Good for longer stays (1+ months)
- ⚠️ May charge penalties for early departure
Important: Both platforms have strict cancellation policies that may not accommodate travel nurse assignment changes. Always read cancellation policies carefully and consider travel insurance if your assignment dates might change.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Airbnb If:
- ✅ You want more property variety (rooms, apartments, unique stays)
- ✅ You prefer instant booking options
- ✅ You want a more polished mobile app experience
- ✅ You need very short-term housing (under 1 month)
- ✅ You value extensive review systems
- ✅ You want access to local experiences/tours
Choose VRBO If:
- ✅ You want entire homes only (no shared spaces)
- ✅ You prefer lower service fees (5-12% vs. 10-15%)
- ✅ You need larger properties (family-friendly)
- ✅ You want vacation-style properties
- ✅ You prefer direct communication with owners
- ✅ You're planning longer stays (1+ months)
Real-World Example: 13-Week Assignment
Housing Cost Comparison
Scenario: You have a $1,400/week housing stipend ($6,067/month) for a 13-week assignment in Austin, TX.
| Factor | Airbnb | VRBO |
|---|---|---|
| Base Monthly Rent | $1,800 | $1,700 |
| Monthly Discount | -$360 (20%) | -$255 (15%) |
| Discounted Rent | $1,440 | $1,445 |
| Service Fees | $173/month (12%) | $116/month (8%) |
| Cleaning Fee (avg/month) | $33 | $50 |
| Total Monthly Cost | $1,646 | $1,611 |
| Total 3-Month Cost | $4,938 | $4,833 |
| Housing Stipend (3 months) | $18,200 | |
| Tax-Free Profit | $13,262 | $13,367 |
| Difference | VRBO saves $105 over 3 months (minimal difference) | |
Key Takeaway: The cost difference between Airbnb and VRBO is usually minimal ($50-200/month). Focus on finding the best property for your needs—location, amenities, and host/owner responsiveness matter more than the platform.
Bottom Line: Airbnb vs. VRBO
For travel nurses, both platforms are viable options, but the choice depends on your priorities:
- Choose Airbnb if: You want more property variety, instant booking, and a polished app experience
- Choose VRBO if: You want entire homes only, lower service fees, and vacation-style properties
- Cost Difference: Usually minimal ($50-200/month), so focus on property quality over platform
Pro Tip: Compare both platforms for your assignment city. You may find better deals on one platform vs. the other depending on location. Also consider Furnished Finder for potentially better rates and travel nurse-friendly policies.
Next Steps: Find Your Perfect Housing
Calculate Your Housing Savings
Use our Travel Nurse Pay Calculator to see how housing costs affect your take-home pay. Factor in your housing stipend and compare different housing options to maximize your tax-free income.
Related Resources:
- Furnished Finder vs. Airbnb - Compare with travel nurse-focused option
- Travel Nurse Housing Guide - Complete guide to finding housing
- Cost of Living Guide - Understand housing costs by city
- Weekly Stipends vs. Monthly Rent - Maximize your stipend
Related Articles:
- Furnished Finder vs. Airbnb: Best Housing for Travel Nurses
- Furnished Finder vs. Blueground: Best Housing for Travel Nurses
- Travel Nurse Housing Guide: Complete 2025 Guide
- Maximizing Your Travel Nurse Housing Stipend
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