The Fees, as of October 2026
Platform fees changed a lot in 2025 and 2026. These figures come from each platform's own help pages, read on 6 October 2026. Check your own dashboard before you set prices, because individual accounts can differ.
Airbnb
Airbnb's help center describes two fee structures:
- Single fee (host-only): the whole service fee is deducted from the host's payout. For most hosts it is 15.5%; Airbnb says some hosts pay 14% to 16%, and listings in Brazil and Mexico pay 16%. Airbnb says this structure is now mandatory for most hosts, and once you switch you cannot switch back.
- Split fee (being phased out): the host pays 3% (4% in Brazil and Mexico) and the guest pays a service fee of 14.1% to 16.5% of the booking subtotal. Airbnb says the split fee will no longer be available once all hosts are migrated.
Under the single fee, the price the guest sees is closer to the price you set, so you may need to raise your nightly rate to keep the same payout. Airbnb's resource center (updated April 2026) describes the change as combining both fees "into a single 15.5% service fee paid by hosts."
Vrbo
Vrbo uses a pay-per-booking model. As of 6 October 2026, its help page lists:
- A 12% commission on the rental amount and any fees you charge the guest (cleaning, pet, boat fees).
- Payment processing: as of 7 October 2026, Vrbo's help page says the 12% commission includes payment processing, with a 3% processing fee applying only to taxes and refundable damage deposits.
- For hosts using property management software, a 12% commission on bookings (12% to 15% in some regions), with the software provider handling payment processing.
Vrbo told hosts in late September 2026 that all hosts move to a single 12% commission starting 29 October 2026, replacing the older 5% commission plus 3% processing for pay-per-booking hosts, and it is not accepting new annual subscription listings. Vrbo's help page now says processing is included in the 12%, except a 3% fee on taxes and deposits. Confirm on your Vrbo account before October 29.
Vrbo also charges travelers a service fee at checkout, which hosts cannot waive or reduce.
Fees at a Glance
| Airbnb (single fee) | Vrbo (pay-per-booking) | |
|---|---|---|
| Host fee | 15.5% for most hosts | 12% commission from 29 Oct 2026 |
| Processing | Included | Included in the 12%; 3% only on taxes and deposits (Vrbo help page, 7 Oct 2026) |
| Guest fee | None under single fee | Traveler service fee |
| Applies to | Booking total paid by the guest | Rent plus fees (commission); total payment (processing) |
To compare your real take-home, run one sample booking through both: nightly rate times nights, plus your cleaning fee, minus each platform's fees. The net vs gross income guide walks through it.
Guest Mix and Listing Rules
Vrbo is whole-home only. Vrbo's shared spaces policy says it does not allow vacation rentals with spaces shared between a host or other guests. A room inside the home you live in will not qualify. Common areas such as community pools and hallways are allowed exceptions.
Airbnb takes every type, from a private room to a lake estate. That makes Airbnb the only one of the two for a room or an attached apartment with shared space.
In practice, owners of large lake houses and ski homes often see family groups booking on both platforms. Rather than guess which platform your guests prefer, list on both and look at your own booking data after a season.
Cancellation Policies
Both platforms let you choose a policy per listing. As of October 2026:
| Airbnb (short stays) | Full refund until | Then |
|---|---|---|
| Flexible | 24 hours before check-in | Host paid nights stayed plus one night |
| Moderate | 5 days before | Host paid one night plus 50% of the rest |
| Limited | 14 days before | 50% between 7 and 14 days; 100% inside 7 days |
| Firm | 30 days before | 50% between 7 and 30 days; 100% inside 7 days |
| Strict | Invitation only | 50% if canceled 7 or more days out |
Airbnb also offers a non-refundable option at a discounted rate, and a separate long-term policy for monthly stays.
| Vrbo | Full refund until | Then |
|---|---|---|
| Day-before | 24 hours before | No refund |
| Lenient | 5 days before | No refund |
| Relaxed | 14 days before | 50% between 7 and 14 days |
| Moderate | 30 days before | 50% between 14 and 30 days |
| Firm | 60 days before | 50% between 30 and 60 days |
| Strict | 60 days before | No refund after 60 days |
| No refund | Never | No refund |
For a ski home booked months ahead for Presidents' week, a firmer policy protects you. For a weeknight condo in Nashua, a flexible one may win more bookings. See seasonal pricing for how this fits your calendar.
Listing on Both
Listing on both widens your reach, but it adds work:
- Sync calendars. Use iCal links between the platforms at minimum, or a channel manager. A double booking on a holiday weekend is costly.
- Match prices to fees. Because the fee structures differ, the same nightly rate produces different payouts. Price each platform deliberately.
- Keep policies consistent. Different house rules or cancellation terms on each site confuse guests.
- Taxes. Platforms collect and remit state lodging taxes in some states and not others. Check your state: New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Vermont.
Where New England Host Co Lists
New England Host Co lists the homes it manages on Airbnb, Vrbo, Tripadvisor, Expedia, Booking.com and Furnished Finder, with pricing reviewed daily in PriceLabs. If you want help deciding where your home should appear, get in touch.
Back to the owner hub.
FAQ
Which Platform Charges Hosts Less in 2026?
On headline rates, Vrbo's 12% commission is lower than Airbnb's 15.5% single fee, Vrbo adds a 3% processing fee only on taxes and deposits, and Vrbo charges travelers a service fee while Airbnb's single fee does not. Compare payouts on a sample booking, not percentages alone.
Can I List a Room in My House on Vrbo?
Generally no. Vrbo's shared spaces policy excludes rentals where guests share living space with the host or other guests.
Can I Choose a Different Cancellation Policy on Each Platform?
Yes, each platform has its own options. Keep them as similar as the menus allow.
Do I Have to List on Both?
No. Many owners start on one, learn, and add the second once calendar syncing is set up.
Sources
- Airbnb Help Center: Airbnb service fees
- Airbnb Resource Center: Simplifying service fees
- Airbnb Help Center: Cancellation policies for your home
- Vrbo Help: About the pay-per-booking model
- Vrbo Help: About Vrbo's service fee
- Vrbo Help: About cancellation policy options
- Vrbo Help: About Vrbo's shared spaces policy
- Rental Scale-Up: Vrbo moves all hosts to a single 12% commission