Are Airbnbs Really Cheaper Than Hotels?

Thrifty travelers often turn to Airbnb and Vrbo not only for a unique experience, but to save cash while they're on the road. It turns out those savings depend not only on where you stay, though, but whether you rent a private room in an Airbnb or the whole place. Upgraded Points analyzed Airbnb and hotel prices in almost 50 cities across the United States to see what (and whether) you'll save. Here's what they found.

Related: Holiday Vacation Rentals for Families and Groups

If you don't mind a little small talk with your host, renting a room in an Airbnb can mean major savings compared with staying in a hotel. Here are the 10 cities where you'll see the biggest savings over a hotel, based on the prices of a one-night stay for two people during the fall of 2021.

Related: Things You Need to Know Before Renting an Airbnb

Heading to the Steel City? You'll save an average $144 by renting a private room in an Airbnb instead of a hotel room.

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Baltimore has plenty to offer, from the Inner Harbor to Camden Yards. Save an average $146 by picking a private room in an Airbnb instead of a hotel room.

Related: The Best Things To Do In Baltimore

Dig those toes in the sand for less at Virginia Beach: You can save an average $151 with a private room in an Airbnb versus a hotel room.

Related: Amazing East Coast Beach Houses to Rent

Virginia's capital also has some savings in store — an average $152 if you choose a private room in an Airbnb instead of a hotel room.

It's no secret that hotels charge sky-high rates in the Big Apple. Trade a hotel room for a private room in an Airbnb for an average savings of $162.

Related: Free or Cheap Things to Do in New York City

Airbnb savings in the Windy City may blow you away: It's $166 cheaper, on average, to stay in a private room in an Airbnb than a hotel.

Rev your engines for some savings in the Motor City, where a private room in an Airbnb will cost an average $173 less than a night in a hotel.

Staying in a private room in an Airbnb in the Badger State's biggest city saves an average $180 versus a hotel.

Listen up, 'cause we're about to spill some tea. Staying in a private room in an Airbnb in Boston is a shocking $206 less, on average, than a night in a hotel.

Sure, those glitzy hotels on the Strip. But if you want to save a little more cash for the casinos, shows, and buffets of Sin City, consider a rental instead. You'll save an average $269 by booking a private room in an Airbnb instead of a hotel room.

Related: Must-See Vegas Attractions That Aren't on the Strip

Not every city presents quite as big of a price difference. In four of the cities Upgraded Points analyzed, travelers would save less than $50 nightly by opting for a private room in an Airbnb over a hotel:

• Charlotte ($48 savings)

• Memphis ($44)

• San Jose ($21)

• Orlando ($7)

Many Airbnb users prefer renting a whole place, a popular choice for those who appreciate a little more privacy or legroom. But in most locations, this option flips the script and makes a hotel room the cheaper option. For instance, in Los Angeles, the city with the biggest price gap, you'll save a staggering $328 nightly by choosing a hotel; in New York, you'll save $160; in Washington, D.C., you'll see about $49 in savings. 

There are a handful of exceptions to the rule, however. Here are the four cities where you can still save by getting an entire Airbnb to yourself for the night instead of a hotel room:

• Baltimore ($27 savings) 

• Las Vegas ($22)

• New Orleans ($22)

• Detroit ($11)