I’ve been living in Airbnb on a solo road trip since February 2021. So far, I’ve stayed in over 25 Airbnbs across every corner of the United States, Mexico, and Canada. I’ve also stayed in a few hotels, traditional BNBs and even my van when I’m camping. During this time, I’ve learned a lot about renting temporary places and experienced all sorts of different accommodations.
This is my experience.
Travel lifestyles are on the rise across the world. With the increase of remote work and the gig economy, it’s finally possible in a way it has never been before. According to a study by MBO Partners, roughly 19 million American adults plan to start the lifestyle over the next few years, and 45 million are considering it.
Here are the pros and cons I’ve found while living in Airbnb for more than a year that might help you if you’re considering it – or just curious. While my experience relates specifically to Airbnb, it likely applies to any similar apps or services.
Pro: Monthly Discounts on Airbnb Rentals
For me, the idea of living in Airbnb formed when I realized many hosts offered discounts on monthly stays. When I started full-time traveling, I could rent a decent place at a monthly rate at the same rate or less than I was spending on my downtown Chicago apartment. The discounts vary, but typically the places I rented were 20 to 30% less if I rented by the month. Plus, I like to stay in one place long enough to get to know it, and it gives me time to work without the distraction of constant moving.
Pro to Con: Rising Cost of Living in Airbnb with Long-Term Rentals
Living in Airbnb used to be as affordable as my monthly rent, but the cost has steadily gone up. Now, like all housing and travel expenses with 20 to 30% cost increases, a monthly rental meeting my expectations and budget are hard to find.
Generally, I rent small studios or one-bedroom places on the outskirts of town. They’re not posh or high-end, but they’re decent and include a kitchen or kitchenette and basic amenities. Many are carriage houses, converted garages, or mother-in-law apartments. I only rent places rated five stars by more than 20 people (more on why below).
After fees, I spent about $1,800 – $2,300 a month living in Airbnb. They wouldn’t get that much if they rented as long-term leases. I could lease larger or better places for the cost I pay to live in Airbnb. While living in Airbnb, you’re paying for the convenience of short term and the inclusion of furniture, kitchen and bathroom supplies (depending on what the host provides), linens and more, so it mostly evens out – at least it did for a while.
Some of my rentals come with soap, shampoo and enough toilet paper to last a month. Sometimes host even provide snacks, coffee and other treats. Other rentals didn’t come with anything and you don’t know until you arrive. One host didn’t even provide sheets or towels.
Con: The Review System is Flawed
I only rent five-star places when living in Airbnb because of the review system. I’ve learned that anything rated less than 4.9 likely won’t meet my expectations for cleanliness and acceptable furnishings. Five-star rated places tend to cost more than others, but it’s worth it.
The reviews on Airbnb tend to be very positive. It’s uncommon to see a place listed as a 4.8 out of 5 that isn’t very clean or has run-down furniture and other issues. I’ve had leaky faucets, mildew, broken water pumps, other plumbing issues, non-working heaters and air conditioners, mice, roaches and many other unpleasant things in Airbnbs I’ve rented. I’d never even seen a cockroach before I lived in Airbnb. But I’ve had far more pleasant experiences than negative.
If you want to avoid some of my issues, you must rent at least a 4.9. At least half of the places I’ve rented have had something that would make me not rent them again. Consider that I’m renting at the low end of the price range. I would hope if I were paying $4,000 or more a month, there wouldn’t be any issues, but you never know, and the reviews aren’t very helpful.
Review Questions
Review questions ask if the listing was accurate – yes or no, how clean was it 1 – 5, how was check in 1 – 5, did it meet your expectations, yes or no, how was host communication 1 – 5, and other questions that don’t get to the heart of the stay. I want to know if the area was safe, whether the plumbing worked, how loud the neighbors were, and whether the rental and furniture were in good condition? But they don’t ask those questions.
However, guests have an open box to write as much as they’d like in a public review. The problem is most people only compliment the host and say little else.
Because Airbnb hosts and guests review each other and the reviews are shared between them, they tend to be highly complimentary and overlook any flaws or problems. Even I fall victim to being more positive than rentals warrant after a host has been incredibly kind to me. It’s hard to write: “Mary was a great host, but the plumbing didn’t work for four days, the WIFI was slow, and the microwave blew a fuse each time I used it.” Ugh.
Benefits outweigh the issues
I considered the problems minor and mention them here only to give you a realistic view of what you might encounter living in many places rented by multiple people on a regular basis. Most of my hosts have been overwhelmingly gracious and welcoming. I’ve received gifts of wine, fresh bread, homemade muffins, local beer, a fresh caught fish, farm eggs, apricots and raspberries picked that morning and more. Plus, the conversations and helpful information they’ve offered has been invaluable.
Pro: Credit Card Points
My payments came directly from my bank account when renting traditional leases or paying a mortgage. But when living in Airbnb, my “rent” payments go on my credit card, and I’m earning points. My frequent flier miles have been going through the roof with the extra charges. Cha-ching. While living as a nomad in Airbnb can be expensive by some standards, but when I’m traveling all the time, I’m not spending my savings on vacations as I used to. Plus, with those frequent flier miles, it won’t cost me a thing when I’m ready to hop on a plane somewhere. Just make sure you pay off your balance every month!
Con: Uncertainty and Unpredictability
One big downside with Airbnb, or any similar app, is that I depend on the host to provide the housing. Whereas if I book a hotel, I’m almost guaranteed to get my room as described. I’ve had two last-minute cancellations in the last year; one, I initiated mid-reservation (the silkworms) and another canceled on me a week before. If you’re staying at a hotel, you’re pretty much guaranteed to receive your room when you arrive and it’s also going to be exactly as you expect it to be time after time. No surprises. Living in Airbnb almost always comes with surprises, both good and bad.
Pro: Getting to Know People and the Community
Because I’m living in Airbnb instead of hotels, I am meeting great hosts, their families and pets while in my own private space. With long-term stays, I get to live as a community member and to know my hosts – almost all of who have been generous, friendly, thoughtful and a pleasure to know. Some of my hosts and other guests I’ve met while staying in Airbnb are still connections. That likely wouldn’t happen in a hotel where I’m just another number among hundreds of weekly guests.
Con: Airbnb Rules, Fees, Chores, and Instructions
Many hosts have long lists of guests’ instructions, rules, and chores. When going to a new place, I often must read long messages about checking in. Because I’m on the road and sometimes have limited cell service, this is especially annoying. Check-in instructions might include where to find a key, get a code, or park my vehicle – but they often don’t send the information until the day you check in. Some hosts want to meet you at check-in so I must coordinate my arrival with them. It’s inconvenient when you’re not sure when you’ll arrive because you’re traveling and enjoying the sights.
Once inside my new place, I’d frequently find a book – a book – listing information about my place, host expectations for cleanliness, things to do in the area, and checkout instructions. Mostly these are helpful, but frequently they’re so long it’s a chore to read them. Or there is no instruction or information at all, and that’s also annoying. One host took the easy route and taped paper instructions all over my rental on the walls and appliances.
Instructions may include tips for quirky heating and cooling and water systems, opening the windows, using the stove or microwave, wearing shoes (or more precisely not), how to clean bedding and how often, outdoor space rules, interacting with their pets, parking, and any number of rules and regulations. One host kept rabbits in the yard and gave me two pages of instructions regarding them (No, this wasn’t a farm stay). If you don’t read all the information and fail to follow the rules, you could receive a poor review which might impact your ability to continue having rental requests accepted.
Airbnb Check out Checklists
Likewise, the checkout instructions could be tedious. Many hosts charge exorbitant fees for cleaning but expect the space to be immaculate at check out. Hosts frequently request that I remove my sheets from the bed, tidy the entire space, wash dishes, and empty all the trash at a minimum. I’m always tidy and leave the place as I found it and usually cleaner, but many host’s instructions make me feel like I’m the cleaning staff. I have all 5-star reviews as a guest, but it isn’t easy!
At current prices, most Airbnbs aren’t more affordable than a hotel which includes cleaning, breakfast, a gym, pool, business center and more.
Despite any cons, I still appreciate the ability to rent Airbnbs. They have more character than hotels and any problems I’ve had have been temporary and relatively minor. They’ve made for interesting stories and situations to say the least. Travel is about the experience; with Airbnb, you’re guaranteed an adventure.
Tips for Finding the Best Airbnbs
During the last year+, I’ve found many pros and cons of living in Airbnb. The pros far outweighed the cons in my opinion. Without it there’s no way I could have traveled full time in comfort and still conducted my full-time job. Living in Airbnb allowed me to live in stable environments while traveling to new and different places and exploring the US, Mexico and Canada. If you’re going to rent an Airbnb, here are a few tips.
- Book three or more months out to find the best places with the highest ratings and fair prices.
- Only select 4.9 ratings or better, 5.0 if you can.
- Read the long reviews; those are usually the ones that tell you something.
- Ask about parking – it could be an extra $20 or more daily in busy cities.
- Review fees before deciding. Each host determines their fees and some are outrageous while others are affordable. This could save hundreds.
- Sometimes hosts offer last-minute discounts if they have a cancelation or aren’t booked, but it is riskier than booking in advance, so don’t depend on it.
- Message hosts with questions before you book. I always ask about WIFI speed, and two hosts have been prompted to upgrade their WIFI before I arrived.
- Ask your host about discounts for repeat stays, or negotiate cleaning fees.
- Use a map to see how far you actually are from where you want to be. Don’t rely on Airbnb maps or host descriptions of what’s “close” because they’re not always accurate and don’t give the exact address until after booking.
What tips do you have for renting Airbnbs?
Have questions? Email me: rene@middlejourney.com
Read some of my travel stories here.
Read this about what I had to say after six months of solo travel.
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