Airbnb updates how it shows prices — here’s what’s changed
Booking a stay on Airbnb just got more transparent. The company has now rolled out a feature globally that shows the total price of a listing upfront — before taxes — including fees like cleaning charges. This means users will no longer be surprised at the last step of booking when the final cost shoots up.
Airbnb had been testing this feature since 2019 in selected regions, including parts of Europe, Australia, Canada, and South Korea. By 2022, the company allowed users in the U.S. and other countries to toggle this pricing view. In 2023, it expanded this option to cover more parts of the site, such as maps and listing pages. According to Airbnb, 17 million users have used this setting since its introduction.
Now, the setting is no longer optional. Users worldwide will see the total cost by default when browsing listings — though still before taxes. A small label on listings now reads, “Prices include all fees.”
Why this matters for travelers
For years, travelers have complained about hidden costs when using Airbnb. The biggest frustration? Seeing an attractive nightly rate, only to be hit with high service and cleaning fees at checkout. This update attempts to reduce that confusion and improve the booking experience.
Showing the total cost upfront (excluding taxes) allows users to make better decisions when comparing listings. It also makes it easier to plan budgets, especially for longer stays.
But there’s still room for improvement. While the update is a step forward, it’s worth noting that taxes are still not included in the displayed price. That final jump in cost, though smaller now, still exists at checkout.
What about the hosts?
Alongside this update for guests, Airbnb has rolled out a new tool for hosts. Hosts can now view similar listings in their area and compare prices. This tool also shows what guests are paying before taxes, helping hosts adjust their pricing to stay competitive.
This change could improve price fairness across the platform. However, it remains to be seen how much hosts will actually adjust their fees. Some may still charge high cleaning fees, knowing the full price isn’t revealed with taxes until the final step.
A push for transparency — but not the full picture yet
Airbnb’s move feels like a response to growing pressure from both users and regulators around the world. Transparent pricing has been one of the most common demands from users in recent years. Making total pricing more visible is a welcome shift.
Still, some concerns remain. Taxes can vary greatly depending on location, and the fact that they are excluded from the initial view may still lead to some confusion. A truly complete price — including all charges and taxes — would offer the best clarity.
Until then, users should still review the final breakdown before hitting confirm.
Final thoughts
Airbnb’s update is good news for travelers who value honesty and simplicity. While it doesn’t completely eliminate surprise costs, it goes a long way toward helping people plan better. For a company that’s become a global name in travel, this kind of change was long overdue.
As the travel season heats up, users can now browse listings with a bit more confidence — but they should still check the full cost carefully before booking.
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