Airbnbs are HALF the price of hotels in these European cities

Are you thinking about late summer or early fall travel to Europe? If so, consider where you might be staying along the way. Firstly because many properties are booked up well in advance, you might find alternative loggings that aren’t a major hotel, and it may just save you a fair amount along the way.

Average hotel prices in Europe have risen above inflation this year, while airfares have soared to a five-year high. With consumers becoming increasingly price-driven amid intense inflation, 80% of travellers have reportedly altered their plans for the summer.

In light of this, the financial experts at Moneyzine were keen to unveil the European cities where Airbnb accommodations offer superior value to hotels to alleviate financial stress for summer vacationers.

Feature image by Noel

To do this, the team scraped Airbnb.com and Trivago to retrieve the average cost per night for both Airbnbs and hotels across 35 European cities. It determined the European destinations where opting for an Airbnb is the more economical option.

Best value for money: Airbnb vs hotel

Rank	City	Country	Average cost of a hotel ($ per night)	Average cost of an Airbnb ($ per night)	Price reduction
1	Istanbul	Turkey	118.69	45.37	-61.77%
2	Athens	Greece	138.05	69.67	-49.53%
3	Lisbon	Portugal	210.30	107.51	-48.88%
4	Berlin	Germany	236.10	126.44	-46.45%
5	Paris	France	242.55	131.17	-45.92%
6	Barcelona	Spain	220.62	123.64	-43.96%
7	Dubrovnik	Croatia	188.36	108.59	-42.35%
8	Helsinki	Finland	141.92	82.57	-41.82%
9	Chisinau	Moldova	68.38	40.86	-40.25%
10	Kotor	Montenegro	123.21	73.96	-39.97%
11	Luxembourg City	Luxembourg	149.01	94.40	-36.65%
12	Budapest	Hungary	127.73	81.28	-36.36%
13	Stockholm	Sweden	127.73	82.57	-35.35%
14	Tallinn	Estonia	86.44	58.70	-32.09%
15	Brussels	Belgium	169.01	118.27	-30.02%

*Average rates are on a per-night basis for one adult

Moneyzine revealed that Istanbul, the former Turkish capital, is the European city where Airbnbs provide the best value for money compared to hotels. With an average nightly rate of $45.37, Airbnbs are 61.77% cheaper than hotels (av. $118.69), while boasting the second lowest prices of all cities analyzed. Declared to be one of the world’s cheapest destinations, the exotic Mediterranean city is ideal for travellers on a budget.

In second place is Athens, with a staggering 49.53% price drop from a standard hotel room fare to an Airbnb. Price-conscious travellers would be better off booking an Airbnb ($69.67 per night) as it costs only half of the average hotel rate ($138.05 per night) in the historic Greek capital.

Coming a close third is Lisbon, with an Airbnb averaging around $107.51 per night compared to a standard hotel room priced at $210.30. Ranked 7th out of 100 cities in a recent study on the most popular summer destinations of 2023, travellers are assured that Airbnbs are more cost-effective in the Portuguese capital, with nightly rates being 48.88% lower than hotels.

Berlin and Paris follow in fourth and fifth place, respectively, with a significant price difference between Airbnbs and hotels. Opting for an Airbnb would save travellers on average a noteworthy$109.66 in the German capital and $111.38 in the City of Love.

On the other hand, Oslo in Norway and Tirana in Albania stand out as cities where a single hotel room for a one-night stay is around $8 cheaper, on average, than an Airbnb.

To prevent high costs from dampening summer travel plans, Jonathan Merry, CEO of Moneyzine, provided four money-saving tips for enthusiastic globetrotters:

Plan ahead for meals

Food and drink expenses are often the biggest budget-busters when travelling. Curb your food spending by choosing accommodations with kitchen facilities or a refrigerator, and opt to eat out for lunch instead of dinner, as well as seek restaurants that offer happy hour deals!

Maximize your travel credit card benefits

Sign up for travel rewards programmes and consider credit cards to earn points and miles, which can be redeemed for flights, accommodation, and other travel-related expenses. Opt for credit cards that come with generous welcome bonuses and take advantage of various perks, including free travel insurance and discounts on attraction tickets.

Look for vouchers and free activities

Trim travel costs by planning your activities around vouchers and discount deals, or do a simple Google search to find free or low-cost events and activities at your destination. From the Louvre in Paris to the Vatican Museums in Rome, many offer free or discounted admission on certain days of the week, so make sure to plan and research in advance.

Pack strategically

Keep your luggage lightweight to avoid check-in fees, and opt for a carry-on only. Instead of folding, roll your clothes and wear your bulkiest garments to the airport. Don’t forget to check the airline’s luggage weight and dimension policies to avoid unexpected delays and fees!

So, if you’re planning an upcoming trip to Europe, check all your options to ensure you’re getting what you want and a great price wherever you may be staying, whether in a hotel or a nearby Airbnb.