Airbnb vs. VRBO: Which Short-Term Rental Platform is Best for Arizona Owners?

By Sean Colón

Are you an Arizona short-term rental owner looking to maximize your bookings and revenue? If so, you’ve likely considered listing your property on Airbnb or VRBO. These two platforms are among the most popular and profitable short-term rental sites, but which one is the best fit for Arizona owners? In this blog, we’ll compare and contrast the two platforms and explain how professional photography can impact your success.

Working with Airbnb

Airbnb is the leading short-term rental platform, with over 4 million listings worldwide. It’s known for its user-friendly interface, flexible cancellation policies, and community-driven approach. To list your property on Airbnb, you’ll need to create a host profile and set up your listing. Airbnb charges a 3% host fee on every booking, and also offers optional services such as professional photography, cleaning, and guest communication.

Airbnb’s pricing model is dynamic, meaning that the price of your rental may change based on demand, seasonality, and other factors. This can be both a blessing and a curse for owners, as it allows you to charge more during peak times, but may also result in lower bookings during slow periods. To optimize your pricing strategy, you’ll need to stay on top of market trends and adjust your rates accordingly.

Working with VRBO

VRBO (Vacation Rental By Owner) is a popular alternative to Airbnb, with over 2 million listings worldwide. It’s known for its family-friendly focus and long-term rental options. To list your property on VRBO, you’ll need to create an account and set up your listing. VRBO charges a 5% host fee on every booking, and also offers optional services such as professional photography, cleaning, and guest communication.

Unlike Airbnb, VRBO’s pricing model is static, meaning that you set the price for your rental and it remains the same throughout the year. This can be beneficial for owners who prefer a predictable revenue stream, but may result in missed opportunities to capitalize on high-demand periods. To make the most of your pricing strategy on VRBO, you’ll need to research local market trends and set your rates competitively.

The Impact of Professional Photography

No matter which platform you choose, professional photography can have a significant impact on your short-term rental success. High-quality photos showcase your property’s best features and entice potential guests to book their stay. In fact, according to Airbnb, listings with professional photos earn 40% more revenue than those without.

Professional photography is available as an optional service on both Airbnb and VRBO, and is typically priced between $200-$600 per session. While it may seem like an additional expense, the investment can pay off in the form of higher bookings and revenue.

Real Numbers and Statistics

To give you a better idea of how each platform performs in Arizona, here are some real numbers and statistics:

• According to AirDNA, the average daily rate for an Airbnb listing in Arizona is $152, with an occupancy rate of 60%.

• In contrast, the average daily rate for a VRBO listing in Arizona is $199, with an occupancy rate of 46%.

• Airbnb has a larger market share in Arizona, with over 23,000 active listings compared to VRBO’s 9,000.

• However, VRBO listings tend to be more expensive, with an average nightly rate that’s $47 higher than Airbnb.

Conclusion

Both Airbnb and VRBO have their strengths and weaknesses, and the best platform for your short-term rental will depend on your individual goals and preferences. If you’re looking for a dynamic pricing model and a large community of guests, Airbnb may be the better option. If you prefer a predictable revenue stream and a family-oriented audience, VRBO could be the better fit. However, regardless of which platform you choose, professional photography is crucial for maximizing the potential of your short-term rental.

Investing in high-quality photography can make your listing stand out and attract more potential guests, ultimately leading to more bookings and revenue. According to a study by Airbnb, listings with professional photography can increase bookings by up to 24%. In addition, a survey by VRBO found that 92% of travelers say photos are the most important factor when deciding on a rental property.

When working with a professional photographer, make sure to communicate your goals and preferences for the shoot, as well as any unique features or amenities of your rental. This will ensure that your photos accurately showcase your property and its best features.

In summary, while there are differences between Airbnb and VRBO, both platforms offer great opportunities for short-term rental owners in Arizona. By carefully considering the features and benefits of each platform and investing in professional photography, you can increase the visibility and appeal of your listing and ultimately boost your bookings and revenue.