Airbnb will Now Show Total Prices by Default

Airbnb has announced a major update to its pricing display, now showing the total cost of stays – including taxes and service fees – by default for all users. The change, effective Monday, is aimed at boosting transparency and affordability on the platform.

Previously, the platform displayed nightly rates upfront, with additional charges like cleaning fees and service costs only appearing at the final stages of booking. This led to frequent complaints from users who felt misled by the initial pricing.

The update comes as the United States prepares to implement new federal rules targeting so-called “junk fees.” Beginning May 12, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will require hotels, ticketing platforms, and short-term rental services to clearly display the full price – including any extra fees – before consumers make a purchase.

The FTC clarified that while the rules do not restrict how much companies can charge, they do mandate that the total price must be more prominently displayed than any partial pricing information.

In a blog post, Airbnb said the pricing update is part of its ongoing efforts to improve transparency and user trust. The company first introduced the total price feature in parts of Australia, Canada, and Europe in 2019 and made it optional in the U.S. and Canada in 2022. According to Airbnb, nearly 17 million guests have used the feature since then.

The company also noted that the increased visibility of full pricing has led many hosts to adjust their fees. In 2023 alone, nearly 300,000 listings either reduced or eliminated cleaning fees, with 40% of active listings opting to remove them altogether.

As regulations tighten and consumer expectations evolve, Airbnb’s shift toward upfront pricing signals a broader industry trend toward clearer, more honest pricing models.