Vrbo
Key Takeaways
- Vrbo focuses exclusively on entire-home vacation rentals -- no shared or private rooms
- Owned by Expedia Group, giving hosts access to Expedia's broader travel audience
- Hosts can choose between a per-booking fee model (5% + 3% processing) or an annual subscription (~$499)
- Premier Host status rewards top-performing hosts with increased visibility
- Cross-listing on both Vrbo and Airbnb is a common strategy to maximize bookings
How Vrbo Works for Hosts
Vrbo allows property owners to create listings for entire-home rentals. The platform provides booking management, secure payment processing, messaging, and a review system. Vrbo listings also appear on Expedia and Hotels.com, expanding host reach across the Expedia Group ecosystem.
Fee Structure:
| Fee Model | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Pay-per-booking | 5% host fee + 3% payment processing | Most hosts; no upfront cost |
| Annual subscription | ~$499/year + 3% payment processing | High-volume hosts with many bookings |
Why Vrbo Matters for STR Hosts
- Higher average booking value: Vrbo guests tend to book longer stays and larger properties, resulting in higher revenue per booking compared to Airbnb.
- Family-focused audience: The platform attracts families and groups traveling together, which aligns well with multi-bedroom homes and vacation properties.
- Expedia Group distribution: Listings get exposure across Expedia, Hotels.com, and other Expedia Group sites.
- Less competition in some markets: Fewer listings compared to Airbnb means less saturation in certain areas.
Vrbo vs Airbnb Comparison
| Feature | Vrbo | Airbnb |
|---|---|---|
| Property types | Entire homes only | Entire homes, private rooms, shared rooms |
| Guest demographic | Families, groups | Broad -- solo, couples, families, business |
| Global listings | 2M+ | 7M+ |
| Host fee (standard) | 5% + 3% processing | 3% |
| Guest fee | 6-12% | 14-16% |
| Top host program | Premier Host | Superhost |
| Parent company | Expedia Group | Airbnb Inc. |
Tips for Succeeding on Vrbo
- Highlight family-friendly amenities like cribs, high chairs, game rooms, and fenced yards
- Use high-quality photos showcasing full property views, bedrooms, and outdoor spaces
- Pursue Premier Host status to unlock priority placement in search results
- Optimize pricing with longer stay discounts since Vrbo guests tend to book longer vacations
- Maintain a strong response rate to improve ranking and earn guest trust
Frequently Asked Questions
Vrbo charges hosts either a per-booking service fee of 5% (plus 3% payment processing) or an annual subscription of approximately $499. The per-booking model is more common and better for hosts with fewer bookings, while the subscription model benefits high-volume hosts.
Neither platform is universally better. Vrbo tends to attract families booking entire homes with higher average booking values, while Airbnb has a larger audience and more listing types. Many successful hosts cross-list on both platforms to maximize revenue.
Vrbo only allows entire-home listings such as houses, condos, cabins, villas, and apartments. Unlike Airbnb, Vrbo does not support shared rooms or private rooms within a host's home, making it focused on the vacation rental segment.