Travelers gearing up for the holiday season can expect significant price surges for Airbnb stays across the U.S., with some cities seeing over 100% price hikes for short-term rentals.
While holiday getaways are often a peak season for travel, this year’s Airbnb rates reveal an especially high premium for stays during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s, according to the latest study from Upgraded Points.
On average, Airbnb costs rise 64% during the holidays, but five cities push this even higher, charging over double the usual rate.
These cities include Madison, Wisconsin; Fort Myers, Florida; Las Vegas, Nevada; Tampa, Florida; and San Jose, California.
For travelers planning holiday trips to these destinations, budgeting carefully is essential, as each city sees its rates skyrocket during the season. Here is a list of Airbnb’s most popular homes.
Thanksgiving Airbnb Price Premiums
For Thanksgiving week, the data highlights Baton Rouge, Louisiana, as the city with the steepest rate increase, charging a 199% premium over standard prices. Madison, Wisconsin, follows closely with a 163% hike, and Columbus, Ohio, comes in third with a 117% increase. Fort Myers, Florida, and Grand Rapids, Michigan, also exceed 100% premiums, making Thanksgiving in these locations a pricey affair.
Christmas Seaside Escapes
For those dreaming of a coastal Christmas, popular beach destinations are not immune to price spikes. Fort Myers tops the Christmas list with a 146% increase over usual rates, while Madison, Sarasota, Las Vegas, and Honolulu all demand over 100% more for a holiday stay. Travelers to these cities can expect to pay substantially more for a festive holiday getaway.
New Year’s Eve Hot Spots
Celebrating the New Year often involves travel, and Airbnb rates in certain cities reflect this high demand. Fort Myers once again leads, with New Year’s week rates jumping 161%. Las Vegas, Tampa, San Jose, and Sarasota also see price hikes of over 120% for ringing in the new year.
Cities with Lower Holiday Price Increases
For those hoping to avoid high holiday costs, a few cities show only modest price increases. Four out of the top five cities with the lowest premiums are located in California. Los Angeles, Bakersfield, San Diego, and San Francisco experience relatively smaller hikes, alongside Washington, D.C., offering more budget-friendly options for travelers looking to stay closer to typical yearly rates.
With significant price differences across the country, this year’s holiday travel costs are a mixed bag. Those considering a holiday stay should book early and explore more affordable destinations if possible to make the most of their holiday budgets.
