By Ryan Drew | Superhost and Vacation Rental Expert | Last Updated December 1, 2025
Many travelers wonder whether they should book an Airbnb early or hold out for a better deal by waiting until the last minute. It’s a tempting idea—after all, airline tickets and hotel rooms sometimes drop in price close to the departure date. But does the same logic apply to Airbnb? The answer is: sometimes, but not always. Here’s what you need to know about how Airbnb pricing works and whether waiting can actually save you money.
Yes, Airbnb Can Get Cheaper Last Minute—In Certain Situations
Some hosts offer last-minute discounts to fill unbooked dates on their calendar. If the check-in date is approaching and the property is still available, a host may prefer to lower the price rather than earn nothing for those nights. These kinds of discounts are more common in the following situations:
- Off-season bookings in less busy markets
- Weeknight stays in cities that are popular on weekends
- Flexible hosts who actively manage their pricing
You may find the best last-minute deals within 7 days of your intended stay. In some cases, prices drop as much as 10–30% depending on the market and how aggressive the host is about filling vacancies.
Not All Hosts Offer Last-Minute Discounts
Keep in mind that not every host is looking to fill gaps at the last minute. Many hosts, especially those with highly rated listings or consistent demand, don’t need to offer discounts to get booked. Additionally, Airbnb allows hosts to enable Smart Pricing, which automatically adjusts rates based on demand, seasonality, and booking trends. If demand increases, Smart Pricing can actually raise the price the closer you get to the date.
Prices May Rise in High-Demand Destinations
In popular travel hotspots or during major events, waiting to book can backfire. Cities like New York, Los Angeles, Austin, or Miami often experience sharp price increases when availability shrinks. For peak seasons, festivals, holidays, or conventions, it’s common to see prices surge weeks in advance. In these cases, early booking is the best strategy if you want to lock in a reasonable rate.
Booking Early Gives You Better Selection
One of the biggest downsides to waiting is reduced inventory. The most desirable listings—those with strong reviews, ideal locations, and unique amenities—tend to get booked early. If you’re picky about features like:
- A private hot tub
- Pet-friendly policies
- Specific neighborhoods
- Flexible cancellation terms
…then it’s wise to book early. Prices might not go up dramatically, but selection definitely goes down the longer you wait.
Tips for Saving Money on Airbnb, Whether You Book Early or Late
- Watch listings over time. Add your favorites to a wishlist and monitor how prices change.
- Look for discounts for longer stays. Weekly or monthly discounts can reduce your average nightly rate.
- Be flexible with dates. Even shifting your trip by one day can result in big savings.
- Message the host directly. In some cases, especially close to the date, a polite message asking about a discount may be effective.
- Avoid high service fees. Sometimes similar listings on other platforms (like Vrbo or direct booking sites) offer the same property for less.
Final Thoughts: Should You Book Now or Wait?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. If you’re traveling during a low-demand time or to a location with lots of listings, you might benefit from waiting. But if your trip falls during a peak period—or you have specific preferences—it’s better to book sooner rather than later.
In short: Airbnb can get cheaper closer to the date, but only under the right conditions. If you’re hunting for a deal, keep your eye on the calendar, compare listings, and act fast when you see a price drop.
