How much does VRBO charge hosts?

VRBO uses a host-only fee model, charging hosts between 3% and 5% of the booking subtotal. This is significantly lower than Airbnb's host-only fee (14-16%) but means guests see a higher upfront price since there's no separate guest service fee.

Is VRBO more profitable than Airbnb?

VRBO can be more profitable due to lower host fees (3-5% vs Airbnb's 14-16% host-only or 3% split fee). However, profitability depends on your market—VRBO tends to perform better for larger vacation homes and family-oriented properties, while Airbnb has broader reach in urban markets.

How do I calculate ROI on a VRBO rental?

Calculate VRBO ROI by dividing your annual net operating income by your total cash invested. Use this calculator to input your purchase price, expected nightly rate, occupancy, and expenses. Factor in VRBO's 3-5% host fee rather than Airbnb's fee structure for accurate projections.

What's the difference between VRBO and Airbnb fees?

VRBO charges hosts 3-5% with no guest service fee (host-only model). Airbnb offers two models: split-fee (3% host, ~14% guest) or host-only (14-16% host). VRBO's lower fees can mean higher net revenue, but Airbnb's split-fee model shows guests a lower booking price.

Should I list on VRBO or Airbnb?

Most successful hosts list on both platforms. VRBO attracts families and groups booking larger vacation homes for longer stays. Airbnb has broader reach and performs well for urban rentals and unique properties. Listing on both maximizes occupancy and lets you compare which platform performs better for your specific property.

Is VRBO profitable in Denver?

Yes, VRBO can be profitable in Denver with average nightly rates around $185 and 68% occupancy. VRBO's lower host fees (3-5% vs Airbnb's 14-16%) mean you keep more of each booking.

How much can I make on VRBO in Denver?

Based on Denver market averages, a typical VRBO property could gross approximately $45,917 annually at 68% occupancy and $185/night before expenses.

Is VRBO or Airbnb better in Denver?

Both platforms work well in Denver. VRBO attracts families booking longer stays with lower fees (3-5%). Airbnb has broader reach. Many hosts list on both to maximize occupancy.

What's the average nightly rate on VRBO in Denver?

The average nightly rate in Denver is approximately $185. VRBO guests often book longer 5-7 night stays, allowing for weekly discounts while maintaining strong revenue.

VRBO Calculator for Denver, CO | Analyze VRBO Investments

$550,000

Avg. Purchase Price

$185

Avg. Nightly Rate

68%

Avg. Occupancy

urban

Market Type

Denver's STR market benefits from year-round tourism with skiing in winter and outdoor activities in summer. The city is a popular destination for business travelers and tourists exploring the Rocky Mountains. VRBO is particularly strong in Denver for whole-home vacation rentals. This calculator uses VRBO's typical 5% host fee structure.

VRBO's Lower Host Fees

VRBO charges hosts 3-5% per booking (vs. Airbnb's 14-16% host-only fee). This calculator uses 5% platform fee. On a $1,500 booking, you'd pay $75 to VRBO vs. potentially $225+ to Airbnb.

Property Details

Property Name (optional)

Purchase Price

Total property acquisition cost

Down Payment

Interest Rate

Loan Term

years

Nightly Rate

Average rate per night

Occupancy Rate

Expected annual occupancy

Not sure what to enter? Get market data from AirDNA Maximize your nightly rate with PriceLabs dynamic pricing

Cleaning Fee

Per turnover

Avg Stay Length

nights

Platform Fees

Airbnb/VRBO service fee (typically 3%)

Property Tax

Annual

Insurance

Annual

Utilities

Monthly average

HOA Fees

Monthly

Maintenance Reserve

% of revenue

Property Management

% of revenue (0 if self-managing)

Monthly Cash Flow

-$324

-$3,882 / year after all expenses

Proceed with Caution

Break-even at 75% occupancy

Cash-on-Cash

-2.5%↓

Return on your cash invested

Cap Rate

5.3%–

NOI / Purchase price

Break-Even

75%↓

Minimum occupancy needed

Turnovers/Year

248 nights occupied

Financial Summary

Annual Gross Revenue$53,417

Annual Expenses

Platform Fees$2,671

Property Tax$6,325

Insurance$2,200

Utilities$3,000

Maintenance Reserve$2,671

Cleaning Costs$7,500

Total Expenses$24,367

Net Operating Income$29,050

Annual Mortgage-$32,932

Annual Cash Flow-$3,882

Your Investment

Down Payment$137,500

Est. Closing Costs (3%)$16,500

Total Cash Needed$154,000

Loan Amount$412,500

Monthly Mortgage (P&I)$2,744

Why VRBO Works in Denver

Family-Focused Travelers

VRBO attracts families and groups who book whole homes for vacations. Denver's urban market appeals to this demographic.

Longer Stays = Lower Turnover

VRBO guests typically book 5-7 night stays vs. 3-4 on Airbnb. Fewer turnovers mean lower cleaning costs and less operational work.

Lower Platform Fees

VRBO's 3-5% host fee is significantly lower than Airbnb's host-only model (14-16%), meaning more revenue stays with you.

Denver Market Highlights

1Gateway to ski resorts like Breckenridge and Vail
2Strong year-round demand from business and leisure travelers
3Growing tech hub attracting relocating professionals
4Legal cannabis tourism adds unique demand driver

Seasonality in Denver

Peak seasons are December-March (ski season) and June-August (summer tourism). Shoulder seasons see moderate demand.

Compare with Airbnb

See how this property might perform on Airbnb instead

Denver STR Regulations

Denver requires STR licenses and limits non-primary residences. Check current city regulations before investing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Both platforms can work well in Denver. VRBO tends to attract families and groups booking longer vacations, which is ideal for larger properties. VRBO's lower fees (3-5% vs Airbnb's higher rates) can mean better net revenue. Many Denver hosts list on both platforms to maximize occupancy. Denver's STR market benefits from year-round tourism with skiing in winter and outdoor activities in summer. The city is a popular destination for business travelers and tourists exploring the Rocky Mountains.

Exploring other VRBO markets?

Market averages are estimates for educational purposes only. See full disclaimer