How much does VRBO charge hosts?

Under VRBO's pay-per-booking model, hosts pay a 5% commission on the rental amount and fees they charge travelers, plus a 3% payment processing fee on the payment amount. Processing may not apply when using property management software.

Is VRBO more profitable than Airbnb?

VRBO can be more profitable for some vacation homes because its audience often books larger properties and longer stays. The fee comparison depends on your Airbnb fee model: Airbnb may charge a 3% split fee or a higher single fee, while VRBO's pay-per-booking model is a 5% commission plus processing.

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. For host-side fees, model VRBO's 5% commission plus payment processing when it applies.

What's the difference between VRBO and Airbnb fees?

VRBO's pay-per-booking host-side fee is a 5% commission plus payment processing when it applies. Airbnb fee models vary: some hosts pay a 3% split fee while guests pay a service fee, while many PMS-connected hosts are moving to a single host fee around 15.5% in 2026.

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 St. Petersburg?

Yes, VRBO can be profitable in St. Petersburg with average nightly rates around $150 and 70% occupancy. Model VRBO's 5% commission plus payment processing when projecting net revenue.

How much can I make on VRBO in St. Petersburg?

Based on St. Petersburg market averages, a typical VRBO property could gross approximately $38,325 annually at 70% occupancy and $150/night before expenses.

Is VRBO or Airbnb better in St. Petersburg?

Both platforms work well in St. Petersburg. VRBO attracts families booking longer stays, while Airbnb has broader reach. Many hosts list on both to maximize occupancy.

What's the average nightly rate on VRBO in St. Petersburg?

The average nightly rate in St. Petersburg is approximately $150. VRBO guests often book longer 5-7 night stays, allowing for weekly discounts while maintaining strong revenue.

St. Petersburg VRBO Calculator: $150/Night (2026)

$425,000

Avg. Purchase Price

$150

Avg. Nightly Rate

70%

Avg. Occupancy

beach

Market Type

St. Petersburg boasts one of the highest occupancy rates in Florida at 70%, with 17.2% year-over-year growth signaling a rapidly maturing market. Known as the 'Sunshine City,' St. Pete offers a thriving arts district (the Dalí Museum, Chihuly Collection), award-winning craft breweries, and beautiful Gulf Coast beaches. Its proximity to Tampa Bay provides access to a larger metro area's demand drivers while maintaining a distinct, walkable downtown character. VRBO is particularly strong in St. Petersburg for family vacation rentals and longer stays. This calculator uses an 8% VRBO platform-fee assumption for the 5% commission plus payment processing.

VRBO Host-Side Fees

VRBO's pay-per-booking model includes a 5% commission plus a 3% payment processing fee when processing applies. This calculator uses an 8% platform fee. On a $1,500 booking, that models $120 in host-side fees.

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

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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

-$206

-$2,470 / year after all expenses

Not Viable

Break-even at 76% occupancy

Cash-on-Cash

-2.1%↓

Return on your cash invested

Cap Rate

5.4%–

NOI / Purchase price

Break-Even

76%↓

Minimum occupancy needed

Turnovers/Year

255 nights occupied

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Financial Summary

Annual Gross Revenue$44,305

Annual Expenses

Platform Fees$3,544

Property Tax$4,888

Insurance$1,700

Utilities$3,000

Maintenance Reserve$2,215

Cleaning Costs$5,980

Total Expenses$21,328

Net Operating Income$22,977

Annual Mortgage-$25,448

Annual Cash Flow-$2,470

Your Investment

Down Payment$106,250

Est. Closing Costs (3%)$12,750

Total Cash Needed$119,000

Loan Amount$318,750

Monthly Mortgage (P&I)$2,121

Why VRBO Works in St. Petersburg

Family-Focused Travelers

VRBO attracts families and groups who book whole homes for vacations. St. Petersburg's beach 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.

Platform Fee Assumptions

Model VRBO's 5% commission plus payment processing when it applies. Adjust the platform fee if your account or software setup uses a different fee structure.

St. Petersburg Market Highlights

170% occupancy rate — one of the highest in Florida
217.2% year-over-year revenue growth
3Dalí Museum, Chihuly Collection, and SHINE Mural Festival draw cultural tourists
4Award-winning craft brewery scene and dining

Seasonality in St. Petersburg

Peak season runs December through April with snowbird migration. During peak, occupancy reaches 66.6% with ADRs peaking at $205. Summer sees moderate demand from domestic travelers. Low season occupancy can dip to 32.9% in the slowest months.

Compare with Airbnb

See how this property might perform on Airbnb instead

St. Petersburg STR Regulations

Frequently Asked Questions

Both platforms can work well in St. Petersburg. VRBO tends to attract families and groups booking longer vacations, which is ideal for this vacation-focused market. Many St. Petersburg hosts list on both platforms to maximize occupancy. St. Petersburg boasts one of the highest occupancy rates in Florida at 70%, with 17.2% year-over-year growth signaling a rapidly maturing market. Known as the 'Sunshine City,' St. Pete offers a thriving arts district (the Dalí Museum, Chihuly Collection), award-winning craft breweries, and beautiful Gulf Coast beaches. Its proximity to Tampa Bay provides access to a larger metro area's demand drivers while maintaining a distinct, walkable downtown character.

St. Petersburg has specific zoning requirements for short-term rentals. Vacation rentals are permitted in certain zones but restricted in others, particularly single-family residential areas. State licensing through DBPR is also required. These regulations apply to all short-term rental platforms including VRBO. Always verify current requirements with St. Petersburg local authorities before listing.

Exploring other VRBO markets?

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

Why VRBO Works in St. Petersburg

Family-Focused Travelers

VRBO attracts families and groups who book whole homes for vacations. St. Petersburg's beach 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.

Platform Fee Assumptions

Model VRBO's 5% commission plus payment processing when it applies. Adjust the platform fee if your account or software setup uses a different fee structure.

Frequently Asked Questions

VRBO Calculator for St. Petersburg, FL

Property Details

Financial Summary

Annual Expenses

Your Investment

Why VRBO Works in St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg Market Highlights

Seasonality in St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg STR Regulations

Frequently Asked Questions

VRBO Calculator for St. Petersburg, FL

Property Details

Financial Summary

Annual Expenses

Your Investment

Why VRBO Works in St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg Market Highlights

Seasonality in St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg STR Regulations

Frequently Asked Questions