Airbnb co-host fees typically range from 10% to 40% of revenue depending on the scope of services provided. That's a wide range, and picking the wrong number can cost you thousands of dollars per year. This guide breaks down exactly what co-hosts charge in 2026, what factors affect pricing, and how to determine if a rate is fair for your specific situation.
The Quick Answer: Airbnb Co-Host Fee Ranges
Here's what co-hosts typically charge based on service level:
| Service Level | % of Gross Revenue | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | 10-15% | Guest messaging only |
| Standard | 15-20% | Messaging + cleaning coordination |
| Full Service | 20-25% | Operations, pricing, maintenance |
| Premium | 25-40% | Full service + marketing/growth |
These percentages apply to gross booking revenue before expenses. Most co-hosts charge between 15% and 25% for a reasonable scope of services.
Percentage vs Flat Fee: Which Is More Common?
The vast majority of co-hosts charge a percentage of revenue rather than a flat monthly fee. Percentage-based pricing aligns incentives: the co-host earns more when your property performs better. It also scales naturally with seasonality and market conditions.
Flat fees are less common but can work for properties with very consistent revenue. Typical flat fee arrangements range from $300 to $800 per month for standard service levels. The downside is that flat fees don't motivate the co-host to maximize your bookings since their income stays the same regardless of performance.
Some co-hosts offer hybrid models: a small base fee ($150 to $250 per month) plus a reduced percentage (8% to 12%). This gives the co-host income stability while keeping some performance incentive in place.
What Affects How Much Co-Hosts Charge
Co-host rates aren't arbitrary. Several factors determine where a specific arrangement falls within the typical range.
1. Scope of Responsibilities
This is the biggest factor. A co-host who only handles guest messages and booking inquiries will charge far less than one who manages pricing strategy, coordinates cleaners, handles maintenance issues, restocks supplies, and optimizes your listing. More work means higher fees.
2. Property Revenue
Higher-revenue properties often negotiate lower percentage rates because the absolute dollar amount is still attractive. A co-host might accept 15% on a property grossing $10,000 per month ($1,500) but charge 22% on one grossing $4,000 per month ($880). The workload is similar, but the revenue justifies different rates.
3. Property Type and Complexity
A simple studio apartment requires less management than a luxury 5-bedroom with a pool, hot tub, and outdoor kitchen. Properties with amenities that require regular maintenance or inspection command higher co-host fees. Unique properties like treehouses, A-frames, or historic homes may also require specialized knowledge that justifies premium rates.
4. Local Market Rates
Co-host rates vary by market. In areas with high competition among co-hosts, rates tend to be lower. In markets where experienced co-hosts are scarce, they can charge more. Urban markets with high property density often have more competitive rates than rural vacation destinations.
5. Co-Host Experience and Track Record
An experienced co-host with a proven track record of maintaining high ratings, strong occupancy, and smooth operations can justify charging at the higher end of the range. A newcomer building their portfolio may need to price competitively to attract clients.
Industry Benchmarks by Service Level
Here's a detailed breakdown of what each service tier typically includes and costs:
Basic: Guest Communication Only
Responding to booking inquiries, answering guest questions during stays, handling basic issues. The owner manages everything else including cleaning, pricing, and maintenance.
Standard: Communication + Turnover Management
All guest communication plus scheduling cleaners, conducting quality checks between guests, and coordinating turnover logistics. May include basic review responses.
Full Service: Complete Operations
Everything above plus dynamic pricing management, supply restocking, maintenance coordination, review management, and handling any issues that arise. The owner is essentially hands-off.
Premium: Full Service + Growth
Complete management plus listing optimization, professional photography coordination, multi-platform distribution, direct booking strategies, and marketing initiatives to maximize revenue.
Real-World Examples
Here's how co-host fees play out with actual numbers:
Example 1: Urban 1-Bedroom
The co-host handles all guest communication and cleaning coordination. The owner sets pricing and handles maintenance.
Example 2: Vacation Rental 3-Bedroom
The co-host manages everything: pricing, cleaning, maintenance, restocking, and guest experience. The owner receives monthly reports and profit distributions.
Red Flags in Co-Host Pricing
Watch out for these warning signs when evaluating co-host rates:
Charging 30%+ for basic services
If a co-host wants 30% or more but only offers guest communication and cleaning coordination, that's overpriced. Rates above 25% should include comprehensive marketing and growth services.
Vague scope of services
A legitimate co-host should clearly define exactly what's included in their fee. Vague descriptions like “full support” without specifics often lead to misunderstandings.
Hidden fees on top of commission
Some co-hosts charge a percentage plus additional fees for specific services. Make sure you understand the total cost, not just the headline rate.
Unwilling to provide references
An experienced co-host should have satisfied clients willing to vouch for them. Reluctance to share references is a red flag regardless of how competitive their rates are.
Signs of Fair Pricing
These indicate a co-host is offering reasonable rates:
Clear, itemized scope of services
They spell out exactly what's included at each price point so you know what you're paying for.
Rate aligned with responsibilities
The percentage makes sense given the scope. More responsibility justifies higher rates. Less involvement means lower fees.
Willing to negotiate based on portfolio size
Co-hosts often offer reduced rates for owners with multiple properties since the relationship is more valuable long-term.
Trial period available
Many co-hosts offer a 30 to 90 day trial period so both parties can evaluate the fit before committing long-term.
How to Calculate If a Rate Is Fair
Use this simple framework to evaluate any co-host rate:
- List all included services. Write down exactly what the co-host will handle.
- Compare to benchmarks. Match the service level to the ranges above. If they're offering full-service operations, 20-25% is reasonable.
- Calculate the dollar amount. Multiply your expected monthly revenue by their percentage. Does the dollar amount feel proportional to the work?
- Factor in your time. What would you pay yourself per hour to do this work? A co-host charging $800/month to save you 15 hours works out to about $53/hour of your time freed up.
- Consider the alternative. Full property management companies typically charge 25-35% plus additional fees. A co-host at 20% may be a better deal.