PadSplit was launched in 2017 to help the workforce find a smarter way to rent. The mid-term rental platform is often compared to Airbnb. While the online rental part is similar, though, the function and focus are different.
Airbnb was created to help owners rent out properties for short-term visits. PadSplit is focused on creating a stable community of renters and property owners, all interested in mutual upward momentum.
Whether you’re a travel nurse, a student, or a digital nomad, or in the middle of relocating, if you’re looking for a minimal-commitment rental option, here’s the breakdown of the costs related to PadSplit and Airbnb long-term rentals.
Cost breakdown: What you actually pay with PadSplit vs. Airbnb
PadSplit offers stable rental options at a much lower price point than Airbnb. This is partly because costs accumulate differently when you’re calculating based on a nightly rate (Airbnb) compared to a weekly structure (PadSplit).
Some experienced Airbnb hosts offer between a 10% and 20% discount for lengthy stays (usually a month or more). Others go as high as 46%. This reflects less cleaning fees (more on those in a minute) and less need for host involvement. In the end, this puts the typical cost per stay at:
- $169 per night
- $1,183 per week
- $5,070 per month (30 days)
PadSplit works in weekly or biweekly payments. Our transparent, all-inclusive pricing structure puts total weekly room rent between $138 and $393 per week. Going from the median of those two numbers, the cost is:
- $38 per night
- $266 per week
- $1,140 per month (30 days)
When you compare the two, Airbnb is more than 440% more expensive than a Padsplit room.
The fee factor
The desire for an Airbnb alternative like PadSplit goes beyond the baseline numbers. Fees are also a factor.
With PadSplit, there is a $19 application fee to become a PadSplit member. There is also a one-time $100 moving fee whenever you move. No security deposit. No utilities. No cleaning fees. That’s it.
Despite the lower number of cleaning sessions required for a longer stay, Airbnb cleaning fees are still high. In the U.S. in 2025, the average Airbnb cleaning fee was $161.10 per stay. That single fee is higher than PadSplit’s entire fee structure.
More than just price: How PadSplit and Airbnb models differ
Apart from the rental cost, PadSplit offers furnished rooms designed for longer stays. They are modeled on a sustainable rental structure designed for long-term affordability and community impact.
Airbnb long-term rentals struggle to keep up. They are an extension of a short-term rental structure focused on nightly rates and rapid turnover. They come with service fees, and higher prices make up for regular vacancies.
In the end, each platform makes the most sense for its area of focus. Airbnb is ideal for short-term, single-night stays. PadSplit is built for longer rental needs. The average renter stays in a PadSplit for nine months.
A shift to shorter rental preferences
Demand for rental term flexibility is growing as the economy remains unpredictable and unfriendly. Many are adapting by seeking flexible rental options as they seek long-term rental solutions or save up to buy their own homes.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 31.8% of rental agreements are for a month-to-month contract. That means nearly one in three renters are opting for shorter commitments. These come with greater versatility, which aligns with ambitious individuals working their way toward financial independence and homeownership. The dynamic month-to-month model gives them options as they navigate an uncertain road ahead.
At the same time, the financial pressure on renters is real. In 2023, just under half (21 million or 49.7% of all renters) spent over 30% of their income on housing costs. This makes weighing the cost difference between different rental solutions like PadSplit and Airbnb a logical next step.
PadSplit: Choosing the option that moves you forward
Renters want to balance flexibility and affordability, which has led many to search for a rental option with minimal commitment and cost.
Sites like Airbnb have done their best to adapt their offerings. However, this kind of support is where a solution like PadSplit shines. Our platform was built to offer dignified housing through sustainable, affordable, and empowering mid-term rentals. It is the ideal choice for anyone looking for a setup that can support their budgets and lifestyles as they plan for the future.
Explore over 25,000 rooms available in the PadSplit network right now, and start building financial security and a plan for your future today.
