No More Surprises: Airbnb Reveals Full Prices in Search
Airbnb has rolled out a global change affecting how accommodation prices are shown in search results. The total cost of accommodation, including required fees like cleaning and service charges, is now shown at the beginning of the search process. As a result of this change, users can now view accurate pricing details directly in search results without needing to open each listing. You can now see the main cost of the stay right from the first search page, although taxes still show up later when you're checking out.
The update is the result of several years of phased testing. Full-price visibility was first introduced in 2019 in a small number of countries, including parts of Europe and Asia-Pacific. Two years ago, Airbnb added a toggle option in over 200 countries and regions, allowing users to activate total price display manually. The platform reports that that option was used by around 17 million users. The feature is now applied by default and cannot be turned off, creating a consistent experience for all users globally.
The change is likely to alter how travelers evaluate their options when searching for places to stay. Seeing the total price early in the search process allows for more straightforward and fair comparisons between listings. Travelers can skip over listings that seem cheap at first but end up charging high service fees later on. The platform reduces planning friction by eliminating the need for additional steps to evaluate whether a stay falls within someone's budget.
Airbnb has also added new elements aimed at improving search functionality. Some listings may now include price tips, such as notifications that a lower per-night rate is available if an extra night is added. Discounts for weekly or monthly stays may also be flagged automatically. These tools are designed to help users notice cost-saving options they might otherwise overlook, especially on longer trips or when planning within a fixed budget.
This adjustment comes amid broader pressure within the travel industry to make pricing more transparent. In some areas, proposals for legislation and policy reforms have been sparked by user concerns about hidden costs on lodging platforms. Airbnb’s decision to standardize upfront pricing reflects that shift. While it remains to be seen how much this will influence long-term user behavior, the update addresses one of the most frequent points of confusion and criticism among travelers using the platform.