Master Your Airbnb
Startup Costs
Professional-grade financial modelling for new short-term rental hosts. Stop guessing and start scaling with high-fidelity cost projections.
Trusted by 10,000+ Airbnb hosts globally
1Configure Your Property
Airbnb Startup Cost Estimate — July 22, 2026
Property: 2 beds · 1 bath · max 4 guests
Quality tier: Mid-Range · Furniture: None (buying all)
2Total Estimated Startup Cost
$5,804 – $11,274
Mid-range tier · 2 beds · 1 bath · max 4 guests
Cost breakdown by category
| Item | Qty | Unit range | Subtotal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed frame | 2 | $300 – $500 | $600 – $1,000 |
| Mattress | 2 | $400 – $700 | $800 – $1,400 |
| Mattress protector | 2 | $25 – $45 | $50 – $90 |
| Pillows (2 per guest) | 8 | $20 – $30 | $160 – $240 |
| Pillow protectors | 8 | $10 – $15 | $80 – $120 |
| Duvet / comforter | 2 | $80 – $150 | $160 – $300 |
| Duvet cover set | 2 | $60 – $120 | $120 – $240 |
| Sheet sets × 2 (rotation) | 4 | $50 – $100 | $200 – $400 |
| Bedside tables (pair) | 2 | $60 – $150 | $120 – $300 |
| Bedside lamps (pair) | 2 | $30 – $60 | $60 – $120 |
| Blackout curtains | 2 | $40 – $80 | $80 – $160 |
| Hangers (10 per bedroom) | 2 | $12 – $22 | $24 – $44 |
| Luggage rack | 2 | $40 – $70 | $80 – $140 |
| Full-length mirror | 2 | $40 – $80 | $80 – $160 |
| Iron & ironing board (1 per property) | 1 | $40 – $60 | |
| Bedroom total | $2,654 – $4,774 | ||
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Mattress Protectors & Pillow Protectors
Waterproof, hotel-grade protectors that extend mattress life and protect your investment.
Shop now →| Item | Qty | Unit range | Subtotal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Towel sets × 2 (bath + hand + face per guest) | 8 | $25 – $50 | $200 – $400 |
| Bath mat | 1 | $20 – $40 | |
| Shower curtain + rings (if needed) | 1 | $30 – $60 | |
| Toilet brush & holder | 1 | $15 – $30 | |
| Waste bin | 1 | $15 – $30 | |
| Soap dispenser | 1 | $10 – $25 | |
| Initial toiletries supply | 1 | $30 – $50 | |
| Hairdryer | 1 | $30 – $60 | |
| Toilet paper holder / stand | 1 | $15 – $30 | |
| Bathroom total | $365 – $725 | ||
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Premium Towel Sets
Hotel-quality bath, hand & face towel sets guests notice — and love.
Shop now →| Item | Qty | Unit range | Subtotal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pots & pans set | 1 | $80 – $200 | |
| Knife set | 1 | $40 – $100 | |
| Utensil set | 1 | $30 – $60 | |
| Plates (max guests + 2 extra) | 4 | $7 – $15 | $28 – $60 |
| Bowls | 4 | $6 – $12 | $24 – $48 |
| Glasses / cups (drinking + wine + mugs) | 12 | $6 – $12 | $72 – $144 |
| Cutlery set | 4 | $6 – $12 | $24 – $48 |
| Cutting boards | 1 | $20 – $40 | |
| Colander, mixing bowls, measuring cups | 1 | $25 – $50 | |
| Baking sheet & oven mitts | 1 | $15 – $30 | |
| Can opener, corkscrew, bottle opener | 1 | $15 – $25 | |
| Dish rack / dishwasher pods | 1 | $15 – $30 | |
| Tea towels (4–6) | 1 | $15 – $30 | |
| Coffee maker or kettle | 1 | $40 – $80 | |
| Toaster | 1 | $30 – $60 | |
| Initial food supplies (coffee, tea, sugar, oil, condiments) | 1 | $30 – $50 | |
| Trash bags, dish soap, sponges | 1 | $15 – $25 | |
| Storage containers | 1 | $15 – $30 | |
| Kitchen total | $533 – $1,110 | ||
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Kitchen & Dining Supplies
Durable, host-grade cookware and tableware — built for frequent use and easy cleaner turnover.
Shop now →| Item | Qty | Unit range | Subtotal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sofa | 1 | $400 – $1,000 | |
| TV | 1 | $250 – $500 | |
| Streaming device (if no smart TV) | 1 | $40 – $80 | |
| WiFi router (if needed) | 1 | $80 – $150 | |
| Dining table + chairs | 1 | $300 – $600 | |
| Throw blanket | 1 | $30 – $60 | |
| Throw pillows (2–4) | 1 | $20 – $50 | |
| Welcome book / binder | 1 | $15 – $25 | |
| Living & Common Areas total | $1,135 – $2,465 | ||
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Smart Home & Tech
Smart locks, streaming devices, and WiFi routers — essential tech upgrades guests expect.
Shop now →| Item | Qty | Unit range | Subtotal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vacuum cleaner | 1 | $100 – $250 | |
| Mop & bucket | 1 | $25 – $50 | |
| Cleaning products set | 1 | $40 – $60 | |
| Laundry detergent & fabric softener | 1 | $20 – $35 | |
| First aid kit | 1 | $20 – $40 | |
| Basic tool kit | 1 | $30 – $60 | |
| Spare lightbulbs | 1 | $15 – $25 | |
| Stain remover | 1 | $8 – $15 | |
| Cleaning & Supplies total | $258 – $535 | ||
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Vacuum Cleaner
A reliable vacuum is the single most-used tool between every turnover. Get one that handles both carpet and hard floors.
Shop now →| Item | Qty | Unit range | Subtotal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smoke detectors (1 per bedroom + 1 per floor) | 2 | $20 – $35 | $40 – $70 |
| Carbon monoxide detector | 1 | $30 – $50 | |
| Fire extinguisher | 1 | $30 – $50 | |
| Fire blanket (kitchen) | 1 | $15 – $25 | |
| Safety information cards / signage | 1 | $8 – $15 | |
| Lockbox or smart lock | 1 | $100 – $200 | |
| Security camera (exterior only) | 1 | $50 – $100 | |
| Safety & Compliance total | $273 – $510 | ||
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Smart Lock
Keyless entry is essential for remote hosting. Smart locks enable automated check-in and eliminate key-handoff stress.
Shop now →| Item | Qty | Unit range | Subtotal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Welcome basket initial stock | 1 | $40 – $70 | |
| Guidebook printing or digital setup | 1 | $15 – $30 | |
| Keychain / key holder | 1 | $8 – $15 | |
| Extra chargers (USB-A / USB-C / Lightning) | 1 | $20 – $40 | |
| Board games or books | 1 | $25 – $50 | |
| Umbrella | 1 | $12 – $20 | |
| Flashlight | 1 | $8 – $15 | |
| Checkout instructions (printed / framed) | 1 | $8 – $15 | |
| Guest Experience total | $136 – $255 | ||
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Guest Welcome Amenities
First impressions matter. Stock a welcoming basket with local touches to earn that 5-star review.
Shop now →| Item | Qty | Unit range | Subtotal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professional photography | 1 | $200 – $400 | |
| Deep clean before first guest | 1 | $150 – $300 | |
| STR insurance (first month) | 1 | $100 – $200 | |
| Professional Services total | $450 – $900 | ||
ROI Projection
Estimate how long it will take to recover your startup costs.
Consumables, supplies, cleaning, etc.
You'll recover your estimated startup cost of $8,539 in approximately 3 months.
Money-saving tips
- Buy sheets and towels in bulk — look for hotel supplier wholesale deals
- Check Facebook Marketplace and charity shops for furniture before buying new
- Start mid-range and upgrade based on guest feedback and revenue
- Skip the premium coffee maker until you have 20+ reviews
Ready to shop your list?
Browse our curated STR supplies store — everything from linens to smart locks, handpicked for Airbnb hosts.
Frequently asked questions
Typically $3,000–$8,000 for a 1–2 bedroom at mid-range quality, and $8,000–$20,000+ for a 3–4 bedroom. The exact figure depends on property size, quality tier, and how much furniture you already own. Use the calculator above for a precise itemised estimate.
Mattress and bedding. Guests notice sleep quality more than any other aspect of their stay. A quality mattress and well-laundered sheets are your fastest route to 5-star reviews and repeat bookings.
Yes. Focus on cleanliness, a comfortable bed, and a functional kitchen. Check Facebook Marketplace and charity shops for furniture. You can upgrade gradually based on guest feedback and the revenue your property generates.
Most hosts recover startup costs within 3–6 months at a decent occupancy rate (60–70%). Premium setups take longer but can command higher nightly rates and earn more per year. Use the ROI projection section below to see your specific estimate.
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