Building a travel app like Airbnb in 2023 can be a lucrative business idea, but it comes with significant costs. The total cost to build such an app varies based on the features, design, platform, and development team's experience. Generally, the cost can range from $50,000 to $500,000 or even more, depending on the complexity of the project.

1. Cost to Build a Travel App like Airbnb
in 2023
Many travel apps, such as Airbnb, create booking tickets, compare prices, and make
accommodation accessible with just a few taps of your smartphone. Due to this, the online travel
industry has grown in popularity.
This is a great investment opportunity for those who want to make a name in the travel industry.
This article will explain how to develop and what is the cost to build an app like Airbnb.
Airbnb is the best travel app and it can be helpful for businesses to examine the operation of
Airbnb. This is why we are starting this article by learning more about Airbnb. So, let’s begin
and try to figure out the development cost of an app like Airbnb.
What is Airbnb?
Airbnb is an online lodging marketplace that allows people to list and rent apartments
worldwide. This online marketplace is a great place to find short-term rentals and lodging. In
addition, you can create one of the best apps like Airbnb to connect people looking to rent their
vacation homes to others finding a place to stay.
It is impressive how revolutionary Airbnb’s concept is. It has revolutionized the way people
search for apartments. The Airbnb-like app development experience from scratch allows guests
to rent a private room from a local relative while they are abroad.

2. The best features of the Airbnb mobile app
Here are some exciting features to integrate while you build an app like Airbnb.
1. Register
Registration is the most crucial feature in Airbnb app development. While it is common for users
to fill out all information themselves, allowing them to sign up/log in via social media credentials
is more profitable.
2. Profiles
We just saw that when you invest in an iPhone or Android Airbnb Clone app, you don’t only
invest in one version of the app but all three versions. The Host, Guest, and Admin versions will
have the most extensive profiles. At the profile creation stage, you will need to gather
information about users’ names, email ids, dates of birth, phone numbers, payment methods, etc.
Then connect it to your secure backend structure to ensure all information is safe.
3. Multiple Filter Options
The best feature for the Airbnb app development is the filtration option. You can filter by
property type, cost range, date, and exactness to find the perfect location. You can even put your
specific interests in the app, and they will let you know when you are ready to finalize.
4. Room Details
There are many factors that users consider when choosing a room. For example, the uploaded
images, the view from the room, reviews, ratings, room description, property location, room rent,
TnCs, and other factors. In addition, they may also consider the host reviews.
5. Translation
Google Translate allows users to translate any description in the property listing into their native
language. This makes it possible for your Airbnb app development to reach more people in their
native language and increase engagement.
When deciding on the cost to build an app like Airbnb app, don’t forget to consider localization
and other challenges.
6. Map incorporation
Maps are another feature you should consider when calculating the development cost to build an
app like Airbnb. This is the only way for users to select the location they want to spend their
vacation. In addition, the map integration will likely be so strong that even remote areas can be
found in the applications like Airbnb.

3. 7. Backend Implementation
The server-side portion of an application is the most challenging to develop. This is especially
true when multiple users interact and make real-time payments. Therefore, this note must be
exact and professional to ensure that the Airbnb clone application works as it should.
8. Messaging
Apps like Airbnb make it easy to send and receive messages. However, you must provide a push
notification function to notify hosts and guests of any replies to their messages. This will
increase your app retention and conversion.
9. Add to Favorites
When estimating the cost to build an app like Airbnb on iOS and Android, another feature you
should be aware of is the ability to add favorites. This allows guests to save their property to
book it later or for shortlisting among the many options.
10. Invitation to Friends
An Airbnb-like app allows users to invite their friends. This can be a lucrative way to promote
your mobile app. You should let your friends ask you via social media, email, or messages.
11. Multiple Options
You should offer multiple settings options to your users. These include profile editing, accepting
push notifications, and changing payment methods. Users can also modify their wishlists. If you
offer more options, end-users will feel more at home working with your application. However,
adding more features to your Airbnb clone app will also increase costs.
These are the most common features to add to build an app like Airbnb, and they play an
essential role in the Airbnb app development cost breakdown. However, the technology stack in
all Airbnb clone app clones is almost identical, and their contribution to the final Airbnb app.
You need to have a tech stack to build an app like Airbnb.
Multiple technologies are required to develop an Airbnb app for Android or iOS.
• Software creation languages: JavaScript, Kotlin, or Swift
• Front-end frameworks include Express.js, React.js, and Angular.
• Ruby on Rails and Meteor, Node.js, and Django are examples of backend technologies.
• Server-side technologies include Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure and OpenStack,
Digital Ocean, APIs-based marketplace software, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure.
• Redis and Nginx are providers of caching services at the network level.
• All databases required are MySQL, Microsoft SQL Server, and MongoDB.

4. What is the revenue model for Airbnb App?
Understanding how to make money when creating an app like Airbnb is crucial. This section will
help to understand the monetization model for vacation rental apps like Airbnb. Below are some
revenue models:
1. Commission
A fixed commission fee, which is approximately 3 percent, is charged by the hosts for every
booking. Guests are required to pay between 6 and 12 percent of the non-refundable fee for
maximum bookings. The type of listing will affect the percentage. This means commissioning is
the only way to monetize your hospitality or travel app development business.
2. Transaction charges
The travel app will charge a fee for each completed booking and then close the transaction. This
is a great way to make massive revenue for travel apps.
3. Listing Fees
The property listing fees are the next revenue stream that can help grow businesses when
developing a tour and travel app like Airbnb. There is a fee for every listing that you make on the
app.
4. Advertisement
This is the most enhanced way to earn, as many brands want to advertise in the app while users
use it. These brands are promoted by paying a fee.
5. Property Verification Fees
There are additional charges to verify that the properties listed on the application are correct. The
property owners pay this fee to confirm that the property is available for stay.
6. Top Listing (Promoted)
Hosts may want their property to appear at the top of search results. Therefore, promoted listing
is subject to a charge. This allows the app to make a decent income and keep various properties
at the sponsored listing.
7. Photography charges
Airbnb employs photographers to take high-resolution photos of properties to increase demand.
If hosts use this service, they will need to pay for it. However, it is a great way to make money if
your app is like Airbnb.

5. How to develop an app like Airbnb?
Now that you have received a better insight into Airbnb, it’s time to start the development
procedure using these essential steps.
• Research
Research is a crucial part of your app development project. To create a highly-converting app,
you must understand your audience and competitors.
You can use surveys online or interview your target audience for more specific research results.
Do good research
• Learn the demography of your audience
• Understand your competition clearly
• Know the size of your market
• Indicate the USP of your product
• Calculate the cost to build an app like Airbnb
• Know the places you will be covering
• Your app design
Poor design and poor user experience are two reasons why many apps fail. Focus on color codes,
fonts, and elements when designing your app. These factors can be improved to create a
seamless user experience.
A good strategy is to make a prototype of your design or to record it beforehand so that you can
see how it looks. You can start with a paper sketch or make a digital prototype to get an idea of
your app’s appearance.
• Make your own app
Before developing an app, you must know what type of app you are building. There are two
types: Native apps and cross-platform apps. Native apps are only compatible with one platform;
cross-platform apps work on multiple platforms.
An app that only works on iOS or Android is called native. A cross-platform app, however, is
compatible across multiple platforms. In addition, because you can reuse the code, a hybrid
platform allows for a shorter development time.
• Front-end Development
The app’s front-end development ensures smooth onboarding and an easy-to-use user
experience. A clean, impressive front end is essential to attract new customers and retain your
existing customers.

6. Programming languages such as Javascript, Kyle, or Swift can be used with front-end
frameworks, React.js and Vue.js. For a better user experience, ensure you have a great UX/UI
design.
• Backend development
Although the user uses the front-end interface, the app’s core functions are done in the backend.
For example, the backend processes data storage, API calls, and retrievals.
The most common backend technologies used are:
• Ruby on Rails
• Django
• Node.js
Server-side technologies
• Amazon Web Services
• OpenStack
• Google Cloud
• Azure
• Test
After you have completed your app development, make sure you test it thoroughly to ensure its
functionality. App success is dependent on app testing. Unfortunately, even a tiny hack can lead
to years of lost work.
Mobile app testing checklist:
• Usability
• Security testing
• Performance
• Speed testing
• Tests for compatibility
• Installation testing
• Testing for interruption
Now, you can deploy the app on platforms such as Play Store and App Store.
Promote your app
This is the next step: getting your app in the hands of your target audience. Again, both
traditional and digital marketing is possible.
These are the most popular strategies for marketing your app

7. • Marketing via social media
• SEO optimization
• Traditional marketing: Newspaper ads, TV commercials, and billboards
• Content creation for websites
• App awards available
• Refer a friend
• Host giveaways
• Organise internal competitions for app users
• Offer discounts
• Encourage customer ratings on other digital platforms.
• Maintenance
To win long-term, your app must be maintained and updated after you have entered the market.
To fix the problems in the future, collect feedback from customers and consider it to improve the
issues in the subsequent updates. You need parallel testing to ensure everything goes smoothly in
an app like Airbnb.
What is the cost of developing an app like Airbnb?
This section will give you insight into the cost to build an app like Airbnb. Determining the cost
of any app you are developing is crucial so you can budget accordingly. These are some factors
that could impact the overall app development cost.
1. Size of the team
Every project requires creating a team, including a project manager and developers. This team
creates an app like Airbnb.
2. App Platform
Depending on the market reach and budget, you choose the platform to host your app. For
example, if you are targeting a small number of people, you can choose one platform, such as
iOS or Android. On the other hand, if your market is more extensive, you can opt for cross-
platform app development because it provides greater reach.
3. App Complexity Level
The complexity level is determined by the number and type of features included in the app. The
cost of developing an Airbnb clone app will be lower if your app only has basic features. This is
not the case for advanced features.
4. App Designing
The cost of developing an Airbnb clone app is determined by the design of the app. The total
development cost can be affected by the tools and visuals used. Standard designs are more

8. affordable. However, if you have a unique design or customization, it will increase the overall
cost.
What Apps are Similar to Airbnb?
Here are some Airbnb similar apps providing the same services to their end users.
1. HomeToGo
The app offers holiday aggregators. It lists 17 million properties from all over the world,
including Western & Eastern Europe. In addition, HomeToGo provides customer service for
guests and hosts in eight languages, including English, Russian, Polish, Italian, and Spanish.
There are more than 500,000 downloads. The features include profile verification, search results,
compare prices, filter options, saving favorites, property listings, booking requests, etc.
2. FlipKey
The world’s largest holiday rental marketplace, this site hosts more than 300,000. It offers
several features, including Check-in and check-out; Property profile & data storage; Search &
filter; Free-to-list option; Payment gateway; Instant booking services; User profile information.
In addition, Flipkey’s innovative pricing model, pay-per-booking, allows guests to book
reservations, and only then do they have to pay.
3. OneFineStay
This company offers the best in hospitality. The company’s unique selling point is its luxury
stays, providing guests with exceptional experiences and homes in their preferred destinations.
You can browse their homes, villas, and chalets in over 50 countries.
4. Vrbo
The app is similar to Airbnb, allowing users to search for accommodation from more than 2
million locations in 191 nations. This includes 65,000 cities, which both hosts and guests can
use. The app has over 1,000,000 downloads. Its main features include a search filter, user profile
information, virtual assistant, photos, reviews, property descriptions, book & pay 24-hour
service, in-app payment modes, in–app messaging feature, and share tips with your friends.
5. Bookings.com
The app has more than 27,000,000 accommodation options across the globe and manages a lot of
travel inventory like TripAdvisor. This app is an accommodation specialist. Booking.com owns a
variety of online travel companies, including Agoda and Rentalcars.com. Priceline and Kayak
are also among them. You can download over 1,00,000,000 of its features, including hotel
comparison, signup, discounts, in-app payments, hotel reviews, booking site requests,
accommodation searches, and hotel reviews.

9. FAQ
1. What is a travel app?
Depending on the type of travel app, it can help travelers book transport tickets, book
accommodation, or buy experiences. It can also help them navigate new places.
2. Can I create an app similar to Airbnb?
It is possible if you have the right developers and enough experience in software development.
In addition, this app must be well-designed to compete against apps like Airbnb, which offers
many features.
3. Where can I find the best developers to hire?
Hire top-notch app developers from a company like Mobenture.
4. How much does it cost for a travel app to be built?
The final cost of creating a travel app depends on its complexity and features. Developers will
need to be more skilled, which in turn, increases the cost. Essential travel apps can start at tens or
thousands of dollars, while the cost to build an app like Airbnb can be more.
5. What is the best travel app?
A search engine with filters and a listings database is essential for any decent travel app.
6. How can travel apps make money?
You can choose a monetization model for your travel app to make money, like in-app ads or
freemium, in-app purchases, paid apps, etc.
Let’s now see what the total cost is – the conclusion.
Now it’s time for you to get serious about business.
The cost to build an app like Airbnb depends on its functionality and the type of approach the
company is seeking.
Get in touch with Mobenture if you want your app to develop like Airbnb’s and give your
startup an energy boost.

10. Contact Us
311, 4893 Clarendon street,
Vancouver, BC, Canada V5R3J3
+1 (778) 668-8846
info@mobenture.com
https://www.mobenture.com/