Break-even occupancy and minimum nightly rate calculator
How often must my rental be booked to cover its costs, and what is the lowest rate I can charge?
How this is worked out
- Each booked night earns the nightly rate, less the booking site fee, plus what is left of the cleaning fee after the cost of the turnover, shared across the nights of a stay.
- Your monthly costs are divided by that amount. The answer is how many booked nights a month cover them.
- Break-even occupancy is those nights as a share of the days you can sell. The lowest rate works the other way round: it is the rate that makes your costs exactly covered at the occupancy you expect.
A worked example
With $2,060 a month of fixed costs, a $150 nightly rate and 3-night stays, you need about 16.5 booked nights a month. That is 54% occupancy. If you expect 60%, the lowest rate that covers your costs is $136 a night.
Checked October 2026. Estimates from the numbers you type, not financial or tax advice. Your own statements show your real fees.
Sources: Airbnb: how host fees work
What is break-even occupancy?
It is the share of nights you must be booked to cover your costs, so you neither make nor lose money. Above it you make a profit.
What counts as a monthly cost?
Costs you pay whether or not anyone stays: mortgage or rent, insurance, utilities, internet, software, property tax, HOA fees and permits.
Why do cleaning costs matter here?
Each stay costs you a turnover. If the cleaning fee you charge is less than the turnover costs you, every stay earns a little less, and you need more nights to break even.
Does this include income tax?
No. The result is before income tax. Ask an accountant how your income is taxed where you live.
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