How to Build an App Like Airbnb in 2025: Cost and Features Guide

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In the booming digital economy, short-term rental platforms like Airbnb have disrupted the hospitality industry. If you’re an entrepreneur or startup aiming to replicate this success, you’re likely wondering: how much does it cost to build an app like Airbnb? This guide answers that and more—covering must-have features, tech stack, cost breakdown, and how to stand out in a competitive market.

What is Airbnb and Why is it Successful?

Airbnb is a peer-to-peer rental platform that connects hosts offering accommodations with travelers seeking a place to stay. The app’s simplicity, trust mechanisms, and global reach make it a leader in the online hospitality sector.

The Airbnb mobile application runs seamlessly across Android and iOS, offering a user-friendly interface and dynamic functionalities.

Why Build an App Like Airbnb?

Creating an Airbnb similar app can tap into a fast-growing market of millennial and Gen Z travelers who prefer unique stays over traditional hotels.

According to Statista, the vacation rental industry is expected to reach $119 billion by 2027.

Core Features of an Airbnb Clone App

To make your Airbnb clone app development services stand out, here are the essential features:

For Guests:

User Registration and Profile
Search Filters (location, price, amenities, ratings)
Calendar Availability
In-App Chat
Booking and Payment
Guest Reviews and Ratings
Push Notifications

For Hosts:

Listing Management
Booking Calendar
Pricing Tools
Request Approval System
Revenue Dashboard
Host Support

Admin Panel:

User Management
Commission and Payouts
Content Moderation
Analytics and Reporting

Advanced Features to Consider

AI-based Recommendations: Personalized search suggestions
Airbnb Augmented Reality: Virtual tours of properties
In-App Translation: For global travelers
Dynamic Pricing: Adjusts based on demand and season
Voice Search: For accessibility and convenience

How to Make an App Like Airbnb: Step-by-Step?

1. Market Research

Understand competitors, user behavior, and pain points. Focus on underserved niches like pet-friendly homes or rural stays.

2. Choose the Right Business Model

Airbnb uses a commission model, charging both guests and hosts. Other options:

Subscription model
Freemium with premium features
Featured listings

3. Design the UI/UX

A clean and intuitive interface is non-negotiable. Use tools like Figma or Adobe XD to prototype before development.

4. Tech Stack Selection

Here’s what powers an Android Airbnb app:

Frontend: Flutter, React Native (for cross-platform), Kotlin (Android), Swift (iOS)
Backend: Node.js, Python (Django), or Ruby on Rails
Database: PostgreSQL, MongoDB
Cloud: AWS, Google Cloud
Payment: Stripe, PayPal
Maps: Google Maps API
Notifications: Firebase Cloud Messaging

Cost to Develop an App Like Airbnb

Here’s a rough estimate based on average hourly rates ($25–$50/hour):

Module	Hours	Cost Range
UI/UX Design	100	$2,500 – $5,000
Frontend Development	200	$5,000 – $10,000
Backend Development	250	$6,250 – $12,500
Admin Panel	100	$2,500 – $5,000
QA & Testing	80	$2,000 – $4,000
Project Management	50	$1,250 – $2,500
Total (Basic MVP)	780	$19,500 – $39,000

How to Build a Site Like Airbnb?

If you’re aiming for a website version:

Use Next.js or React for frontend.
Use headless CMS (e.g., Strapi) for scalable content.
Integrate real-time features via WebSockets.
Prioritize mobile responsiveness.

Monetization Options

Service Fees: % of each booking
Host Membership Plans
Featured Listings
Ad Placement

Airbnb Clone App Development Services

If you’re planning to outsource, look for a development partner with:

Experience in geo-location, real-time messaging, and secure payment integration
Case studies in the hospitality or travel sectors
Ability to scale across Android, iOS, and web platforms

Conclusion

To summarize:

Creating an application like Airbnb is viable, but success depends on differentiation and execution.
The cost ranges from $20,000 to $80,000+ depending on features and complexity.
Ensure you focus on user experience, seamless payments, and trust-building features.
Add modern touches like Airbnb augmented reality to stand out.

Whether you’re looking to build a site like Airbnb or develop a full-featured Airbnb mobile application, the roadmap is clear—invest in research, hire experienced developers, and think long-term.

FAQs

Developing a basic Airbnb clone app can take 3 to 6 months. Advanced features like AI-based suggestions or augmented reality can extend the timeline to 9 months or more.

Must-have features include user profiles, property listings, booking engine, payment gateway, reviews & ratings, messaging, and admin panel controls.

Yes, it’s legal to create an app similar to Airbnb as long as you don’t copy their brand, UI elements, or proprietary code. Focus on offering unique value and user experience.

Typical tech stack includes React Native or Flutter (for mobile), Node.js or Django (for backend), PostgreSQL/MongoDB (database), and AWS/GCP for cloud services.

Yes, you can add AR features using tools like ARKit (iOS), ARCore (Android), or Unity. It helps users take virtual property tours, boosting engagement and trust.

While no-code platforms can create MVPs, scalable and secure Airbnb-like apps usually require custom development using a full tech stack.

To stand out, focus on a niche (e.g., luxury stays, pet-friendly homes), include advanced tech (AI, AR), offer stellar UX, and implement a localized marketing strategy.

About the Author

ongraph

OnGraph Technologies- Leading digital transformation company helping startups to enterprise clients with latest technologies including Cloud, DevOps, AI/ML, Blockchain and more.