The large-platform model
Two sides can pay service fees.
Under Airbnb’s published split-fee model, guests commonly pay 14.1%-16.5% and most hosts pay 3%. Fee structures vary by listing and booking.
Book direct · keep it local
When you book direct, more stays in Calgary.
Compare the same host booking base with a smaller, clearly disclosed guest fee.
14.1%-16.5%
published split-fee guest range
3%
typical split-fee host charge
4%
Stay Local YYC guest fee
The direct model
One clear 4% guest fee.
You pay the host’s booking base plus 4%. The host receives the full nightly rate and property fees, which is about 96% of your direct-booking total.
Worked example
A $1,000 booking base.
This comparison excludes taxes and uses the same booking base on both platforms.
Airbnb guest fee
~$140
using a 14% estimate
Direct guest fee
$40
a clear 4%
Host receives
$1,000
the full booking base
Check the source