14 of the best cheap Airbnbs under $50 a night in the US, from a tree house in Oklahoma City to a pool home in Texas
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- Experts say private Airbnbs may be safer than hotels because they promote social distancing.
- A private vacation rental doesn't have to be expensive; many great Airbnbs are under $50 per night.
- We found cheap Airbnbs for every need: solitude, road trip pit stops, sightseeing, and more.
As a freelance travel journalist writing about consumer travel for the last 20 years or so, I have plenty of experience covering incredible places to stay, especially those that offer the best value. Because, like most travelers, I've never had the luxury of booking a place to stay without carefully considering the price first.
And with domestic travel looking to enjoy an upswing this spring and summer after a tough year and a half, value is going to be more important than ever. With that in mind, and knowing that experts consider private vacation rentals like Airbnb to be the safest option, I took up the challenge to find memorable, attractive, and character-filled places to stay on Airbnb for $50 per night or less.
While not top-floor penthouses or lavish mansions, these modest homes still bring their own undeniable charms, from country cabins and historic homes to city-center apartments.
Browse all the best cheap Airbnb homes under $50 below, or jump directly to a specific area here:
These are some of the best cheap Airbnbs under $50, sorted by price from low to high:
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Book this cottage in Vancouver, WA on Airbnb starting at $37 per night
We all need some alone time every now and then, and as far as affordable retreats go, this place is an unusual but unpretentious sanctuary. Built entirely by volunteers wanting to learn about building with natural resources, this cottage is located on the owner's property.
Fruit trees and tropical foliage create a private space with the look of a lush, organic garden. The cottage is compact and basic but has everything you might need for some time off-grid. The materials create an adobe-style building that is cooled and sound-proofed. The decor is bohemian and rustic, with knitted quilts and decoupaged worktops. There's Wi-Fi, but no indoor plumbing, and the outdoor shower and separate compostable toilet do mean it's back to basics. Drinking water, a fan, a microwave, and a refrigerator are all provided.
There are stores and restaurants within a five-minute walk, and the C-TRAN rail service into Portland is also just a short walk.
There's still good availability for May, July, and September.
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Book this studio in Tampa on Airbnb starting at $40 per night
There are a lot of tacky apartments at this price in Florida, but this is a nice exception. The hardwood floors and midcentury modern furniture, such as the table and dining chairs, really upgrade the look, a fact that's reflected in its reviews. A gray and white palette makes for a sleek, bright interior, and photography prints provide welcome bursts of color. A kitchenette and Wi-Fi add to the necessary comforts, in addition to a sunny patio.
Day trips to the beach or sampling the nightlife and entertainment of downtown Tampa are both eminently convenient from this incredibly affordable studio. Busch Gardens and Tampa Zoo are also easily accessible by car.
The studio has great availability from May onwards, throughout the summer.
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Book this casita in Joshua Tree on Airbnb starting at $42 per night
Escape big city light pollution in favor of star-spotting and the stunning beauty just outside Joshua Tree National Park. This 1950s cabin in Wonder Valley is basic but offers a comfortable stay in the relative wilderness that won't require tents and equipment.
Pull-down beds, a dated but fully-equipped kitchen, and a hot water shower elevate the property above glamping, and the stone architecture evokes a suitably rural sense of place. The furnishings are simple and serviceable, but the best part is the large patio. Out back, you can sit around the fire pit and stargaze with the Milky Way on full display on clear nights. The cabin comes with a stove, microwave, and refrigerator, and recently upgraded Wi-Fi service. The expanse of the Joshua Tree National Park is just 10 minutes by car.
The cabin is booked until June but opens up progressively throughout the summer.
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Book this studio in Kansas City on Airbnb starting at $45 per night
The outstanding rating of this home really speaks to how much guests love staying in this quirky, colorful studio that is well-located to explore Kansas City's local arts scene. The trendy Crossroads Arts District is around a five minutes' drive, as is downtown.
A bold teal and burnt orange color scheme conjure up a true southwest ambiance. The studio has hardwood floors and a geometric patterned lounge chair that complements the colorful art pieces. A clever, bunk-style bed means that there's more living space to enjoy the space, and a sleek modern bathroom, kitchenette, and dining area add to the appeal.
April, May, and June are wide open, before a fully-booked summer.
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Book this adobe house in Texas on Airbnb starting at $45 per night
Just outside El Paso near the Mexican border, this adobe house dates back to the 1700s, located in the open countryside in the heart of the historic Mission Trail.
The exterior exemplifies that timeless architecture, while inside, exposed wooden beams and tiled floors create a rustic ambiance that keeps the home naturally cool. It has all the amenities of a fully-equipped cottage with a full kitchen and shower, plus Wi-Fi and air conditioning. If it gets chilly at night, cozy up next to a wood-burning fireplace. The town center is just a couple of minutes' drive and has casinos, art galleries, cafes, and restaurants, but otherwise, you can enjoy some unspoiled tranquility by staying put.
There's still a lot of wide-open dates through the spring and summer months.
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Book this treehouse in Oklahoma City on Airbnb starting at $47 per night
Typically, treehouse rentals on Airbnb come with expensive price tags, but this rare find starts under $50 per night. The treehouse is ensconced within the leafy backyard of an artists' commune, and was handcrafted entirely of reclaimed lumber and supplies.
The overall look is downright enchanting, with string bistro lighting and wooden steps that lead up into the perched space that includes a cozy twin bed and eclectic art collection adorning the walls. Laying back, all you will see are trees, which makes it feel secluded and private. The shower and kitchen facilities are on the ground level with a well-constructed cedar shower and campground-style toilet. There is also a cute garden space with a hammock, fire pit, and loungers. It's a quiet, residential neighborhood that's a 15-minute drive from downtown and the arts district.
There's good availability from April onwards.
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Book this studio in New York City on Airbnb starting at $48 per night
Staying in New York City is notoriously expensive, but if you're willing to venture out of Manhattan, there are still affordable places on offer.
This private studio in the Bronx is close to the 5 train, which can whisk you into the thick of things cheaply and easily. Unlike a lot of city center options at this price, this is well-reviewed as a clean, private, and nicely decorated spot. Neutral colors and contemporary furniture are complemented by ceramic pieces, a Queen bed, and fully equipped kitchen. Bronx Park is also just a few minutes' walk away.
The studio is busy until June when dates start to open up.
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Book this guest house in Portland on Airbnb starting at $50 per night
Portland is one of the country's hottest destinations, with a thriving foodie and art scene that's just a few minutes' drive from this cute, bijoux guest house.
At 200 square feet, it's certainly compact, but perfectly liveable for a couple needing a base to explore the city. It's freshly renovated and a block from the green outdoor space of Mt. Scott Park. A King-size daybed, sunny private patio, and colorful Native American art all add to the allure. There's plenty of storage space for tucking away your bags, and also a small dining area and kitchenette.
The summer is fully booked, but there's still great availability for April, May, and June.
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Book this barn loft in Connecticut on Airbnb starting at $50 per night
Escape into the rural idyll of a working farm in the New England countryside. This is one of the larger properties for under $50 per night, and while it can fit 15 guests, the space is open plan, with four beds in one room.
The converted barn is set on 40 acres of Bluebird Farm, which is fully operational with crops and livestock and all of the accompanying glorious smells and noises. It's a rustic sanctuary that is ideal for some time off-grid to get back to nature or finally write that novel.
The wood-paneled interior comes with comfortable-seeming sofas and beds, as well as a kitchenette, bathroom, and shower. Guests also have access to a lovely gazebo in the garden.
The barn is fully booked until the end of May, but dates open up into the summer and fall.
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Book this bungalow in Tombstone on Airbnb starting at $50 per night
If you're taking a road trip along the historic Route 66 highway, then you'll need a few great value pit stops. This arty bungalow in Tombstone fits the bill.
Recently refurbished, the cute pink and green exterior hints at the thoughtful approach to the design. An artistic eye pepped the place up with an eclectic interior that includes decor mixing framed B-movie posters with old road maps and antique whiskey jugs, as well as the owner's own sculptures of houses.
A Queen bed, dark hardwood floors, plush sofa, and an animal skin rug create a colorful, contemporary space and the kitchen and bathroom are both fully equipped. The bungalow is just off the National Historic Landmark of the Goodenough Silver Mine, and with downtown Tombstone a minute or two by car, you might be tempted to stay a while.
There's good availability through June and the summer, into fall.
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Book this house in New Orleans on Airbnb starting at $50 per night
I live in New Orleans and can vouch that Mid City has become one of New Orleans' most exciting neighborhoods. This fully-renovated guest house puts you right in the thick of things as it's just a few blocks from the Fairgrounds, which is where most of the big festivals are held, making it an ideal base for attending New Orleans varied festival offerings throughout the year.
The interiors look brand new, with polished wooden floors, and an open plan living room and kitchenette bathed in natural sunlight. The furnishings include a funky, shiny black sofa and a retro, tulip-style dining table for four. Vintage jazz albums adorn the walls and pay homage to its city surroundings, and there's a wet bar for making those all-important cocktails.
The place is booked up until late May, but then the summer months have much more availability.
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Book this tipi in Devil's Tower on Airbnb starting at $50 per night
The dramatic rock formation of Devil's Tower is a real bucket list landmark in the United States. It's a region rich in history, being the site where General Custer famously met his doom. Devil's Tower itself is just a couple of minutes by car.
This tipi experience is a fun way to get back to basics and appreciate the timeless appeal of these ancient lands. A form of glamping, staying here comes with accessories including two camp stoves, pot and coffee fixings, a propane lantern, and a solar lantern. There's no electricity, but there is a solar-powered shower and porta potty toilet. If you don't have your own sleeping bags, the hosts can fix up a comfortable camp bed for a small extra charge.
There's a good number of dates open from May onwards, throughout the summer.
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Book this tiny house in North Carolina on Airbnb starting at $50 per night
Located in a picture-perfect meadow in the rolling, North Carolina countryside, this tiny house's neighbors include friendly goats and alpacas, and 16 acres of tranquil fields.
The house itself is a cozy 8'x18' space with a loft-style Queen bed, a work desk, sofa, and kitchenette. Impressive for a rural property such as this one, there's also a hot shower, toilet, Wi-Fi, and air conditioning. A wealth of nearby outdoor pursuits range from white water rafting to seasonal skiing.
There's plenty of availability from late April onwards throughout the summer.
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Book this pool house in Texas on Airbnb starting at $50 per night
Most homes on Airbnb with a private pool are listed well above $50 per night, but this self-contained pool house, three miles outside Texas' oldest town, is affordable most of the year. It's not just a paddling pool, either; it's a large swimming pool that you can actually swim lengths in, plus it comes with loungers, a patio, and a bar area.
The house itself is compact but accommodating, with a bright blue and yellow color scheme and neutral, contemporary furniture. There is a Queen bed and a fully-stocked kitchen with its own small dining table for two. Wi-Fi and air conditioning add to the amenities, but the pool access is the real draw.
The property is booked up until the end of May but is wide open over summer and into fall, ideal for dipping into the pool
FAQ: How to book Airbnb for cheapWhy is Airbnb cheap?
While not always the case (enter: gigantic mansions and estates), staying in an Airbnb can be cheaper than a hotel when all you need is simple accommodations. This is especially true of smaller spaces such as guest suites, private entrance apartments, cottages, villas, and unique homes such as yurts or glamping. If you're willing to cut back on extra amenities or unnecessary space, you'll likely save big.
How can I book Airbnb for cheap?
Search for homes on Airbnb and filter results based on price for the location and dates that you need. You may then further refine your results by number of bedrooms or bathrooms, type of lodging, amenities, and more.
Just be sure to also budget extra for fees such as cleaning, service fees, and other additional costs imposed by vacation rentals such as Airbnb, which are set by each individual host.
For more information on how to book on Airbnb, click here.
Is it safe to stay in an Airbnb right now?
The CDC now says fully vaccinated people can safely travel in the US.
Additionally, experts we spoke to said private home vacation rentals on Airbnb are safe, especially compared to hotels. They promote social distancing, and all hosts are required to follow Airbnb's enhanced cleaning procedures.
However, be sure to still follow CDC and local guidelines in addition to washing your hands frequently, wearing your mask in public areas, and following social distancing.
What is Airbnb's cancellation policy?
Even when booking cheap Airbnbs, it's important to note the cancellation policy, should your plans change. Know that each individual host sets their own policies, which range from lenient to extremely strict. Be sure to understand the policy of the home before you book. Click here for a full breakdown of Airbnb's cancellation policies.
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