What to Save On—and What’s Worth the Splurge—in Your Airbnb
Smart decisions for comfort, durability, and 5-star reviews—without blowing your budget.
Take it from me, setting up an Airbnb can get expensive fast. When we got our first short-term rental up and running in 2023, we had no idea what to expect, and I definitely made some purchases I wouldn’t repeat again! It’s SO hard to know whether to invest in quality decor, or buy more budget pieces, knowing you’ll probably end up replacing things quickly anyway. And now, as an experienced Airbnb Superhost, I think I’ve found the right balance. The key: intentional spending. This means knowing where to cut costs and where to invest for guest experience and long-term payoff. You don’t have to splurge on everything to make your space feel stylish, welcoming, and functional.
Things to Save On
These are the areas where you can go budget-friendly without sacrificing quality.
1. Wall Art & Decor
- Affordable prints. Most of my wall art comes from HomeGoods or Target.
- Use statement pieces sparingly and focus on clean, cohesive styling.
2. Dishes & Glassware
- You don’t need high-end dinnerware, just a matching, complete set (with backups!). While I love brands like Corelle, Williams Sonoma, or Crate & Barrel for my home, I’ve learned that it’s best to stick to Amazon Basics. *As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases*
- Stick to dishwasher-safe and easily replaceable pieces. Inevitably, you’ll have some pieces that break.
3. Accent Furniture
- Side tables, ottomans, benches—these can often be thrifted or sourced affordably.
- Focus more on style/scale than brand names.
4. Throw Pillows & Blankets
- Buy inexpensive covers and rotate seasonally.
- Save by using high-quality inserts with budget-friendly covers. Check out my post: Throw Pillow Basics: The Smart Way to Mix Covers and Inserts for more details!
5. Towels & Sheets (with a caveat)
- White, hotel-style basics can do the trick if they’re durable and easy to bleach. Amazon, Costco, and Target are great places to look!
- You want to buy good-enough quality so that they can withstand frequent use and washes, and also that they are comfortable for the guests (no one likes a scratchy towel!). However, you don’t want to invest too much, as inevitably the towels will get stained and worn and may need to be replaced often.
- My tip: Buy multiple identical sets for easy rotation. This makes it much easier for you/your cleaner!
What’s Worth the Splurge
These items either make a lasting impression or improve your life as a host.
1. Mattresses
- The most important investment—guests spend 1/3 of their trip sleeping.
- Medium-firm, memory foam or hybrid options get high marks.
- If you like memory foam, this mattress is a great option from Amazon (we’ve already bought two and have had positive remarks!)
2. Smart Locks
- Keyless entry improves guest experience and reduces stress for hosts.
- One-time cost that pays for itself quickly. When we first started hosting, we bought a cheaper version and had several issues with guests not being able to get in the house!
3. High-Quality Duvet Inserts & Pillows
- Guests will notice a sad, lumpy bed.
- Good inserts last longer and give your bed that plush, designer look.
- Combine with budget-friendly covers to stretch your budget.
4. Reliable Cleaning Tools & Supplies
- If you clean yourself or manage your cleaner, quality tools (vacuums, mops, etc.) matter.
- Ultimately, this saves time, effort, and replacement costs down the line.
5. Washer/Dryer (If Possible)
- A huge bonus for both guests and hosts during turnovers.
- If space allows, it’s worth investing in a good, fast, energy-efficient model. We’ve already upgraded both our washer AND dryer. With short-term rentals, you will probably be doing heavy loads almost every other day, so it’s important to invest in a quality washer and dryer.
Final Thoughts: Be Strategic, Not Cheap
- Creating a great guest experience isn’t about spending the most—it’s about spending smart.
- Save where it won’t be noticed, splurge where it matters most.
- And don’t forget: buying once, intentionally, often costs less in the long run than cutting corners.
