AirBnB vs. VRBO for New Brunswick Property Owners: A Comprehensive Guide 📊🏡

Are you a property owner in New Brunswick considering listing your property on a short-term rental platform? This guide compares AirBnB and VRBO to help you make an informed decision about which platform is the best fit for your goals. We’ll dive into platform features, fees, audience demographics, and more with a focus on the New Brunswick rental market.

1. Platform Overview

AirBnB 🏠

• Global reach: AirBnB has over 6 million listings worldwide and operates in more than 220 countries.
• Audience: AirBnB attracts a mix of vacationers, business travelers, and digital nomads.
• Versatility: Offers a range of options, including shared spaces, private homes, and unique stays like yurts or treehouses.
• Focus on experiences: Hosts can offer local experiences and activities alongside accommodations.

VRBO (Vacation Rentals By Owner) 🌴

• Established reputation: Founded in 1995, VRBO specializes in entire property rentals (no shared spaces).
• Target market: Primarily caters to families and large groups looking for vacation rentals.
• Network: Part of the Expedia Group, giving listings visibility across Expedia, Hotels.com, and other sites.

2. Cost and Fees Breakdown

AirBnB

• Host fees: Typically 3% of the booking subtotal (nightly rate + cleaning fee + additional guest fees, if applicable).
• Guest fees: Between 14-20% of the booking total.
• Payment: AirBnB releases payments 24 hours after check-in.

VRBO

• Host fees: Options for pay-per-booking (8% commission per booking) or annual subscription ($499/year).
• Guest fees: Vary but average around 8-12%.
• Payment: VRBO typically releases payments 1-2 days after guests check in.

3. Audience Demographics

AirBnB: Appeals to a younger, tech-savvy audience (25-44 years old) and solo travelers or couples.

VRBO: Primarily attracts families and larger groups (average age 35-55), often seeking longer stays.

New Brunswick-Specific Insights 🗺️

• Tourism in New Brunswick sees peaks during summer months due to attractions like Fundy National Park, Hopewell Rocks, and Bay of Fundy whale watching.
• Families traveling from neighboring provinces (Nova Scotia, PEI, and Quebec) often prefer VRBO due to its group-friendly accommodations.
• Solo travelers and couples exploring the Fundy Footpath or city stays in Saint John or Fredericton tend to use AirBnB for flexible options.

4. User Experience and Booking Features

AirBnB Pros:

• User-friendly app with robust search filters (e.g., pet-friendly, waterfront views).
• Offers superhost status for added credibility and marketing.
• Integrated experiences to boost bookings.

AirBnB Cons:

• Higher guest fees can deter budget-conscious travelers.
• Shared spaces may lead to lower rental income for entire properties.

VRBO Pros:

• Focus on entire properties makes it ideal for maximizing rental income.
• Listings are syndicated across Expedia Group websites.
• Offers liability insurance for hosts up to $1 million.

VRBO Cons:

• Limited visibility for shared-space rentals.
• Annual subscription can be expensive for low-volume rentals.

5. Local Regulations in New Brunswick

Before listing on any platform, ensure your property complies with New Brunswick’s short-term rental regulations:

Licensing: Check if your municipality requires a business license or registration for short-term rentals.

Taxes: Both platforms automatically collect and remit the HST (15%) for New Brunswick bookings.

Zoning: Verify your property is in a zone that permits short-term rentals.

6. Earning Potential in New Brunswick

MetricAirBnBVRBOAverage Nightly Rate$150-$250 (urban areas)$200-$300 (family homes)Occupancy Rates~60% (off-peak), ~85% (peak)~50% (off-peak), ~80% (peak)Typical Stay Length2-3 nights4-7 nights

Insights:

Properties near Moncton, Saint Andrews, or Shediac (close to attractions like Parlee Beach) see higher rates on VRBO due to family demand.

Urban properties or unique stays (e.g., cabins in Albert County) perform well on AirBnB.

7. Which Platform is Right for You?

Choose AirBnB if:

• You want to attract a diverse group of travelers, including couples and solo adventurers.
• Your property is urban, compact, or has unique features like eco-friendly design.
• You’re interested in hosting shared spaces or offering shorter stays.

Choose VRBO if:

• You’re catering to families or groups with larger properties.
• Your property is in a vacation destination like Grand Manan or Miramichi.
• You want more exposure via Expedia’s extensive network.

8. Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Both platforms offer unique benefits, and the best choice depends on your property type, target audience, and goals. Many New Brunswick property owners list on both AirBnB and VRBO to maximize visibility and revenue.

💡 Pro Tip: Use a professional property manager or channel management software to streamline listings and bookings across multiple platforms.

Start exploring the potential of short-term rentals in New Brunswick today! 🏡