If you’re thinking about listing your home as a short-term rental (STR) on Airbnb, Vrbo, or other booking platforms, one of your first questions is probably: How much will it cost to get started?
The truth is, there are upfront costs involved in preparing your property for guests. But here’s the good news: when done right, you can earn back those initial investments with your very first bookings.
Common Startup Costs for STR Hosts
Before you welcome your first guest, you’ll want to make sure your property is safe, appealing, and guest-ready. Some of the most common initial expenses include:
Furnishings & Décor: Comfortable beds, stylish furniture, and thoughtful touches make your space stand out.
Kitchen & Household Essentials: Stocking dishes, cookware, utensils, linens, towels, and cleaning supplies ensures your guests have everything they need.
Safety Upgrades: Smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, carbon monoxide detectors, and secure locks are non-negotiable for both compliance and peace of mind.
Professional Photography: Listings with high-quality photos consistently book faster and at higher rates than those without.
Deep Cleaning & Staging: A spotless, well-staged property sets the tone for 5-star reviews.
Tech & Amenities: Wi-Fi, smart TVs, streaming options, exterior cameras, and smart locks for easy check-in.
Local Licensing & Permits (if required): Some towns require permits or registration before you can host.
While these expenses vary based on property size and location, most hosts find that a modest upfront investment dramatically increases their earning potential.
Why the Initial Investment Pays Off
Short-term rentals have a higher nightly rate compared to traditional long-term leases. That means even after accounting for cleaning and hosting fees, most property owners can recoup their setup costs quickly. For example:
A well-presented listing in a desirable area can generate several hundred dollars from just a weekend’s worth of bookings.
Many hosts cover their entire initial investment within their first month or two of being live.
Once those startup costs are covered, every additional booking is profit, helping you maximize your return on investment for years to come.
The Real Value: Future-Proofing Your STR
Think of your initial spend as business startup costs. Just like opening a café or retail shop requires equipment and setup, preparing your STR is about creating an experience people are excited to book.
High-quality furnishings and professional photos are not just expenses; they’re marketing tools. They help your property rank higher in search results, earn 5-star reviews, and command a better nightly rate.
Work with Experts Who Know the Market
At Short Term Stay Pros, we help property owners like you minimize the guesswork. From guiding you on cost-effective setup decisions to securing professional staging and photography, our goal is to get your property seen online and booked fast.
You don’t need to overspend to succeed, but you do need to make smart, strategic investments upfront. With the right setup, your short-term rental can become a reliable income stream that more than pays for itself.
✅ Ready to start earning from your property? Contact Short Term Stay Pros today and let us help you turn your home into a profitable STR.
