In recent years, short-term home rentals have transformed the way people travel, relocate, and live temporarily. Whether you’re a digital nomad, business traveler, family on vacation, or someone in transition between homes, short-term rentals offer fully furnished homes with the comfort of a house and the flexibility of a hotel — often at better value.
According to industry analysis from AirDNA, the global short-term rental market continues to show strong growth, driven by demand for authentic, spacious, and private accommodations compared to traditional hotels.
- What Are Short-Term Home Rentals?
- Key Benefits of Short-Term Home Rentals
- Short-Term Rentals vs Hotels vs Long-Term Leases
- Popular Types of Short-Term Home Rentals
- How to Find the Best Short-Term Rental Deals
- Essential Tips for Renters and Guests
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Short-Term Home Rentals?
Short-term home rentals, also known as vacation rentals, holiday homes, or monthly furnished rentals, refer to fully or partially furnished residential properties rented out for periods typically ranging from a few nights up to six months.
Unlike hotels, these are real homes — apartments, houses, cottages, or condos — equipped with kitchens, laundry, Wi-Fi, and living spaces. Platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com dominate the space, but specialized monthly rental platforms have gained significant traction for stays of 30+ days.
Research from Statista indicates strong momentum in demand for furnished monthly and mid-term rentals, especially among remote workers and relocating professionals.
Key Benefits of Short-Term Home Rentals
- Cost Savings – For stays longer than a week, short-term homes are often cheaper per night than hotels, especially with full kitchens reducing dining expenses.
- Space & Privacy – Multiple bedrooms, living rooms, and outdoor areas provide far more room than standard hotel rooms.
- Home-Like Comfort – Cook your own meals, do laundry, work remotely in peace, and live like a local.
- Flexible Lease Terms – No year-long commitments. Ideal for temporary assignments, renovations, or trial periods before moving permanently.
- Local Experience – Stay in residential neighborhoods instead of tourist zones.
Industry reports highlight that travelers increasingly prioritize accommodations offering kitchen facilities and workspace — features standard in most short-term home rentals.
Short-Term Rentals vs Hotels vs Long-Term Leases
| Name | Key Features | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short-Term Home Rentals | Full kitchen, laundry, multiple rooms, 1 night–6 months | Privacy, space, cost-effective for 7+ days, home amenities | Cleaning fees, less daily service | Families, remote workers, mid-term stays |
| Hotels & Extended-Stay Hotels | Daily housekeeping, front desk, on-site facilities | Convenience, amenities (pool, gym), consistency | Expensive long-term, limited space & kitchen | Very short trips (1–5 nights), business travelers |
| Traditional Long-Term Leases | 12-month contracts, unfurnished | Lowest monthly rate, stability | No flexibility, credit checks, utility setup | Permanent relocation |
| Corporate Housing | Furnished, utilities included, 30+ days | All-inclusive billing, premium furnishings | Highest price tier | Executive relocations, insurance placements |
Explore more: Corporate Housing Rentals | Monthly Home Rentals Guide
Popular Types of Short-Term Home Rentals
- Vacation Home Rentals – Beach houses, mountain cabins, lake cottages
- City Apartments (Monthly) – Ideal for digital nomads and remote workers
- Beachfront Home Rentals – Direct ocean access properties
- Mountain Cabin Rentals – Cozy retreats with fireplaces and views
- Executive & Luxury Home Rentals – High-end finishes, concierge-level service
- Holiday Home Rentals – Seasonal properties for Christmas, summer, or festivals
Learn more about premium options in our guide to Luxury Home Rentals and Beachfront Home Rentals.
How to Find the Best Short-Term Rental Deals and Pricing
The market is more diverse than ever. While Airbnb and Vrbo dominate short stays, platforms specializing in 30+ day bookings often offer significantly lower rates:
- Furnished Finder – Popular with traveling nurses and professionals
- Zumper & Hotpads – Strong monthly furnished filters
- Spotahome and HousingAnywhere – Great for Europe and international cities
Pro tip: Monthly discounts (20–50%) are automatically applied on most platforms when booking 28+ nights.
Essential Tips for Short-Term Home Renters
- Read the house rules and cancellation policy carefully
- Communicate directly with the host about check-in and amenities
- Check for hidden fees (cleaning, service, local taxes)
- Verify Wi-Fi speed if working remotely
- Book early for peak seasons (summer, holidays)
- Leave an honest review — it helps the entire community
Ready to Book Your Perfect Short-Term Home Rental?
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Frequently Asked Questions About Short-Term Home Rentals
What is considered a short-term rental?
Generally any rental under 6 months. Many cities define “short-term” as less than 30 days and have specific regulations.
Are short-term rentals cheaper than hotels?
For stays of 7+ days, yes — often significantly. The savings increase with kitchens and included utilities.
Do short-term rentals include utilities and Wi-Fi?
Almost always yes, especially in furnished monthly rentals. Always confirm in the listing description.
