Airbnb vs. Furnished Finder
The Definitive Guide for Mid-Term Rental Hosts. A comprehensive, data-driven comparison to help you choose the right platform, maximize your revenue, and attract your ideal tenants.
Based on official platform documentation and industry data
The mid-term rental (MTR) market, catering to stays of 30 days or longer, has become a lucrative niche for property owners seeking a balance between the high revenue of short-term rentals and the stability of long-term leases. Two platforms dominate this space, each with a distinct approach: the global giant Airbnb and the specialized powerhouse Furnished Finder. While both can be effective, they serve different audiences and require different strategies. Choosing the right platform—or using them in concert—is critical to your success.
This guide provides a comprehensive, data-driven analysis of Airbnb and Furnished Finder, breaking down their core differences in cost, audience, and operations. By understanding the nuances of each platform, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your property, your financial goals, and your management style.
At a Glance: Key Differences
A high-level overview reveals the fundamental distinctions between the two platforms. This table summarizes the most critical differences for hosts to consider.
| Feature | Furnished Finder | Airbnb |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Business Model | Annual Subscription (Listing Fee) | Per-Booking Commission |
| Host Cost | $179-$199 per year | 3% to 15.5% of booking revenue |
| Target Audience | Traveling Professionals (Nurses, Corporate) | Tourists, Vacationers, Digital Nomads |
| Average Stay Length | 90+ Days | Varies (Typically <30 Days, with monthly options) |
| Payment Processing | Host Manages Directly | Platform Manages Securely |
| Geographic Reach | United States Only | Global (220+ Countries) |
| Tenant Screening | Host Responsibility (Tools provided) | Platform-Managed (Basic Verification) |
| Competition | ~150,000+ Listings | ~7.7 Million+ Listings |
Deep Dive: A Four-Pillar Comparison Framework
To truly understand which platform is right for you, we will analyze them across four critical pillars: Cost & Profitability, Audience & Marketing, Operations & Management, and Risk & Protection.
Pillar 1: Cost & Profitability
Your net income is directly tied to the platform's fee structure
Furnished Finder: Predictable Subscription Model
Furnished Finder operates on a simple, predictable subscription model. You pay a single annual fee to list your property, and you keep 100% of the rent you collect. There are no commissions, no booking fees, and no hidden charges. This model provides cost certainty and becomes increasingly profitable with each booking you secure.
Furnished Finder Pricing:
- Standard Listing: $179 per year (increasing to $199 on January 2, 2026)
- Commissions: 0%
Airbnb: Commission-Based Model
Airbnb employs a commission-based model, which offers convenience but at a higher cost. The platform offers two main fee structures:
- Split-Fee: The most common option, where the host pays a small percentage (typically 3%) and the guest pays a larger service fee (around 14%). For stays of 28 nights or more, this guest fee is often reduced.
- Host-Only Fee: Becoming mandatory for many hosts, this structure consolidates the entire fee (typically 14-16%) onto the host. While it simplifies pricing for the guest, it significantly impacts the host's net payout.
Financial Scenario: A Head-to-Head Example
Let's analyze the financial impact on a property generating $24,000 in annual rental income.
| Platform | Host Fee Structure | Platform Cost | Net Revenue | Effective Fee Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Furnished Finder | Annual Subscription | $179 | $23,821 | 0.75% |
| Airbnb | Split-Fee (3%) | $720 | $23,280 | 3.0% |
| Airbnb | Host-Only Fee (15.5%) | $3,720 | $20,280 | 15.5% |
Conclusion: For hosts focused on maximizing net income from a handful of high-quality, long-term tenants, Furnished Finder's cost structure is mathematically superior. The savings in platform fees can amount to thousands of dollars annually.
Pillar 2: Audience & Marketing
Attracting the right tenant is just as important as the financial model
Furnished Finder: Precision-Targeted at Traveling Professionals
Furnished Finder is a niche marketing tool precision-targeted at traveling professionals. Its entire ecosystem is built to serve individuals on temporary work assignments. With over 1.7 million traveling nurses in the US and a growing number of remote workers and corporate travelers, this is a substantial and reliable tenant pool.
The Furnished Finder Tenant Profile:
- Profession: Employed professionals, often in healthcare or corporate sectors.
- Purpose of Travel: Work assignments, not leisure.
- Stay Duration: Typically 2-3 months, aligning with standard contract lengths.
- Behavior: Tend to be responsible, low-impact tenants who treat the property as a home, not a party venue.
Airbnb: Global Marketing Behemoth
Airbnb is a global marketing behemoth with unparalleled reach. It attracts a vast and diverse audience of tourists, families, and digital nomads from every corner of the world. This broad exposure is excellent for properties in high-demand tourist destinations but means you are competing for attention against millions of other listings.
The Airbnb Guest Profile:
- Profession: Highly diverse, from students to executives.
- Purpose of Travel: Primarily tourism and short-term stays, with a growing segment of monthly renters.
- Stay Duration: Varies widely, from a weekend to several months.
- Behavior: Ranges from quiet and respectful to vacation-mode partiers.
Conclusion:
If your property is located near hospitals, corporate centers, or universities, Furnished Finder offers direct access to your ideal tenant with less competition. If your property is in a prime tourist location and you want maximum visibility, Airbnb's global audience is unmatched.
Pillar 3: Operations & Management
The day-to-day reality of managing your rental
Furnished Finder: Hands-On, Direct-Management Platform
Furnished Finder is a hands-on, direct-management platform. It acts as a listing and lead-generation service, connecting you with potential tenants. From there, you are in complete control. You handle your own tenant screening, lease agreements, payment collection, and security deposits. This model requires more effort but offers total autonomy.
Key Host Responsibilities on Furnished Finder:
- Screening: Conduct your own background and credit checks (tools like KeyCheck are available).
- Leasing: Provide and manage your own state-compliant lease agreements.
- Payments: Collect rent directly from the tenant (via Zelle, Venmo, or rent collection software).
Airbnb: Full-Service, Hands-Off Platform
Airbnb is a full-service, hands-off platform. It automates nearly every aspect of the booking and payment process. The platform handles guest verification, secure payment processing, and provides a framework for communication and dispute resolution. This convenience is what you are paying for with their higher commission fees.
Key Platform Services on Airbnb:
- Payment Processing: Securely handles all guest payments and host payouts.
- Booking Management: Manages calendars, booking requests, and alterations.
- Guest Verification: Provides a baseline level of identity verification.
- Support: Offers 24/7 customer support and a dispute resolution center.
Conclusion:
If you are a seasoned landlord who prefers to manage your own business and vet your own tenants, Furnished Finder provides the freedom you need. If you prioritize convenience and want to minimize administrative work, Airbnb's end-to-end solution is the better choice.
Pillar 4: Risk & Protection
Protecting your investment is paramount
Furnished Finder: Host Responsibility
Furnished Finder places the responsibility for protection squarely on the host. The platform itself does not offer insurance or payment guarantees. Instead, it empowers hosts to protect themselves through traditional landlord practices. The primary method of risk mitigation is thorough tenant screening and a strong lease agreement.
Airbnb: Built-In Platform Protections
Airbnb offers built-in, platform-level protections. Through its AirCover for Hosts program, it provides a layer of protection against property damage and liability. It also acts as an intermediary in payment disputes, offering a degree of financial security that direct-booking platforms cannot.
Risk Factor Comparison
| Risk Factor | Furnished Finder Approach | Airbnb Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Property Damage | Host's own insurance & security deposit | AirCover for Hosts (up to $3M USD) |
| Payment Default | Host's legal recourse (eviction) | Platform handles collections; payment is more secure |
| Liability | Host's own liability insurance | AirCover for Hosts (up to $1M USD) |
| Tenant Disputes | Handled directly between host and tenant | Platform mediation and resolution center |
Conclusion:
Airbnb offers a more comprehensive, built-in safety net, which is appealing for new or risk-averse hosts. Furnished Finder requires a more proactive, self-reliant approach to risk management, which experienced landlords may prefer for the greater control it affords.
The Verdict: When to Use Each Platform
The optimal choice depends entirely on your specific goals and circumstances. Use this checklist to guide your decision.
Prioritize Furnished Finder if:
- Your primary goal is to maximize net rental income.
- Your property is located in the US, especially near medical or business centers.
- You want to attract stable, professional tenants for stays of 30-90+ days.
- You are comfortable with direct tenant screening, leasing, and payment collection.
- You prefer a predictable, low-cost business model with no commissions.
Prioritize Airbnb if:
- You want to reach the largest possible global audience.
- You prioritize convenience and want the platform to handle payments and bookings.
- Your property is in a high-demand tourist area suitable for shorter stays.
- You are less experienced and value the safety net of AirCover and platform support.
- You are willing to pay a commission in exchange for automation and reduced administrative work.
The Hybrid Strategy: Getting the Best of Both Worlds
For many hosts, the most effective strategy is not to choose one platform, but to use both in a coordinated manner.
- Maximize Occupancy: Use Furnished Finder to secure a baseline of long-term, stable bookings. Use Airbnb to fill any gaps in your calendar with shorter-term stays.
- Seasonal Optimization: List on Furnished Finder during your property's low season to ensure consistent income. Open up your calendar on Airbnb during the high season to capitalize on higher nightly rates.
- Diversify Your Risk: By using both platforms, you are not reliant on a single source of tenants, making your business more resilient to market shifts or changes in platform algorithms.
References
- Furnished Finder. (2025). What are the Subscription Prices and Listing Options? Retrieved from https://support.furnishedfinder.com/hc/en-us/articles/35312669359515-What-are-the-Subscription-Prices-and-Listing-Options
- Airbnb. (2025). Airbnb service fees. Airbnb Help Center. Retrieved from https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/1857
- Furnished Finder. (2025). How It Works. Retrieved from https://www.furnishedfinder.com/how-it-works
- Hostaway. (2025, July 3). Airbnb vs Furnished Finder: Which is Better for Hosts? Retrieved from https://www.hostaway.com/blog/airbnb-vs-furnished-finder-for-hosts/
- Hospitable. (2025). Furnished Finder vs. Airbnb: Which Is Better for Hosts? Retrieved from https://hospitable.com/furnished-finder-vs-airbnb
- Hostaway. (2025, December 18). How to Book Mid-Term Guests on Airbnb (MTR). Retrieved from https://www.hostaway.com/blog/how-to-book-mid-term-guests-on-airbnb/
Ready to Optimize Your Mid-Term Rental Strategy?
Use this guide to make an informed decision about which platform—or combination of platforms—is right for your property and goals.