Airbnb Setup Cost: What Affects Pricing and How to Plan Your Budget

Introduction

The cost of setting up an Airbnb property can vary widely, depending on factors like property size, desired guest experience, and the furnishing approach you choose. While some competitors charge between $6 to $17 per square footfor design, project management, labor, and furniture — Bee Setups takes a different approach, offering flat-rate design packages ranging from $995 to $6,500, plus the cost of furnishings. Most of our client projects range from $20,000–$25,000+, with a project minimum of $15,000.

In this guide, we’ll break down what impacts Airbnb setup pricing, how to budget effectively, and why a professional furnishing service can maximize your return on investment.

Quick Facts – Airbnb Setup Costs (2025)

• Average Bee Setups project range: $20,000–$25,000+ (includes furnishings, delivery, installation, and design package)

• Project minimum: $15,000

• Competitor pricing: $6–$17 per sq ft (design + project management + labor + furniture)

• Average completion time: 3–6+ weeks depending on size and scope

• Common ROI lift: 20%+ increase in bookings and nightly rates within the first 6 months

Key Factors That Affect Airbnb Setup Costs

1. Property Size and Number of Rooms

More rooms require more furniture, décor, and essentials. A 1-bedroom city apartment may need a modest budget compared to a 5-bedroom vacation home with themed spaces.

2. Furniture Quality & Durability

Short-term rentals require furnishings that can withstand high turnover, frequent cleaning, and guest wear-and-tear. Bee Setups sources commercial-grade and rental-optimized furniture designed for longevity.

3. Design Complexity

Custom design features, thematic décor, or premium finishes can increase your total cost. While basic setups are efficient, highly stylized interiors drive higher ADR (average daily rate).

4. Turnkey vs. DIY Approach

DIY furnishing might seem cheaper upfront, but it often comes with delays, mismatched inventory, and unexpected expenses. Turnkey services like Bee Setups handle everything — design, sourcing, delivery, assembly, and final staging.

5. Geographic Location

Rural areas may have higher freight costs; city properties may require additional handling for stairs, elevators, or limited parking.

6. Project Timeline

Faster timelines can sometimes require rush shipping or additional labor, which may affect the budget.

Bee Setups Package Pricing

Package	Design Fee	Revisions Included	Ideal For	Furniture Cost Minimum
Standard	$995	2 revisions	Smaller rentals or budget-conscious investors	$15,000+
Essentials	$2,500	3 revisions	Mid-size properties, balanced style & cost	$15,000+
Premium	$4,500	4 revisions	High-end look, more customization	$15,000+
Luxury	$6,500	5 revisions	Large or luxury properties	$15,000+

See full details: Bee Setups Packages

Step-by-Step: How to Plan Your Airbnb Setup Budget

Step 1 – Define Your Target Guest ProfileDecide who you’re designing for — budget travelers, families, or luxury guests. This determines design scope and spend.

Step 2 – Choose Your Service ModelSelect a package that fits your property type and investment goals.

Step 3 – Allocate for Furniture & EssentialsSet aside $20k–$25k+ for most properties. This includes sofas, beds, tables, linens, kitchenware, décor, and staging.

Step 4 – Plan for Delivery & AssemblyBee Setups includes full delivery, assembly, and staging within your package.

Step 5 – Account for Seasonal OpportunitiesIf aiming for peak season, plan your project 3–6+ weeks in advance.

Step 6 – Track ROI Post-LaunchCompare your occupancy and nightly rates before and after the setup to measure return on investment.

Why Professional Setup Saves Money in the Long Run

While DIY can appear cost-effective, professional setups:

• Eliminate mismatched styles that hurt your listing photos

• Source rental-grade items that last longer

• Optimize layouts to boost bookings and guest satisfaction

• Save weeks of sourcing, scheduling, and troubleshooting

Case Study – 4-Bedroom Vacation Home in Scottsdale, AZ

Budget: $24,500 total

Package: Premium ($4,500 design fee + furnishings)

Timeline: 4.5 weeks

Result: 26% increase in ADR within first 3 months, occupancy up from 68% to 85%

FAQs

Q: Do you charge per square foot?A: No — Bee Setups charges by package plus furniture costs, not by square footage.

Q: How long will my setup take?A: Most projects take 3–6+ weeks, depending on size and scope.

Q: Do you work nationwide?A: Yes — Bee Setups offers Airbnb furnishing services across the United States.

Conclusion

Airbnb setup costs depend on many factors — but with a clear plan and the right partner, you can create a guest-ready property that delivers strong returns. Bee Setups’ flat-rate package model ensures you know your design cost upfront, with furnishings chosen to fit your property, guests, and ROI goals.

📅 Start your setup today: Contact Bee Setups