Dynamic Pricing Simulator
Stop leaving money on the table. Simulate seasonal adjustments, weekend premiums, and event surges to see how dynamic pricing could boost your annual revenue by 20-40%.
How Dynamic Pricing Works
The $18,000 difference. That's how much more I made in 6 months after switching from static to dynamic pricing. Read the full experiment in my Airbnb Pricing Strategy Guide.
Dynamic pricing adjusts your nightly rate based on multiple factors:
| Factor | Typical Adjustment | When to Apply |
|---|---|---|
| Weekend Premium | +15-25% | Friday & Saturday nights |
| Peak Season | +25-40% | Summer, holidays, high-demand periods |
| Low Season | -15-25% | Winter, off-peak months |
| Local Events | +50-100% | Concerts, festivals, conferences |
| Last-Minute | -10-20% | Within 3-7 days of check-in |
Why Static Pricing Leaves Money on the Table
With static pricing, you're charging the same rate whether it's a Saturday in July or a Tuesday in February. Here's what happens:
- Peak season: You book instantly, meaning you priced too low
- Low season: You sit empty, meaning you priced too high
- Events: You miss 50-100% surge opportunities
- Last-minute: Empty nights stay empty instead of filling at a discount
The goal isn't to charge the highest price—it's to charge the right price for every single night.
The 32% Revenue Increase
In my 6-month A/B test, dynamic pricing increased revenue from $21,060 to $36,960—a 32% gain. The dynamically-priced property earned $18 more per nightAND had 4% higher occupancy.
Best Pricing Tools for Automation
Manual pricing works, but it takes 5-10 hours/month. These tools automate the process:
- PriceLabs – My recommendation. $19.99/month, excellent event detection, 15-25% revenue lift
- Beyond Pricing – Similar features, slightly higher cost
- Wheelhouse – Good for beginners, simpler interface
- Airbnb Smart Pricing – Free, but often underprices significantly
For a detailed comparison, see our 7 Best Pricing Tools for Airbnb Hostsand PriceLabs vs Beyond Pricing comparison.
Seasonal Pricing Strategy
Peak Season (June–August)
- Increase base rate 25-40%
- Implement 3-night minimum stays
- Book 60-90 days in advance at premium rates
- Surge 50-100% for July 4th, Memorial Day, Labor Day
Shoulder Season (Spring/Fall)
- Keep base rate flat or +10%
- Target long weekends and local events
- Use 2-night minimums on weekends only
- Offer direct booking discounts for repeat guests
Low Season (December–February)
- Decrease base rate 15-25%
- Remove minimum stay requirements
- Aggressive last-minute discounts (15-20% within 3 days)
- Consider monthly discounts for medium-term guests
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I adjust prices?
With automated tools, prices adjust daily based on market data. If manually adjusting, review weekly (30 min) and make changes for the next 30-60 days.
What occupancy rate should I target?
Aim for 70-85% occupancy. Below 70% means you're priced too high. Above 85% means you're likely underpricing. The sweet spot maximizes revenue per available night.
Should I price higher or focus on occupancy?
Neither—focus on revenue per available night (RevPAN). A $150/night at 60% occupancy ($90 RevPAN) is worse than $120/night at 80% occupancy ($96 RevPAN).
Related Tools & Guides
- ROI Calculator – Analyze investment returns
- Fee Calculator – Compare platform fees
- STR vs LTR Calculator – Short-term vs long-term comparison
- Pricing Strategy Guide – Full breakdown with real data
- PriceLabs Review – My recommended pricing tool
- Booking Optimization – Beyond pricing