Do People Airbnb Tiny Homes?

Yes. Many homeowners rent tiny homes, as they have become increasingly popular for their charm and minimalism. However, just like any other accommodations, the cost of renting a tiny house depends largely on its location. In general, expect to pay between roughly $100 to $200 per night, with luxury homes in desirable locales costing around $500 per night. Other factors that impact the cost of a tiny house rental include the overall design of the house, the quality of finishes, and other amenities.

Is it Cheaper to Buy or Build a Tiny House?

In general, it is cheaper to build a tiny house than to buy one. By not hiring out the labor, you can save roughly 30 to 60% of the overall cost. That said, prices will vary based on the materials used and finishes desired.

Is Living in a Tiny House Cheaper?

Yes. Due to its smaller size, it is cheaper to live in a tiny house. Homeowners will typically spend less on home-related expenses per month, including utilities and general maintenance. You also save money on furniture and decor for the small space. The main drawback of living in a tiny home is limited space, so if storage is an issue, the added cost of a storage unit or closet may be necessary.

What is the Best State to Build a Tiny House In?

California, Oregon, North Carolina, Texas, and Florida are among the best states in which to build a tiny home. Factors, such as climate, codes, ordinances, and zoning laws, make these states desirable. The prevalence of large-scale RV parks and tiny home-specific communities also makes them a good pick.

How Long Do Tiny Homes Last?

In general, a well built and maintained tiny home will last 30 to 50 years. The actual longevity, however, will be based on the materials used and the construction methods. Also, homes built on a foundation will typically have a longer lifespan.

6 Best Tiny House Rentals of 2023

The 8 Best Tiny House Rentals of 2022 — Treehugger / Design by Amelia Manley

Renting a tiny house on Airbnb is a great alternative to traditional hotel vacation accommodations. In some cases, tiny house rentals offer high-quality amenities at lower prices, while incorporating eco-friendly and sustainable efforts into everyday living. Depending on the property size, renting a tiny home can make you feel like you're on a camping adventure in the middle of the woods. Most couples love the perfect compact size, which also means there's less to tidy up. We compared listings across the country and chose the best tiny house rentals (some are even off-grid!) for your next destination vacation.

Best Tiny House Rentals of 2023

Best Overall: Container Cabin in the Catskills
Best in Asheville: The Nook
Best in Miami: Treehouse Canopy Room
Best in Nashville: Dreamy Tiny House Cottage
Best in Austin: Modern Cabin Retreat
Best in Portland: Handcrafted Blue Door Micro-Loft

Best Overall: Container Cabin in the Catskills

Key Specs

Rate: $$
Location: Located on a 20-acre plot in the Catskill Mountains, just two hours north of New York City
Amenities: Finnish sauna, mountain views, river views, private deck, and fire pit

Why We Chose It

Container Cabin in the Catskills is the perfect rental for Treehugger readers because it’s located off-grid, with solar power, a composting toilet, and gravity-fed water.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

Located on 20 acres of forested land
Thirty-foot waterfall on the property
Finnish sauna on site
Close to hiking trails

Cons:

No refrigerator, only a cooler
The only heat is a wood stove
The main bed is a sofa bed

Overview

This minimalist getaway is nestled in 20 acres on the eastern edge of the Catskill Mountains and is two hours north of New York City. Constructed from a 20-foot shipping container and powered by solar energy, the sleek interior is the perfect combination of a vintage cabin and a modern hideaway. Beyond enjoying the solitude of the tiny house, visitors can check out the 30-foot waterfall just 300 feet away, as well as a stream and bluestone ridge. There are also a number of hiking trails within a 15-minute drive from the home.

The interior of this off-grid tiny house features a queen sofa bed, a two-burner propane stove for cooking, a wood stove for heating, a record player, and a selection of books. The bathroom is located in a separate structure that includes a composting toilet and a battery-operated camp shower.

If you need a space that sleeps more than two, check out this superhost’s 40-foot container home, which is also highly rated.

Best in Asheville: The Nook

Key Specs

Rate: $$
Location: Situated 15 minutes from downtown Asheville, and eight minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway
Amenities: Private deck, 18-foot ceilings, kitchen, fire pit, air conditioning, private deck, and cooking basics

Why We Chose It

This beautiful tiny house showcases the owners’ dedication to local materials and craftsmanship, allowing it to blend seamlessly into its environment.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

Close to Asheville, North Carolina
Named "The Most Unique Airbnb in North Carolina" by Travel + Leisure
18-foot ceilings and large windows for a clear view outside

Cons:

Outdoor bathhouse is not available in winter
No freezer, only a refrigerator

Overview

The Nook is a clean and modern tiny house located in a wooded neighborhood about 15 minutes east of downtown Asheville. Blending with the surrounding environment, this tiny home features local building materials, like black walnut, and large windows to let in the natural light. Most importantly, the house showcases beautifully handcrafted pieces of art from local makers, creating a one-of-a-kind ecological and artistic experience.

The house is adorned with a spacious, tiled bathroom, a well-designed kitchen, and an inviting outdoor space. The owners also incorporated a number of whimsical features into the design, like an indoor swing, a lofted sitting room for enjoying coffee, and carefully designed built-in furniture and ladders that optimize the space.

Best in Miami: Treehouse Canopy Room

Key Specs

Rate: $
Location: Located in the Little Haiti neighborhood of Miami, near the art district, and 15 minutes from Miami International Airport and South Beach
Amenities: Outdoor shower, kitchen, shared backyard, washer and dryer, WiFi, private patio, and free parking

Why We Chose It

This treehouse offers a unique opportunity to stay on a permaculture farm without sacrificing access to Miami’s most popular neighborhoods.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

Located on an urban farm in the art district of Miami
Outdoor shower
Fresh veggies, eggs, and honey are available seasonally
Adults-only

Cons:

No air conditioning
Mosquitos can be an issue from June through September

Overview

Away from the city lights of Miami, this tiny treehouse is located on a permaculture farm in the city's Little Haiti neighborhood, just west of the MiMo District. Described by the superhost as a “lush urban oasis,” the rental offers a detour from what you might expect of a Miami hotel while providing easy access to South Beach and Miami International Airport.

Occupying the upper level of the treehouse, this rental features a double bed (with a mosquito net), an enclosed outdoor shower and bathroom, and a community kitchen. Visitors can also enjoy the farm’s goats, pigs, emus, roosters, and parrots, as well as neighboring wildlife, making this an incredibly unique experience.

Note: Due to the height of the treehouse, children are not allowed in the unit.

Best in Nashville: Dreamy Tiny House Cottage

Key Specs

Rate: $
Location: Situated in a backyard in South Nashville's Design District, 10 minutes from downtown
Amenities: Kitchen with cooking basics, mini fridge, outdoor patio and furniture, fire pit, WiFi, and a claw-foot bathtub

Why We Chose It

This cozy Nashville retreat has ample outdoor space and a vegetable garden that is open seasonally to guests.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

Featured in Travel+Leisure, Southern Living, House Beautiful, The Tennessean, and USA Today.
On-demand hot water
Located on a small orchard
Close to a few Nashville restaurants and attractions

Cons:

Shared backyard
Shared laundry facilities, only if needed and upon request

Overview

This beautiful cottage is located in Nashville’s Design District, just 10 minutes from downtown Nashville and eight minutes from Nashville International Airport. Superhosts Jonathan and Rebecca—Nashville natives—built the house themselves and live on the property, should guests need anything during their stay.

The home’s beautiful interior includes a claw-foot tub, a clean and bright living area, and a small-but-mighty kitchen, with a microwave and mini-fridge. Four guests can sleep comfortably in the rental on a queen-sized bed, a sofa bed, and a day bed that expands to a California king. Outside, visitors can use the stone fire pit and pick seasonal produce from the on-site vegetable garden.

Need another reason to book? This property has been featured in a number of publications, including Travel + Leisure and Southern Living.

Best in Austin: Modern Cabin Retreat

Key Specs

Rate: $
Location: Situated on an 85-acre goat and alpaca farm in the Texas Hill Country, 18 miles from Austin's 6th Street
Amenities: Shared pool and hot tub, full kitchen and bath, disc golf course, WiFi, and a high-definition television

Why We Chose It

This Modern Cabin Retreat allows visitors to spend time in the great outdoors, while also enjoying fresh eggs and fruit from the property's farm.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

Just 15 minutes from Austin
Pets are allowed
Pool and hot tub on premises
Long-term stays are allowed

Cons:

Goats sometimes wander free range

Overview

Set on 56 acres of Texas Hill Country and located 18 miles from downtown Austin, this 350-square-foot tiny house lends access to beautiful trails and orchards. The owners operate a small working ranch with free-range goats, and guests can enjoy eggs from the resident chickens.

Inside, the house includes a queen-size bed and a full kitchen, complete with an oven, range, and dishwasher. There is also a full-sized bathroom and laundry facilities—something you don’t often find in tiny house rentals. A pool, hot tub, and fire pit are shared with both the other cabin units and the owners of the property. Regardless, you'll feel like you're in a Texas oasis.

Best in Portland: Handcrafted Blue Door Micro-Loft

Key Specs

Rate: $
Location: Located in the Mississippi District of Portland, Oregon
Amenities: Shared garden space, private outdoor patio, air conditioning, grill, fast WiFi, and a green kitchen and bathroom

Why We Chose It

The Blue Door Micro-Loft is close to public transportation and features a green kitchen and bath, so you can reduce your travel footprint.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

Convenient access to Portland's hotspots
Custom-crafted home, complete with the owner's original artwork
Close to a bike rental shop
Green kitchen and bath

Cons:

No laundry facilities on site

Overview

Located in Portland’s historic Mississippi neighborhood, this beautifully handcrafted tiny house features memorable details and high-quality finishes. Not only are the accommodations comfortable, but the rental is also just a 10-minute bike ride—or a quick bus ride—to downtown, giving you access to the city's bars and restaurants. Also, the rental is an Airbnb Plus property, so you’re guaranteed access to amenities, like self-check-in, WiFi, a coffee maker, and other conveniences.

In addition to an outdoor space, complete with a garden patio and BBQ, this tiny house rental features a spacious open layout with room for four guests. The cathedral ceilings and industrial accents are so Portland, and the full-size bathroom and vacation-friendly kitchen make it feel extra cozy.

Additionally, access to the mezzanine bedroom (complete with a queen memory foam mattress) is granted via stairs—not the typical ladder that’s common in many tiny houses.

Final Verdict

Container Cabin in the Catskills won our pick for the best tiny house rental due to its rustic, modern design and proximity to the Catskill Mountains and hiking trails, as well as a 300-foot waterfall. The cabin boasts an on-site Finnish sauna and is situated on 20 pristine acres of forested land. This tiny house is also located totally off-grid, and the owners make an effort to sustainably harmonize this abode with the environment.

Compare the Best Tiny House Rentals of 2023

Tiny Home	Cost	Location	Amenities	Size
Best Overall: Container Cabin in the Catskills	$$	Catskill Mountains, New York	Sauna, mountain and river view, private deck, fire pit	20 feet long
Best in Asheville: The Nook	$$	Outside of Asheville, North Carolina	Private deck, kitchen, fire pit, air conditioning	N/A
Best in Miami: Treehouse Canopy Room	$	Little Haiti neighborhood of Miami	Outdoor shower, kitchen, shared backyard, WiFi, laundry facilities, free parking	N/A
Best in Nashville: Dreamy Tiny House Cottage	$	South Nashville's Design District	Kitchen, mini fridge, outdoor patio and furniture, fire pit, WiFi, claw-foot bathtub	250 square feet
Best in Austin: Modern Cabin Retreat	$	Texas Hill Country, 18 miles from Austin	Shared pool and hot tub, full kitchen and bath, disc golf course, WiFi, high-definition television	350 square feet
Best in Portland: Handcrafted Blue Door Micro-Loft	$	Mississippi District of Portland, Oregon	Shared garden space, private outdoor patio, air conditioning, grill, fast WiFi, green kitchen and bathroom	320 square feet

Frequently Asked Questions

Do People Airbnb Tiny Homes?

Yes. Many homeowners rent tiny homes, as they have become increasingly popular for their charm and minimalism. However, just like any other accommodations, the cost of renting a tiny house depends largely on its location. In general, expect to pay between roughly $100 to $200 per night, with luxury homes in desirable locales costing around $500 per night. Other factors that impact the cost of a tiny house rental include the overall design of the house, the quality of finishes, and other amenities.
Is it Cheaper to Buy or Build a Tiny House?

In general, it is cheaper to build a tiny house than to buy one. By not hiring out the labor, you can save roughly 30 to 60% of the overall cost. That said, prices will vary based on the materials used and finishes desired.
Is Living in a Tiny House Cheaper?

Yes. Due to its smaller size, it is cheaper to live in a tiny house. Homeowners will typically spend less on home-related expenses per month, including utilities and general maintenance. You also save money on furniture and decor for the small space. The main drawback of living in a tiny home is limited space, so if storage is an issue, the added cost of a storage unit or closet may be necessary.
What is the Best State to Build a Tiny House In?

California, Oregon, North Carolina, Texas, and Florida are among the best states in which to build a tiny home. Factors, such as climate, codes, ordinances, and zoning laws, make these states desirable. The prevalence of large-scale RV parks and tiny home-specific communities also makes them a good pick.
How Long Do Tiny Homes Last?

In general, a well built and maintained tiny home will last 30 to 50 years. The actual longevity, however, will be based on the materials used and the construction methods. Also, homes built on a foundation will typically have a longer lifespan.

Methodology

We looked for clean, comfortable, and well-designed homes in our search for the best tiny house rentals. We also considered price and proximity to popular vacation spots. Then, we looked at whether or not the home was being rented by an Airbnb superhost, and took into account the rating of each rental (even though ratings are apt to fluctuate). Finally, we chose tiny houses with eco-friendly features, like composting toilets, solar power, and other outdoor amenities that Treehugger readers appreciate.