Vacation home ownership isn’t for everyone. If you’ve explored the costs and responsibilities and find yourself hesitant, renting may be a smarter choice—offering more freedom and fewer long-term commitments.
Let’s explore the advantages and drawbacks of renting a vacation home instead of buying one.
Benefits of Renting1
- No maintenance or long-term responsibilities. You enjoy the property for a week or two and walk away. No repairs, no property taxes, no stress.
- Greater flexibility. Each vacation can be a new adventure. From beachfront to mountainside, you get to try new places and experiences without being locked into one location.
- Affordability. Renting avoids mortgage payments, ongoing upkeep costs, and insurance—making vacations more accessible in many cases.
Downsides to Consider
- It’s not yours. The property may not feel as comfortable or personalized as your own home. You’re at the mercy of someone else’s design and maintenance. 1
- It can be expensive. The average nightly rate for U.S. vacation rentals was $326 in 2024, and luxury rentals can go much higher.2
- Availability may be limited. Booking popular destinations during peak seasons can be competitive and pricey.1
- Unexpected hassles. From confusing thermostats to surprise cleaning fees, navigating someone else’s home can be inconvenient.1
Who Should Rent?
If you:
- Prefer variety in your vacations
- Aren’t ready for the financial or logistical responsibilities of ownership
- Want to explore different lifestyles or locations before committing
…then renting may be the right fit for now—or indefinitely.
In the final post of this series, we’ll explore what you need to know if you’re seriously considering buying, including insurance, taxes, and estate planning implications.
Sources:
- New Silver, January 25, 2024. https://newsilver.com/the-lender/buy-a-vacation-home-or-rent/
- PhotoAiD, February 14, 2025. https://photoaid.com/blog/vacation-rental-statistics/