What a $100 Airbnb Gets You Around the World
A good stay doesn’t need to be expensive to be well-designed, well-located, or worth remembering. Across major cities, small towns, and quieter stretches of the map, you’ll find Airbnb rentals under $100 that cover the basics and then some.
Here is a list that looks beyond the photos to explore how these places function, who they suit, and why they’re worth booking.
Petulu, Bali – Treehouse

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You’ll wake up to birdsong and jungle air, high above the ground in a more treehouse structure than villa. It’s 10 minutes by scooter to Ubud, and once you arrive, the pace shifts noticeably.
Colonia Roma, Mexico City – Apartment

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Two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and floor-to-ceiling windows–this apartment has a lived-in feel that suits longer stays. You’ll find a proper kitchen with filtered water, a layout that gives people space to move, and the Wi-Fi is strong enough for work or streaming without issue. It works if you’re traveling with friends and don’t want to split up.
Wootha, Australia – Cabin

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Boogie boards are in the corner, the kayak is tied up near the patio, and eggs and bread are already in the fridge. This place is practical and set up for spur-of-the-moment outings. You’re surrounded by bushland, but the cabin’s part of a small compound, so it doesn’t feel cut off. There’s a real kitchen, and a wood-burning stove if the nights get cold.
Castello, Venice – Apartment

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Venice doesn’t lack postcard views, but quiet corners like this are rare, especially this close to the city’s main sites. This flat sits on a residential street in Castello, a few bridges away from the main foot traffic. It has a balcony that doesn’t overlook tourists, a local grocer downstairs, and mornings you wouldn’t get in San Marco.
Llantysilio, Wales – Castle

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Don’t expect velvet ropes or historical reenactors at this 14-bedroom castle near Llangollen. There’s a grand piano, original architecture, and it comfortably holds large groups without anyone feeling boxed in. Groceries and pubs aren’t walkable, so make sure to rent a car.
Laureles, Medellín – Apartment

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Laureles is one of Medellín’s most walkable neighborhoods, and this rental apartment mirrors that practicality. There’s a kitchen, a desk, fast internet, and a few shops and markets nearby that stay open late. If you’re planning to split your days between working and exploring, it won’t get in the way of either.
Tennōji-ku, Osaka – Studio

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There is not much in this price range in Osaka with a private hot tub on the balcony. The studio is small but functional: one bed, one pull-out couch, a washer-dryer, and a kitchenette well-suited for simple meals and light use. The building is near major subway lines, so getting around is easy.
El Prado, New Mexico – Earthship

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This is a stay for people who want to experience self-sufficiency without losing sleep. The temperature stays steady, the water comes from rain collection, and solar panels provide the power. There’s a real bed, a greenhouse-like hall that warms in the sun, and a composting toilet that’s clean and well-ventilated.
Palermo Hollywood, Buenos Aires – Terrace Apartment

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The building includes a rooftop pool, gym, sauna, and even a massage room—but most people spend their time in the apartment itself. You’ve got a wraparound terrace, blackout curtains, and a full kitchen. It’s a corner unit with good airflow, and Palermo Hollywood is packed with bars, bookstores, and grocers.
Benedito Novo, Brazil – Chalet

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Half the appeal is what you won’t find here—noise, schedules, neighbors. This wooden chalet in southern Brazil has two bedrooms, a panoramic hot tub room, and windows that open to nothing but hills. There’s a kitchen, but if you want to eat out, remember that the town is about 30 minutes away.
Louisville, Kentucky – One Bedroom Home

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It’s a real house, not a “guest unit,” with a kitchen, washer, and fenced yard. It’s also within easy driving distance of the Muhammad Ali Center and Churchill Downs. Its location makes exploring the city and nearby towns easy without much planning.
Haleiwa, Hawaii – Studio

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Attached to a local home but with its own entrance, this studio keeps things simple: queen bed, ceiling fan, beach bikes, and an outdoor rinse area. You’re across the street from a bakery and just a few minutes from Haleiwa Beach Park. There’s no kitchen, just a microwave and fridge, which is a simple enough setup to fit a weekend getaway.
Vienna, Austria – Studio Flat

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The layout of this studio flat is tidy, with a small kitchen, a full bathtub, and a fold-out dining table. It’s about ten minutes by tram to the historic core, with bakeries and parks nearby. You won’t get ornate ceilings or antique mirrors here, but you’ll get privacy, reliable transport, and enough comfort to sleep well and move easily through the city.
Paris, France – Studio

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No elevator and no view, but if you’re here for Paris, not the apartment, this studio makes sense. It’s located in Le Marais, a short walk from the Seine, with shops and restaurants just below. There’s a pull-out sofa, a compact kitchen, and a small bathroom.
Osaka, Japan – Studio

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A hot tub on a Tokyo apartment balcony might seem impossible—until you realize this one’s in Osaka. It’s cleverly designed, with room for four to sleep and a washer-dryer to make longer stays easier. You’re near Tennōji station, so transit is quick. For anyone squeezing a full city trip into just a few days, the private soak at night is a welcome bonus.
Waitakere Ranges, New Zealand – Cottage

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Less than 40 minutes from Auckland, this wood-paneled cottage is close to the Arataki Visitor Centre and Bethells Beach. The stay includes a barbecue, a kayak, and basic breakfast supplies. It’s close to Auckland, though the quiet makes that easy to forget.