As developers continue to build luxury condos (and the affordable housing crisis deepens), at least some places don't force you to break the bank. Here are seven cities with popular Airbnb listings that will cost you less than $20/night—or about the same as a trip to Starbucks.
1. Chicago
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Listing: Futon in the Heart of Chicago
Price: $13/night
Accommodation: Futon and shared bathroom
Carlos' pad is only 15 minutes from downtown—and that's where you'll be spending your time. All your going to get for your money is a futon next to a few more futons (filled with people you probably don't know) and a bathroom. But that's why you're spending $13.
2. Dallas
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Listing: Couch in my living room
Price: $13/night
Accommodation: Couch and shared bathroom
The listing starts with all you need to know: "I have a couch available." And that's exactly what you get. But for $13 a night you can't really complain. On the plus side, the host has no problem if you "get a bit tipsy." As long as you don't get the couch dirty, of course.
3. Los Angeles
Listing: Rent Couch near Hollywood & Downtown
Price: $13/night
Accommodation: Couch and shared bathroom
Two close friends and self-declared "fashionistas" offer this LA crib (just the couch for you) for the price you'll spend on your last drink out in the city's bars, which aren't far away.
4. Las Vegas
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Listing: Comfy couch 5 minutes from Strip
Price: $15/night
Accommodation: Couch and shared bathroom
While this isn't on exactly the same level as the luxury hotel digs Sin City is known for, it also won't cost you all your winnings. And hey, after you've been kicked out of Caesars Palace, down to your last $15, the couch might not look like such a bad bet...
5. Austin
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Listing: Futon in living room
Price: $15/night
Accommodation: Futon and shared bathroom
While this futon in a living room is a full 12 miles south of Austin (in an artist community), it sure seems like you get your money's worth. The hosts provide breakfast, in a way, giving you "up to [three] fresh eggs per guest, per day and access to greens from our gardens," along with space for meditation and yoga.
6. Denver
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Listing: Private Room/Kitchen near DU/Denver
Price: $19/night
Accommodation: Private room with bed and a shared bathroom
At $19/night this is the most luxurious listing yet, and it shows—you get your very own private bedroom with a real bed. But don't expect that extra money to buy you a whole lot of fun; not in the room at least. The house rules read: "Please be extremely quiet. We go to bed early, don’t party and don’t smoke.”
7. Bronx, NYC
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Listing: Living room Air mattress
Price: $19/night
Accommodation: Air mattress and shared bathroom
Another pricey spot to end the list, this time in the Bronx. For $19 you can sleep on an air mattress on the floor in a living room with other people sleeping on two couches. The host is right when he says, "This listing is best for people that enjoy the company of others."
