Outfitting a short-term rental (STR) in 2025 is significantly more expensive than it was just a year ago. Our internal data at FIBI Vacation Rentals shows a 36.93% average increase in the cost of essential furnishing and setup materials across multiple properties we’ve launched over the past two years.
These aren’t luxury upgrades we’re talking about staple items: TVs, mattresses, coffee tables, cookware, and more.
🔍 What’s Getting More Expensive?
Here’s a snapshot of the year-over-year cost increases we’ve tracked:
| Item | 2024 Price | 2025 Price | % Change |
| Pots & Pans Set | $59.99 | $150.00 | +150% |
| Iron | $10.00 | $25.00 | +150% |
| Crock Pot | $20.00 | $36.00 | +80% |
| Pizza Cutter | $8.00 | $14.00 | +75% |
| King Mattress | $228.92 | $309.33 | +35% |
| Rice Cooker | $20.00 | $27.00 | +35% |
| Curtains | $33.33 | $44.00 | +32% |
Other items like Smart TVs, King bedframes, and faux trees also saw meaningful price hikes or variability based on supply conditions.
Why Are Prices Rising?
One major factor influencing STR setup costs is international trade policy. Many of the most affected products TVs, furniture, kitchenware overlap with categories impacted by the Trump administration’s tariffs, particularly on Chinese imports.
Tariffs Have Targeted:
- Consumer electronics like Smart TVs, routers, and appliances
- Furniture and home goods (bed frames, dressers, and decor)
- Kitchen items such as pots, pans, and knives
- Raw materials including steel and aluminum used in bedframes, appliances, and lighting
These tariffs have directly or indirectly raised wholesale and retail costs, especially for STR operators who purchase inventory in bulk or rely on platforms like Amazon, Wayfair, and IKEA.
📚 Sources:
- U.S. Trade Representative Reports: ustr.gov
- CRS Reports: Congressional Research Service
- Peterson Institute for International Economics: Trade Tracker
🧠 What STR Owners Can Do
At FIBI Vacation Rentals, we’re adapting in real time. Here are a few strategies we use to protect our clients’ margins:
- Standardize where possible. We buy select items in bulk (like sheets, cookware, and décor) to lock in better rates.
- Shop off-season. Some of the highest savings are found in Q4 vs Q1 when demand for STR setups spikes.
- Source domestically when cost-effective. While tariffs affect imports, U.S.-made goods sometimes provide better value long term.
- Track performance, not just aesthetics. We analyze which furnishings lead to better reviews and rebookings—and prioritize those.
📈 Bottom Line
STR setup costs are up—more than 36% year-over-year by our analysis. Whether you’re a real estate investor or a property manager, it’s critical to factor these increases into your underwriting and projections for 2025 and beyond.
Want help keeping costs low while maximizing revenue?
📅 Schedule a free strategy call with our team
