Navigate Stays is a Chicago-based Airbnb management company offering a straightforward 10% fee for a 90-day agreement, or 15% with more services. They're transparent about their tiered pricing, which is notable. But the tiered model means not all services are included at the entry price, and their 90-day minimum commitment is more restrictive than HostStarter's true month-to-month terms.
| Feature | Navigate Stays | HostStarter ✓ |
|---|---|---|
| Management Fee | 10–15% (tiered service levels) | 12.5% flat — all services included |
| Contract Required | 90-day minimum agreement | Month-to-month, cancel anytime |
| Service Level | Full-service (at higher tier), Chicago focused | Full-service at one price, 30+ markets |
| Setup / Onboarding Fee | Common | $0 — included in 12.5% |
| Photography Included | Often extra charge | Yes, always included |
| Cleaning Coordination | Varies by market | Yes — fully managed |
| Maintenance Coordination | Limited | Yes — local vendor network |
| Dynamic Pricing | Yes | Yes — daily optimization |
| Listed On | Airbnb + VRBO | Airbnb + VRBO |
| BBB Complaints | Tiered pricing means entry fee excludes some services; 90-day minimum; Chicago only | Zero complaints |
Navigate Stays' 10% base tier covers specific services, not everything. To get full management, you move up to the 15% tier. HostStarter charges one flat 12.5% that covers everything — listing, photography, dynamic pricing, cleaning coordination, maintenance, and 24/7 guest communication. No tiers, no upgrade required.
Navigate Stays requires a 90-day minimum agreement. HostStarter is truly month-to-month — 30 days notice and you're out, no questions, no fees. In a market as seasonally variable and regulation-sensitive as Chicago, having the flexibility to make changes quickly is a real advantage.
Navigate Stays operates in Chicago. HostStarter serves 30+ markets nationwide. As your STR portfolio grows, your management company should be able to grow with it — across cities and states — without you having to build a new relationship every time you add a market.
When comparing a tiered fee structure to a flat fee, always model your full cost at the service tier you actually need. Navigate Stays at 15% (full-service tier) is 2.5% more than HostStarter's all-in 12.5%. On a $4,000/month Chicago rental, that's $100/month — $1,200/year — more expensive for equivalent service.
Three reasons owners switch from Navigate Stays to HostStarter — and don't look back.
At 12.5% flat with zero add-on fees, HostStarter is almost certainly cheaper than Navigate Stays for most owners — often saving $400–$1,200/month.
Month-to-month means we prove our value every single month. You can cancel with 30 days notice, zero penalties, no drama. We win your business through performance.
One 12.5% fee covers everything: listing, photography, dynamic pricing, guest communication, cleaning coordination, maintenance, and a local team who treats your property like their own.
"D and his team were very kind, responsive & helpful. They checked in on our group daily and had all the needed essentials ready. All our questions were answered promptly. He and his property are 5 stars in our book!"
"Jonathan & David were great hosts during our stay. We were first-time group Airbnb users, and they were always responsive, understanding and willing to help when needed. I would highly recommend!"
"Very clean and comfortable house. The property was exactly as described and the host was quick to respond whenever we had questions. Would absolutely book again."
We make it easy. One call, we handle the transition. You start earning more from day one.
Book a Free Discovery CallGet a free, no-obligation revenue estimate for your address. Most owners hear back within 24 hours.
Advertised starting rates as published by each company in August 2026. Starting rates usually apply to the entry service tier, so check what is included before comparing.
| Company | Advertised fee | Service level | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|
| HostStarter | 12.5% + $99/mo | Full-service | Month-to-month, no setup fee |
| TIDY | From 3.9% | Software-assisted, not full-service | Month-to-month |
| MasterHost | From 8% (Chicago), 10% elsewhere | Tiered; entry tier excludes most operations | Month-to-month |
| Awning | From 10% | Full-service (claimed) | Not published |
| RedAwning | From 10% | Full-service | Varies |
| Evolve | 10% / 15% / custom | Half-service; owner arranges cleaning | Varies, $250 onboarding |
| Surge | 15-25% | Full-service | 90 days notice |
| Grand Welcome | High teens | Full-service, standardised | Varies |
| AvantStay | Not published | Full-service, luxury tier | Negotiated |
| Vacasa | Not published | Full-service | 90 days notice |
Full-service Airbnb management typically runs 15% to 25% of rental revenue. Advertised 8% to 10% tiers are usually half-service, leaving cleaning, restocking and maintenance to the owner. HostStarter charges 12.5% of revenue plus a $99 per month software fee, with no setup fee and no long-term contract.
Often no. A 10% fee that excludes housekeeping coordination, restocking and maintenance is not cheaper than a 15% fee that includes them, because you still pay for that work separately or do it yourself. Compare all-in cost per year, not the headline percentage.
With HostStarter the listing stays in your own account and payouts arrive directly from Airbnb, so your review history and search ranking stay with you if you leave. Some managers move the listing onto their account, which means the reviews you built stay with them.
HostStarter is month-to-month with no cancellation penalty and no setup or onboarding fee. Several national managers require annual agreements with early-termination fees, and at least one charges a separate onboarding fee, so read the exit clause before signing.
Full-service covers listing and pricing plus housekeeping, restocking, maintenance coordination and guest support. Half-service usually covers only the listing, pricing and messaging. The fee gap between the two is mostly explained by which one you are actually buying.
