How Much Do Timeshares Cost?
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Imagine being a timeshare owner so you can take yearly vacations in familiar accommodations, no matter the destination. To turn that dream into a reality, let’s get into the important considerations with the cost of a timeshare interest.
First, there are two main factors that contribute to the cumulative cost: the initial upfront purchase and the yearly fees, such as maintenance fees and/or club dues, all of which can vary depending on the timeshare ownership model.
Below, we’ll explore average upfront and long-term timeshare costs, including what the contributing factors are and what the fees actually pay for. We’ll also take a look at how timeshares compare to vacationing in hotels and rentals and how much it costs to get out of a timeshare.
How Much Do Timeshares Cost Upfront?
The typical upfront cost to purchase a timeshare interest can amount to tens of thousands of dollars, and when it comes to the sticker price, the old adage is true: if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. There is a plethora of timeshare models available on the market, which is one of the reasons why there’s such a broad range of upfront timeshare costs. In general, the industry has evolved away from selling timeshare week interests to favor points-based models and vacation clubs’ membership models, both of which offer owners more flexibility when it comes to how and where they want to vacation.
For a general idea of average purchase costs, take a look at this information compiled by the American Resort Development Association (ARDA). Of course, this is just an average, which means that there are also initial buy-in prices for less or more. When looking at what might seem like a hefty amount at first glance, remember it’s only a one-time payment. Most reputable companies, like The Marriott Vacation Clubs brands, offer financing options, regardless of how many years of vacations are ahead.
What Are the Ongoing Costs of Timeshare Ownership?
Within a points-based ownership model, annual maintenance fees are typically calculated on a per-point basis. For example, in 2025, the maintenance fee for an Owner in the Marriott Vacation Club Destinations program was approximately 81 cents per point. These dues can cost anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars each year, which can add up over a lifetime. So, it’s important to know exactly where this money goes and how it contributes to vacation quality from year to year.
Average Timeshare Interest Rates
Though interest rates can often be complicated to understand, it’s important to consider whether financing a timeshare purchase makes it more accessible than having to pay the full cost up front.
Unlike a regular loan, financing a timeshare usually brings along slightly higher interest rates, often hovering between 17.9% and 20% annual percentage rate (APR) for owners.
As with many other life costs—including hotel and vacation rental prices—timeshare interest rates rose because of COVID-19. As of 2023, the average timeshare interest rate came back down slightly from its 2021 high. Looking into the future of interest rates, financial experts expect another slight increase as rates are steadily rising across the board, especially considering steadily rising inflation. Don’t let this slight bump in interest rates scare you off—the timeshare market has proven to be resilient, adapting to interest rate hikes that have had a greater impact on other industries. Economic conditions, including consumer trends and travel demand, have kept the industry healthily buzzing.
Timeshares vs. Hotels
Though timeshares have a significant upfront cost, they may save owners money over time, since that upfront cost—plus annual fees and the cost of interest if financed—pays for a lifetime of vacations.
Hotel vacations, however, vary depending on location, season, and tend to have increasing prices year after year. Below are a few basic factors to compare when deciding if timeshares or hotels offer more value for cost.
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Timeshares |
Hotels |
|---|---|
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The one-time purchase price of a timeshare is an upfront cost based on today’s rates. |
Hotel prices are subject to peak seasons, and rates fluctuate significantly depending on season and inflation. |
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Common timeshare amenities include full kitchens, separate dining spaces, and laundry appliances, which are convenient and can help save extra costs. |
Most hotel suites don’t include kitchens or laundry machines, meaning the only dining option is to eat out every night, which can get pricey. |
|
Quality remains consistent so vacationers know what to expect from every place they stay. |
Lacking predictability, hotel quality can vary drastically and is a surprise every time. |
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They offer the flexibility of choosing an accommodation to fit your travel needs, from a studio to a 1-, 2- or 3-bedroom villa. |
While many hotels offer suites, they typically lack the spaciousness that makes them comfortable for groups to spread out, and add to the per-night cost. |
