What Is the Hotel Occupancy / Lodging Tax Calculator?
Hotel occupancy tax (also called lodging tax, transient occupancy tax, or bed tax) is a percentage charge added to the price of a short-term stay. Rates vary widely by city, county, and country, so the final amount on your bill is often noticeably higher than the advertised nightly rate. This calculator lets you enter your room rate, the number of nights, and the applicable tax rate to instantly see the pre-tax room cost, the occupancy tax, and the grand total.
How to Use It
Enter the nightly room rate, the number of nights you'll be staying, and the occupancy / lodging tax rate as a percentage (for example, enter 12 for 12%). The calculator multiplies the rate by nights to get the room cost, applies the tax rate to that cost, and adds them together for your total.
The Formula Explained
The math is straightforward. First find the room cost: \(\text{Room Cost} = \text{Rate} \times \text{Nights}\). Then apply the tax: \(\text{Tax} = \text{Room Cost} \times (\text{Rate\%} \div 100)\). Finally, \(\text{Total} = \text{Room Cost} + \text{Tax}\). The complete formula is:
$$\text{Total} = \text{Room Rate} \times \text{Nights} \times \left(1 + \frac{\text{Tax Rate (\%)}}{100}\right)$$Because the tax is a flat percentage of the room cost, doubling your nights doubles both the room cost and the tax.
Worked Example
Suppose a hotel charges $150 per night, you stay 3 nights, and the local occupancy tax is 12%. Room cost = \(150 \times 3 = \$450\). Tax = \(450 \times 0.12 = \$54\). Total = \(450 + 54 = \$504\).
$$\text{Total} = 150 \times 3 \times \left(1 + \frac{12}{100}\right) = \$504$$
FAQ
Does this include sales tax or resort fees? No. It only applies the single occupancy/lodging tax rate you enter. If your destination also charges sales tax or a flat resort fee, add those separately or combine the percentage rates.
Is the tax per night or per stay? Most jurisdictions charge the tax as a percentage of the total room charge, which this calculator mirrors. Some locations add a flat per-night fee instead — check your local rules.
Why does my hotel bill differ? Many areas stack multiple taxes (state, county, city, tourism district). Add up all applicable percentages and enter the combined rate for the most accurate estimate.
