What does virtual staging cost? The short answer: anywhere from €0.11 per image with AI tools like BrightShot to $100+ per image with premium design agencies. The cost depends on whether you use AI-powered software, subscription services, or traditional human designers.
This guide breaks down every pricing model so you can make an informed decision for your real estate listings.
Virtual Staging Cost Comparison: 2026 Pricing
| Provider | Cost Per Image | Monthly Option | Turnaround | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BrightShot | €0.11 | €9/80 credits | 15-45 sec | Budget-conscious agents |
| Virtual Staging AI | $2.67-0.53 | $16-79/mo | 15 sec | Mid-volume users |
| Collov AI | $0.17+ | Free tier | 30 sec | Trying AI staging |
| BoxBrownie | $24 | Pay-per-image | 24-48 hrs | Quality + support |
| PhotoUp | $20+ | $1.50/credit | 24 hrs | Full-service editing |
| Styldod | $15-25 | Per image | 24-48 hrs | MLS integration |
| Premium Agencies | $50-100+ | Per image | 2-5 days | Luxury properties |
Factors That Affect Virtual Staging Cost
1. AI vs. Human Designers
AI Virtual Staging (€0.11-5/image)
- Instant results (15-60 seconds)
- Consistent quality
- Unlimited regenerations
- Lower cost at scale
Human-Designed Staging ($15-100+/image)
- Custom design choices
- Personal communication
- Longer turnaround (24-72 hours)
- Revision limits may apply
2. Subscription vs. Pay-Per-Image
Subscription Plans work best if you stage 10+ images monthly:
- BrightShot: €9/month for 80 credits (€0.11/image)
- Virtual Staging AI: $19/month for 20 images ($0.95/image)
Pay-Per-Image works best for occasional use:
- BoxBrownie: $24/image
- BrightShot credits: €0.11-0.50/image (no monthly commitment)
3. Additional Features Included
Some services charge extra for:
- High-resolution downloads
- Rush delivery
- Multiple revisions
- Specific room types (commercial, outdoor)
- Window view changes
- Video generation
BrightShot includes window views, video walkthroughs, sky replacement, and photo enhancement in the base price—features that cost $10-50 extra elsewhere.
Real Cost Examples: What You’ll Actually Pay
Scenario 1: Single Listing (5 rooms staged)
| Service | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| BrightShot | €0.55 | 5 credits × €0.11 |
| Virtual Staging AI | $13.35 | 5 images from $19/mo plan |
| BoxBrownie | $120 | 5 × $24 |
| Premium Agency | $250-500 | 5 × $50-100 |
Scenario 2: 10 Listings/Month (50 images)
| Service | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| BrightShot | €9 | €108 |
| Virtual Staging AI | $39 | $468 |
| BoxBrownie | $1,200 | $14,400 |
Scenario 3: High-Volume (200 images/month)
| Service | Monthly Cost | Savings vs. Agencies |
|---|---|---|
| BrightShot | €36 | $4,764/month saved |
| Virtual Staging AI | $79 | $4,721/month saved |
| Agencies | $4,800+ | Baseline |
How to Get the Best Value
For Budget-Conscious Agents
Use BrightShot’s pay-as-you-go credits:
- €9 gets you 80 images (enough for 16 listings)
- No monthly commitment
- Credits never expire
For Regular Listings (5-20/month)
Subscribe to BrightShot or Virtual Staging AI:
- BrightShot: €9/month (best features + price)
- VSAI: $19/month (larger style library)
For Luxury Properties
Consider hybrid approach:
- AI staging for most rooms (€0.11-2/image)
- Human designer for hero shots ($50-100/image)
- Total: $75-150 vs. $300-500 all-agency
Virtual Staging ROI: Is It Worth the Cost?
Research consistently shows virtual staging pays for itself:
- 73% faster sales for staged properties (NAR)
- 6-10% higher sale prices vs. unstaged (Coldwell Banker)
- 40% more buyer inquiries on staged listings
At €0.11-5 per image, virtual staging is one of the highest-ROI investments in real estate marketing.
Stage Your First Listing for €0.11/Image
Try BrightShot's AI virtual staging—the most affordable option with professional results.
Start Staging FreeBottom Line: What Should You Pay?
| Your Volume | Recommended Service | Expected Cost |
|---|---|---|
| <5 images/month | BrightShot pay-as-you-go | €0.55-2.50/month |
| 5-50 images/month | BrightShot subscription | €9/month |
| 50-150 images/month | BrightShot or VSAI | €9-39/month |
| 150+ images/month | BrightShot Professional | €49/month |
| Luxury only | BrightShot + Agency hybrid | Varies |
The bottom line: Virtual staging should cost you €0.11-5 per image in 2026. If you’re paying more, you’re overpaying. AI tools deliver identical results to human designers at 90%+ lower cost.
Ready to start? Try BrightShot free—no credit card required.