If You Live In One Of These 18 U.S. Cities, You Should Try Being An Airbnb Host
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Whether it’s a quick drive down the interstate for a meeting or a family vacation to the other side of the country, most people find themselves searching for accommodation at least a couple times a year – but not everyone wants to book a boring hotel room with drab furnishings. That’s why more and more people are turning to Airbnb – and why you could be making serious cash by becoming a host.
Airbnb makes it easy to predict what you might be able to make with its earnings calculator. Here’s a look at what Airbnb hosts in America’s most populated cities are earning. If you want to become an Airbnb host, sign up here.
The following numbers were compiled by Airbnb in July 2018 and are based on the average annual host earnings in each city.
1. New York
The Big Apple is an extremely lucrative Airbnb location, which likely comes as no surprise. Providing tourists with a nice place to lay their heads after a long day of sightseeing can mean a substantial amount of extra money in your pocket.
Average annual earnings: $6,300
Average nightly rate: $147
Total annual earnings for all hosts: $578,300,000
This cool and nicely furnished apartment by Central Park goes for $225 a night.
2. San Francisco
The Golden Gate Bridge. Pier 39. Trolleys. There’s so much to see and do in San Francisco, and that’s exactly why you could be making a sizeable chunk of change by letting visitors stay in your place.
Average annual earnings: $12,100
Average nightly rate: $179
Total annual earnings for all hosts: $151,000,000
This modern unit with a private patio goes for $200 a night.
3. Austin
The Texas capital’s motto is “Keep Austin Weird.” It’s that weirdness that attracts visitors to the city’s amazing culture and nightlife. Why not contribute to Austin’s cool vibe by sharing your awesome place on Airbnb?
Average annual earnings: $5,100
Average nightly rate: $169
Total annual earnings for all hosts: $95,300,000
This Austin accommodation is super cool and goes for $130 a night.
4. Washington, D.C.
The nation’s capital has tons to see and do, from the White House to the Smithsonian Museum. Not to mention the city also plays host to a ton of business travelers who quite often need a place to stay.
Average annual earnings: $5,800
Average nightly rate: $142
Total annual earnings for all hosts: $89,600,000
This classy home boasts an exposed brick wall and goes for $103 a night.
5. Chicago
The Windy City is often hailed as the birthplace of architecture, which means people from around the world flock there to admire its beauty. Why not share that famous Midwestern friendliness with out-of-towners by hosting on Airbnb?
Average annual earnings: $5,200
Average nightly rate: $128
Total annual earnings for all hosts: $86,000,000
This hip garden studio with exposed brick walls goes for $100 a night.
6. Seattle
This fabulous city is known for being the home of Starbucks and Dr. Frasier Crane, and for its rainy weather. Luckily, it’s such a cool place that the rain doesn’t deter tourists. So don’t be deterred from hosting your space on Airbnb.
Average annual earnings: $11,100
Average nightly rate: $138
Total annual earnings for all hosts: $105,200,000
This awesome houseboat is fun and adorable, and goes for $129 a night.
7. San Diego
San Diego has just about everything – an awesome year-round climate, beaches, a laid-back culture, and plenty of sunshine to go around. If you choose to host on Airbnb, you’re likely to attract a steady stream of visitors.
Average annual earnings: $8,500
Average nightly rate: $161
Total annual earnings for all hosts: $126,600,000
This beautiful loft in the heart of Little Italy goes for $129 a night.
8. San Antonio
From the Alamo to the River Walk, there’s plenty to do in this Texas city. It also receives visitors throughout the entire year, thanks to its year-round temperate climate (and extremely delicious Mexican food). Why not host some guests in your place?
Average annual earnings: $7,600
Average nightly rate: $100
Total annual earnings for all hosts: $20,300,000
This lovely apartment near the River Walk goes for $109 a night.
9. Philadelphia
The most iconic scene to ever come out of Philly was probably when Rocky ran up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Of course, there’s plenty of other things to see in the City of Brotherly Love, from the Liberty Bell to the bustling Market Street. You can share your knowledge of this great city with your Airbnb guests.
Average annual earnings: $4,600
Average nightly rate: $101
Total annual earnings for all hosts: $39,400,000
This lovely city cottage goes for $179 a night.
10. Denver
Denver is known for its cool vibe, so it’s no wonder that people are eager to visit. From the cool streets of Lower Downtown to the city’s huge array of microbreweries, there’s plenty to keep tourists busy. There’s also enough tourists in the city to keep your Airbnb busy!
Average annual earnings: $8,700
Average nightly rate: $137
Total annual earnings for all hosts: $63,700,000
This urban oasis with a hot tub goes for $139 a night.
11. Houston
If you live in this cool Texas city, you already know how much it has to offer, like the Houston Space Center (insert “Apollo 13” reference) and the aquarium. Why not share your favorite parts of the city with some Airbnb guests while also putting money in your pocket?
Average annual earnings: $3,700
Average nightly rate: $95
Total annual earnings for all hosts: $33,300,000
This downtown loft is walking distance to tons of cool stuff and goes for $110 a night.
12. San Jose
As the bustling center of Silicon Valley, this city has so much going for it. And with so many startups and major tech companies in the area, there’s no doubt that you’d be welcoming a steady stream of business travelers to your Airbnb.
Average annual earnings: $7,800
Average nightly rate: $107
Total annual earnings for all hosts: $24,300,000
This apartment is relaxing and well decorated, and goes for $128 a night.
13. Dallas
Texas is a huge place, so it’s no wonder that Dallas is the fourth city in the state to make it on the list. The city is a popular destination for business travelers, as well as tourists looking to explore the Lone Star State. Hosting a space in Dallas can be a great side hustle.
Average annual earnings: $6,100
Average nightly rate: $108
Total annual earnings for all hosts: $24,500,000
This 1980s themed house is pretty incredible, and goes for $120 a night.
14. Los Angeles
The City of Angels welcomes droves of tourists every year who are eager to find their favorite celebrity’s star on Hollywood Boulevard or can’t wait to take a behind-the-scenes studio tour. If you have the space, why not take advantage of living in such a cool city?
Average annual earnings: $9,100
Average nightly rate: $145
Total annual earnings for all hosts: $370,100,000
This Hollywood Hills guest house goes for $190 per night.
15. Phoenix
The capital of Arizona is known for its year-round sunshine and hot temperatures, making it a magnet for people seeking some winter warmth. Throw in some beautiful desert scenery and some cool bars and restaurants, and you have a recipe that is sure to bring people to your Airbnb.
Average annual earnings: $5,900
Average nightly rate: $97
Total annual earnings for all hosts: $20,500,000
This 1940s bungalow goes for $80 a night.
16. Ft. Worth
This city is often tied together with its neighbor Dallas, but anyone who lives here knows that it has plenty of attractions of its own. It’s a city that’s well worth a visit…and anyone who does visit will surely be delighted to stay at your Airbnb.
Average annual earnings: $6,400
Average nightly rate: $94
Total annual earnings for all hosts: $5,100,000
This beautiful farmhouse cottage goes for $79 a night.
17. Columbus
This city has tons of energy, even in the winter months when the snow is out of control. You can offer guests a warm place to stay and some cool tips, from catching a minor league game at Huntington Park to visiting the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.
Average annual earnings: $5,300
Average nightly rate: $100
Total annual earnings for all hosts: $8,700,000
This cool duplex in a walkable location goes for $99 a night.
18. Jacksonville
This city by the sea is a favorite for tourists, and offers tons of attractions. If you choose to host your space on Airbnb, you’re sure to receive visitors all year – from those seeking a relaxing beach vacation to the 100,000 football fans who flock to town in October for the annual rivalry known as the Georgia vs. Florida game.
Average annual earnings: $5,500
Average nightly rate: $78
Total annual earnings for all hosts: $5,600,000
This carriage house with views of wetlands goes for $80 a night.
If you’re eager to get started as an Airbnb host, sign up to list your space.