Want to earn some extra money during Seattle’s FIFA World Cup matches? Airbnb’s new earnings calculator lets Seattleites estimate how much they could make by renting out their homes to visiting fans this summer. Seattle is set to host six games at Lumen Field starting June 15.
The calculator is part of Airbnb’s push to recruit new hosts ahead of the tournament. First-time hosts in World Cup cities can also get a $750 bonus if they welcome their first guests by July 31. The company says demand is already high, with searches for places to stay in host cities up 80% during the event. Airbnb also estimates that about one in six travelers in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico will be using the platform for the first time during the World Cup.
What’s required in Seattle?
Renting out your place in Seattle involves more than just listing it on Airbnb. There are a few steps involved, and it depends on whether you’re a renter or homeowner.
Homeowners should be prepared for paperwork and fees. must obtain both a city business license tax certificate and a short-term rental license (this costs $75 per unit each year). Most licensed hosts can operate up to two units—their main home plus one additional property.
Renters face additional hurdles. First, you’d need to check your lease: many leases prohibit subletting on short-term rental platforms like Airbnb. There are also location and timing rules: generally, you can’t get a license unless you live in the downtown urban core and your unit was already used as a short-term rental before September 30, 2017.
What could you earn?
Airbnb’s estimates depend on factors like your location, the type of home, how long you rent it out, and the dates. Areas such as Northgate, Greenwood, and Phinney Ridge are seeing some of the biggest increases in bookings during the tournament. Here’s a rough idea of what Seattle hosts could earn by renting their homes for 24 nights across all six matches:
- South Lake Union: $12,747
- Queen Anne: $10,452
- Belltown: $9,684
- Capitol Hill: $8,679
- Magnolia: $8,301
- Chinatown International District: $7,885
- Alki: $7,453
- Central District: $7,380
- Ballard: $6,792
- Sodo: $6,720
- Northgate: $6,670
- University District: $6,621
- Beacon Hill: $6,427
- Fremont: $6,324
- Rainier Beach: $6,301
- Columbia City: $6,013
- South Delridge: $5,054
- North Delridge: $4,309
