Introduction to the World Cup Airbnb Market
On June 12, Peggy Orenstein’s inbox flooded with booking requests for her Inglewood Airbnb. The date seemed random, but after a quick search, the influx of interest became clear. It was exactly a year before one of the biggest events in American soccer history, when the U.S. will kick off its World Cup in a match against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium, and Orenstein had set up the system to only accept booking requests up to a year in advance.
The Impact on Local Airbnb Prices
Orenstein’s rental sits just across the street from the venue. Suddenly, her Airbnb became one of the hottest homes in the Southland. She hadn’t adjusted the prices yet to reflect the rabid demand, so she declined the requests and tweaked the rates. Typically, a two-night stay at the house would cost around $1,000. For a two-night stay during the Americans’ opening match June 12, it’ll now cost more than $10,000.
Expected Travel and Demand
Roughly 6.5 million people are expected to travel to North America during the 2026 World Cup, and many of them will be heading to L.A., where SoFi Stadium is hosting eight games, including two U.S. matches during the group stage. Airbnb hosts are viewing the games as a gold mine, hoping soccer fans will shell out thousands to stay near the stadium.
The World Cup Rental Market
The World Cup rental market will serve as a test case for the 2028 Olympics, when an estimated 15 million people are expected to visit Southern California. For the night of the opening match June 12, more than 70% of short-term rentals in Inglewood have already been booked, according to data site Inside Airbnb. That’s a 58% increase compared to typical reservation rates on normal days.
Rising Rates
Rates are rising as well. On June 1, the average booked rate for an Airbnb in L.A. is $245, according to data platform AirDNA. On June 12, when the U.S. plays Paraguay, it’s $382 — a 56% jump. In Inglewood, prices are even wilder. Homes that normally rent for hundreds are listed for thousands. The nightly price for a one-bedroom apartment a block from SoFi is typically around $400. On June 11, the day before the game, it’s $713. On June 12, the day of the game, it’s $1,714.
Host Strategies
Some hosts use an algorithm to determine their nightly rates, but Orenstein sets the prices herself. She arrived at the $10,000 number by looking at nearby hotels, which are mostly sold out for the nights of the eight World Cup matches. “The Lum Hotel had a suite available during the World Cup for $1,943. Meanwhile, our house can accommodate eight guests with four bedrooms, plus a kitchen and yard,” she said.
Luxury Rentals
Demand isn’t limited to Inglewood. Luxury rentals across Los Angeles are being booked for eye-popping numbers, according to Mokhtar Jabli, founder of luxury rental platform Nightfall Group. He’s booked two so far. The first was rented by a Florida client coming to Los Angeles to see Iran play two matches at SoFi Stadium against New Zealand and Belgium. The modern home in Hollywood Hills, complete with an infinity pool overlooking the city, rented for $33,000 for seven nights from June 15 to 22.
Economic Expectations
Jamie Lane, chief economist for AirDNA, expects a surge across L.A. County — not just in demand, but in supply. “There’s a lot of interest right now in what you can make as a host,” Lane said. “In most cities, there won’t be enough lodging, so that pushes rates higher.” He added that since Airbnb is the official “Alternative Accommodations and Bookings Platform” of the World Cup, the company is urging people to host.
Regulations and Enforcement
It’s unclear how proactive Southern California cities will be in cracking down on illegal listings as homeowners look to make a quick buck by renting out their rooms. Many cities have strict short-term rental regulations, but haven’t taken the steps necessary to enforce them. Last year, the L.A. Housing Department estimated that 7,500 short-term rentals were violating the city’s Home Sharing Ordinance, but the city only issued 300 citations.
Conclusion
The World Cup is expected to bring a significant surge in demand for short-term rentals in Los Angeles, particularly in areas near SoFi Stadium. As a result, prices are expected to rise dramatically, with some hosts listing their properties for thousands of dollars per night. While this presents an opportunity for homeowners to earn significant revenue, it also raises concerns about the enforcement of short-term rental regulations and the potential impact on local housing markets.
FAQs
- Q: How much are prices increasing for Airbnbs in L.A. during the World Cup?
A: Prices are jumping 56% for Airbnbs in L.A. during the World Cup, with some hosts listing their properties for thousands of dollars per night. - Q: What is driving the demand for short-term rentals during the World Cup?
A: The demand is being driven by the expected 6.5 million people traveling to North America for the World Cup, with many heading to L.A. for the games. - Q: Are there any concerns about the enforcement of short-term rental regulations during the World Cup?
A: Yes, there are concerns about the enforcement of regulations, as many cities have strict short-term rental regulations but haven’t taken the necessary steps to enforce them. - Q: How is Airbnb responding to the demand for short-term rentals during the World Cup?
A: Airbnb is urging people to host and has hosted multiple bootcamps to teach people how to furnish homes, set prices, and more.
