Airbnb tool shows Seattle homeowners how much they could earn during World Cup

Demand for short-term rentals is already rising sharply as the city prepares to host six matches.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 11:38pm

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A minimalist studio still life photograph featuring a set of house keys, a laptop, and a stack of cash on a clean, monochromatic background, symbolizing the business potential of short-term rentals during the World Cup in Seattle.As Seattle prepares to host the 2026 World Cup, homeowners are exploring lucrative short-term rental opportunities to capitalize on the influx of visitors.Seattle Today

Airbnb has launched a new tool that estimates how much Seattle residents can earn by renting out their homes during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The company says some homes could make up to $11,000 during the tournament, though exact earnings vary. Seattle is hosting six World Cup matches at Lumen Field between June 15 and July 6, and Airbnb says demand is already up 80% in host cities.

Why it matters

The World Cup is expected to draw millions of visitors to Seattle, creating a lucrative opportunity for local homeowners to earn extra income by renting out their properties. However, Seattle residents must have the proper business licenses and short-term rental permits to legally host, or risk facing fines.

The details

Airbnb's new Host Earnings Calculator gives individualized estimates for World Cup bookings in Seattle based on factors like location, availability, and type of listing. Users can adjust how many days they plan to host and see how many matches fall within that timeframe. According to Airbnb, some Seattle homes could make up to $11,000 during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, though exact earnings across the city vary.

  • The 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place from June 15 to July 6.
  • Seattle is hosting six World Cup matches at Lumen Field during this period.

The players

Airbnb

An online marketplace for short-term vacation rentals and experiences.

Lumen Field

The stadium in Seattle that will host six World Cup matches in 2026.

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What’s next

Seattle residents must have a business license certificate and short-term regulatory license from the city to legally host during the World Cup, or risk facing fines. The annual permit costs about $75 per unit.

The takeaway

The 2026 FIFA World Cup presents a lucrative opportunity for Seattle homeowners to earn extra income by renting out their properties, but they must ensure they have the proper licenses and permits to do so legally.