You Can Make $169,000 (or More) on Airbnb — These People Did It
Who knew sharing your home could be such a lucrative business?
Airbnb came onto the scene in 2008, and has completely changed the way we rent homes. Today, the company is estimated to be worth around $20 billion, but Airbnb isn’t the only one making money. Many of the site’s users have earned big bucks from renting out their homes, whether on a full- or part-time basis.
While renting your property for a specific event (such as a local music festival) can make a HUGE profit in a short period of time, the listings that make the most money are the ones that have a consistently high occupancy. Some owners earn more than $200,000 a year on rental income.
But what makes one Airbnb better than another? What makes it into a cash cow? Here are 10 of the highest earning Airbnb listings in the U.S., so you can see for yourself:
10. Luxury Marina Del Rey Condo
A major selling point of this home is its proximity to the beach. (Photo: Airbnb)
This place is steps from the beach AND has a pool table. What more do you need? This luxury three-bedroom, three-bathroom condo sleeps up to 10 people and is a stone’s throw from Venice beach. The building features a club room with pool table, foosball, and darts, along with a rooftop deck complete with hot tub, fire pit, and barbecue area. With a 77 percent occupancy rate, this unit was expected to have made $169,361 last year.
Cost: $500 a night
Related: How This Guy Made $200k on Airbnb
9. Manhattan Apartment Near Times Square
Stay in the heart of Manhattan at this rental near Times Square. (Photo: Airbnb)
Space is a luxury in New York City, and this rental definitely gives more bang for your buck. This three-bedroom apartment can accommodate 10 people — making it the perfect unit for a family or group of vacationing friends. Located just one block away from Times Square, renters can entertain themselves on Broadway or sit back and watch the 50-inch flat-screen TV. Add in the newly renovated kitchen, and we can see why this unit was occupied 70 percent of the time, generating $172,500 in estimated annual revenue.
Cost: $575 a night
8. Grand Victorian Home in San Francisco
The entire family can stay in the San Francisco home. (Photo: Airbnb)
This place is special for one very important reason — parking! The historic home was originally built in 1900 and has its own garage, eliminating the stress of finding a spot for your Prius on the street. The four-bedroom house has original crown molding, can sleep up to 15 people, and has its own private backyard that’s perfect for entertaining. The neighborhood is pretty great, too, with a quaint coffee shop next door, and several restaurants within walking distance away of the house. Unsurprisingly, it has become the most successful San Fran-based listing for Airbnb, generating income of $185,680 a year while being occupied 74 percent of the time.
Cost: $599 a night
7. Sunny SoHo Loft
Exposed brick AND a skylight? This place is a SoHo dream! (Photo: Airbnb)
One of NYC’s more expensive options is also one of its most popular, and from the photos, we can see why. This bright and breezy two-bed loft in SoHo features a large open living, dining, and kitchen space with exposed brick walls and a skylight. Despite being in the heart of everything in SoHo, the unit is quiet and feels private. In 2014, it earned $186,433 and had a 72 percent occupancy rate.
Cost: $875 a night
6. Central NYC Apartment with Roof Deck
Create your own urban oasis on this roof deck. (Photo: Airbnb)
Relaxing on a New York City roof is one of the simple pleasures of living in Manhattan — it’s also a major draw for potential renters. This apartment boasts its own roof deck, complete with a barbecue and patio furniture. The condo itself will sleep eight people in four large bedrooms. And at rates starting at $500 a night, it is very well priced. This probably explains why the unit is occupied 88 percent of the time, generating an estimated $188,550 last year.
Cost: $500 a night
5. Downtown Palo Alto Home
This Palo Alto residence is perfect for a family getaway. (Photo: Airbnb)
Silicon Valley’s most successful Airbnb listing is located just blocks from downtown Palo Alto. Accommodating up to seven people in three bedrooms , (all ensuite), this updated craftsman has two TV areas, an updated kitchen, and a full dining room. Oh, did we mention the three spacious porches and lush backyard? The neighborhood is quiet and has restaurants, a grocery store, and a coffee shop, all within a few blocks. But make your reservations early, as this home was occupied 73 percent of 2014, earning the owners around $188,675.
Cost: $575 a night
Related: WATCH: How to Create the Perfect Airbnb Listing — Katie Couric Has the Exclusive
4. Times Square Designer Townhouse
This NYC townhouse is so nice you might never want to leave. (Photo: Airbnb)
This light and bright townhouse has the highest occupancy rate on the list at a staggering 90 percent. Centrally located in the heart of midtown Manhattan, this two-story gem is just blocks from the theater district and Central Park, with many other attractions within walking distance. It features three bedrooms and three baths, spread out over 2,200 square feet. The home earned around $207,792 in a year.
Cost: $600 a night
3. Upper West Side Apartment
This apartment is very “Mad Men”…and we like it. (Photo: Airbnb)
With just two bedrooms and two baths, this Manhattan apartment is relatively small, but that doesn’t keep it from being a money maker. This Upper West Side condo is the East Coast’s highest earner, bringing in around $209,375 a year. The unit is just three blocks from Central Park and features views of the Hudson River. Added bonus: the home is fully air-conditioned and has black-out shades for those of us who like to sleep late.
Cost: $550 a night
2. Modern Venice Home
A cocktail + this home = perfection. (Photo: Airbnb)
This contemporary Venice, California home feels more like a hotel than a house. Perfect for a family vacation, the house sleeps up to 10 people and is just five blocks from the beach. A private front yard features a gas fire pit and a barbecue. This home generated $221,135 last year and was occupied 77 percent of the time.
Cost: $695 per night
1. Stunning Ranch-Style Napa Home
This rental has grapevines and a pool in the backyard. (Photo: Airbnb)
Finally, this spectacular four-bedroom ranch style home in the heart of California’s wine country tops the list of the most lucrative Airbnb properties in the nation. With an 80 percent occupancy, the stunning home generated almost $240,000 in revenue during 2014. It’s just three miles from the quaint town of Napa, but with its own heated pool, breathtaking views, and a barbecue area, you might never want to leave.
Cost: $700 per night
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