Miami Skyline Airbnb homes

MIAMI - Airbnb says travel through its platform generated more than $93 billion in economic activity across the United States in 2025, setting a new record as the company attempts to strengthen its position in the increasingly heated debate over short-term rentals.

According to Airbnb's 2026 U.S. Economic Impact Report, spending tied to hosts and guests supported more than 1.1 million jobs nationwide and produced more than $26 billion in total tax revenue last year.

"The trips driven by hosts and guests generated an economic impact of more than $93 billion across the United States in 2025, reaching the highest level on record," the report states.

The company says the economic activity extended well beyond major tourism hubs, with many stays taking place in communities that traditionally have had few hotel options.

Airbnb reported that 63% of U.S. census tracts with active Airbnb listings do not have hotels, making short-term rentals one of the main lodging options for travelers in those areas. Collectively, hosts earned more than $9.9 billion in regions without hotels during 2025, according to the report.

The company also emphasized the role Airbnb income plays for homeowners facing higher living costs and housing pressures.

According to an internal Airbnb survey cited in the report, 46% of hosts said hosting helps them deal with rising prices, while 42% said the additional income allows them to remain in their homes.

"In a moment when many Americans are facing increases in housing costs and affordability pressures, hosting on Airbnb is helping families generate meaningful additional income," the report says.

Airbnb said the average U.S. host earned approximately $15,600 in additional income during 2025. The company noted that many hosts use the money to help pay mortgages, property taxes, utilities, food and child care expenses.

The report also attempts to answer one of the biggest criticisms facing short-term rental platforms: whether tourism dollars actually benefit local communities.

Airbnb argues that guest spending frequently remains inside the neighborhoods where travelers stay. According to the company, nearly half of guest spending occurred in the same communities where they were hosted, helping support local restaurants, stores and small businesses.

The company estimates that travel tied to Airbnb generated more than $54 billion in labor income nationwide.

Airbnb also highlighted its growing focus on major global events, especially ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will be hosted across the United States, Mexico and Canada.

The company announced new tools designed to help local residents estimate potential hosting income during the tournament. Airbnb introduced what it calls a Host Income Calculator specifically tailored for the World Cup, targeting the 16 host cities expected to see major tourism demand.In addition, eligible new hosts may receive a $750 incentive on top of hosting income tied to guest stays during the tournament.

The report was conducted using the IMPLAN economic modeling system, which measures direct, indirect, and induced economic effects. Airbnb said the analysis was based on internal platform data collected during 2025, as well as commissioned studies examining the impact of digital tourism in the United States.

Still, the findings arrive as cities across the country continue to debate tighter restrictions on short-term rentals amid concerns over housing affordability, neighborhood disruptions and competition with traditional hotels.

Airbnb's report does not directly address those criticisms, but instead frames the platform as an increasingly important economic engine for households and communities across all 50 states.

"The economic impact reaches communities throughout the country, boosting local businesses, strengthening regional economies and generating essential revenue for state and local governments," the report says.

Originally published on Latin Times