Local News
“Airbnb is helping turn a summer of big events into an economic boom for Boston.”
An Airbnb listing in Providence, R.I. Airbnb
As Boston braces for several massive events this summer, Airbnb says searches for rental properties have increased as much as 122% in one Boston neighborhood.
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A guide to the New England ships in Sail Boston 2026
“Airbnb is helping turn a summer of big events into an economic boom for Boston,” said Airbnb in a statement provided to Boston.com. “Searches for stays in the area are up nearly 30% year over year for the period covering the FIFA World Cup, Fourth of July, and Tall Ships.”
The World Cup soccer matches at Gillette Stadium — rebranded as Boston Stadium — take place June 13, 16, 19, 23, 26, 29 and July 9. The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular, named the official MA250 signature celebration, takes place July 4. And the Tall Ships glide into Boston as part of Sail Boston 2026 from July 11-16.
“During these events, Airbnb will help Boston accommodate more visitors, provide them with affordable places to stay, and generate income for local families, businesses and communities,” said Airbnb in the statement.
The World Cup will be the biggest hosting event in Airbnb’s history, according to Airbnb, bigger than the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris. More than 164,000 fans will travel to Boston for the World Cup, according to a Deloitte study commissioned by Airbnb. And more than 4 million people are estimated to attend Sail Boston, according to organizers.
Some neighborhoods in and around the Boston area, such as East Somerville, Dorchester, and downtown Newport, have recorded the largest year-over-year growth in bookings — with Dorchester up 122%, according to Airbnb.
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This Boston neighborhood is seeing the biggest Airbnb surge ahead of the World Cup
Of the 16 World Cup host cities, Boston hosts will be among the highest earning with an average earnings of $5,200, Airbnb has reported, second only to New York/New Jersey at $5,700.
The neighborhoods near Boston where renters can find the highest percentage of available listings for under $500 per night, a price point guests are gravitating toward, according to Airbnb, are West Revere (88% of listings are under $500) and two areas of Salem — Salem Neck (79% are under $500) and South Salem (73% are under $500).
Airbnb has offered a $750 bonus to new hosts in the 16 World Cup cities and more than 100,000 homes have listed on Airbnb in host cities for the first time. Hosts in nearly 100 zip codes in the Boston area event zone are eligible for the bonus money.
Kristi Palma
Kristi Palma is the travel writer for Boston.com, focusing on the six New England states. She covers airlines, hotels, and things to do across Boston and New England. She is the author of the award-winning Scenic Six, a weekly travel newsletter.
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