- Have a spare room, and want to earn some extra cash? If so, these tips might be for you...
Now more than ever, people are looking for ways to make passive income Furthermore, they are wondering if there are ways to utilize the ever-growing site we all know and love, Airbnb, to make some extra money.
The good news is, you absolutely can. Here are several creative ways to make money with Airbnb – and you may not even have to own land to do so.

- Add An Accessory Dwelling Unit
When you own a home, you may have extra land on your property that could be turned into a vacation rental. Accessory dwelling units are detached homes that are livable and may even come fully furnished.
They’re a quick, easy, and affordable way to earn rental income through Airbnb without having strangers in your primary residence.
- Rent Out a Room
On the other hand, some people love the idea of welcoming people into their homes. Renting out a room through Airbnb means you won’t have to put any additional money upfront, aside from some small items like toiletries or coffee.
It’s a great way to provide a community feel where you have the opportunity to share a meal with your guests or an evening chat around the fire.
- Create a Theme For Your Airbnb
Airbnb created a category on their website for unique stays. These are typically vacation rentals that have some type of theme. SomeThemed Airbnb rentals are often more expensive because it’s a novelty to stay there.
The Art Institute of Chicago created a one-bedroom apartment replica of one of Van Gogh’s paintings. A homeowner in Thailand recreated the Hobbit House for people to stay at in the mountains.
Don’t be afraid to get creative. The more unique your Airbnb, the more likely you’ll have people lining up to stay there.
- Become an Airbnb Co-Host
If you don’t have a property to rent out, you might want to consider teaming up with someone who does.
As an acting co-host, you act as an assistant to the original host by managing calendars, handling check-ins, or doing property inspections after guests leave.
The hours are relatively flexible but so is your pay. You only are going to get paid if a host has guests lined up. Co-hosts usually make anywhere from 10 to 25 percent, depending on what tasks they take on.
- Become an Airbnb Consultant
This option is for more experienced Airbnb hosts who may want to earn additional income or no longer want the responsibility of being a host themselves.
As a consultant, you create a brand that offers guidance to other hosts on how they can maximize their units, improve Airbnb rankings, or how to properly market their listing both on and off the Airbnb website.
You’d be running your own business so this requires a lot of self-discipline and motivation to gain new clientele. But with over 7 million properties to rent, you’ll never be short of potential customers.
- Host An Experience
Airbnb wanted to escalate users by providing them with more than just a place to stay. In 2016, the company launched its “experiences” section. Locals of these different areas provide unique opportunities to create a well-rounded vacation that goes beyond the typical city tour or workshop.
It’s a way to immerse the visitor into the culture, history, and lifestyle of the city. You can host a bicycle excursion to the various sites around town, put on a cooking class, or host a meditation in the park.
The opportunities for creating experiences are limitless and can center around some of your favorite hobbies or passions. You get paid anywhere from $25 to $150 per person who signs up for your experience, which means this option can be incredibly lucrative if it’s enticing enough to visitors.
- Start an Airbnb Photography Business
Do you have a passion for photography? No Airbnb listing is complete without quality photos to reel in guests. The photos are the first thing people see when they’re deciding on which property to stay at.
This means every host is in dire need of having the best photos to go against the competition in their area. Start a side hustle by offering Airbnb photography sessions. You can charge your own rates, have flexible hours, and can easily turn this into a full-time business.
Conclusion
Making money through Airbnb doesn’t necessarily mean you have to own property. There are tons of opportunities that allow you to utilize your skill set, passions, and talents. Whether you’re looking for some side money or would rather turn your Airbnb venture into a full-time job, it’s now easier than ever to start earning extra income.
