Hosting vs. Airbnb

Hosting a Paid International Student vs. Renting on Airbnb

Written by:

Aly Rajab

As a host family, you may be considering renting out your spare room on Airbnb to earn some extra income. While renting on Airbnb can be a lucrative option, there are also several costs and considerations to keep in mind. Alternatively, hosting a paid international student can offer a unique opportunity for cultural exchange and personal growth, while also providing a steady income stream.

Let’s break down the math to compare the potential earnings from hosting on Airbnb versus hosting a paid international student.

Assuming the host family rents out their room on Airbnb for 100 nights a year at $100 per night, this would result in a total income of $10,000. If the room is divided among 10 guests, the host family would earn $1,000 per guest. However, it’s important to consider the additional costs associated with hosting on Airbnb. These may include:

• Cleaning costs: Each guest typically requires a separate cleaning, which can add up quickly.
• Welcome gifts: Some hosts choose to provide welcome gifts for their guests, which can be an additional expense.
• Time spent following up with guests: Each guest requires communication for check-in and check-out, which can be time-consuming.
• Maintenance costs: Regular maintenance such as restocking supplies can add up over time.
• New bedding and furniture: Over time, furniture and bedding may need to be replaced, which is an additional expense.
• Management fees: Airbnb charges a management fee for each booking, which can impact overall earnings.

By contrast, hosting a paid international student typically involves fewer additional costs, as the student typically becomes part of the family. Additionally, hosting a student provides the opportunity for cultural exchange and personal growth, which can be a rewarding experience in and of itself.

Assuming the host family hosts a paid international student for 240 nights at $32 per night, this would result in a total income of $960 for the month. Over the course of a eight months, this would result in a total income of $7680.

In addition to the financial benefits, hosting a paid international student can also provide a unique opportunity for cultural exchange and personal growth. By hosting a student from another country, host families can learn about different cultures and customs, and gain valuable insights into the world around them. This can be a rewarding experience for both the host family and the student.

When choosing between hosting international students or using Airbnb to rent out your space, it’s important to consider the type of guest you prefer. While both options involve a screening process to ensure safety, hosting a student allows for a more familial experience as they become a part of your household. On the other hand, an Airbnb guest may have a car and require parking, but won’t be expected to participate in household tasks. It’s worth noting that a negative review from an Airbnb guest could harm your business, while this isn’t a concern with a student. However, both options have 24/7 customer support available in case of emergencies. Ultimately, it comes down to the type of experience you want for yourself and your guests.

It’s also worth noting that when hosting international students, schools like CLLC act as a third party that provides support for hosts. This means that in addition to Airbnb’s customer support, you can rely on the school to assist with any questions or issues that may arise during the student’s stay. With this added layer of support, hosting a student can provide a more structured and secure experience for both the host and the guest.

Of course, hosting a paid international student may also come with its own set of challenges and considerations. Host families should be prepared to provide a safe and welcoming environment for the student, and be willing to navigate any cultural differences that may arise. However, with the right mindset and preparation, hosting a paid international student can be a fulfilling and beneficial experience for everyone involved.

In conclusion, while renting on Airbnb can be a lucrative option, hosting a paid international student can offer a unique opportunity for cultural exchange and personal growth, while also providing a steady income stream with fewer additional costs. By weighing the pros and cons of each option, host families can make an informed decision about which option is best for them.