3 Signs Your Spare Room Could Be Making Thousands on Airbnb
I used to rent out my spare bedroom to a roommate for $800 a month. If you’ve ever shared your living space, you know it can be a gamble. Living with someone else brings its challenges, and when tension started to arise between my roommate and me, home no longer felt like a sanctuary. I dreaded going home and spent most of my time avoiding common areas. By the time she moved out, the thought of finding another roommate was exhausting. That’s when a lightbulb went off—what if I listed the room on Airbnb instead?
As someone who frequently books Airbnb stays during my own travels, I knew the platform’s potential. I’d also seen a friend rent rooms in his house through Airbnb and earn decent money. I figured even if my spare room was only booked half the time, I could still make $800—the same as before but without the roommate drama. So, I decided to give it a shot.
And wow, was it worth it!
My very first month hosting, I earned $1,591.35.
By the third month, my earnings hit $2,279.99.
Not only had I escaped the nightmare of cohabitating, but I was also making three times the income from that single room.
Naturally, my friends started asking questions about my success. Could they replicate these results? I began mentoring them, tailoring advice to their unique spaces and needs. From room design to pricing strategies, I walked them through every detail. And it worked—consistently.
Now, I teach others how to maximize their spare room’s potential on Airbnb. But not every space is set up for success. Some factors can predict whether Airbnb hosting will be wildly profitable—or more trouble than it’s worth.
So, how do you know if your spare room is a goldmine waiting to happen? Here are the three key signs your spare room could be making thousands on Airbnb.
1. You Live in a Major City
Location is everything when it comes to Airbnb rentals. If you live in a major city or a popular tourist destination, you're in a prime spot to attract travelers looking for convenient accommodations. Guests often want to be close to key attractions like downtown areas, airports, convention centers, and entertainment venues.
Even if you're in the suburbs of a big city, there’s still potential to do well on Airbnb. The more accessible your location is to popular destinations, the better. But living in or near a bustling city center is the top indicator that your spare room could be in high demand.
2. Your Spare Room Has a Private Bathroom
Guests are willing to pay extra for the luxury of a private bathroom. It gives them peace of mind, knowing they won’t have to wait to use the shower or share the space with others. If your spare room has its own bathroom, you can charge a higher nightly rate, boosting your income potential.
Even better, if your room has an ensuite bathroom—where guests don’t even need to leave their room to access it—you’ll be even more competitive on Airbnb. While shared bathrooms aren’t a deal breaker, a private or ensuite bathroom can set your listing apart and attract more bookings.
3. Your Spare Room Could Rent for $700+ per Month
If the going rate for renting your spare room to a long-term roommate is $700 or more per month, that’s a strong sign your space will also do well on Airbnb. But the real advantage of listing it short-term is that you could potentially earn much more.
Airbnb hosts who take my course often make double or even triple the income compared to renting to a traditional roommate, especially in high-demand areas. By charging a higher nightly rate, you can significantly increase your earning potential, turning your spare room into a lucrative source of income.
Final Thoughts
If your home meets these three criteria—being in a major city, offering a private bathroom, and could rent for $700+ per month—your spare room might just be a goldmine waiting to happen. Airbnb hosting offers the flexibility to earn significantly more than a traditional roommate while giving you control over your space and schedule.
But let’s face it, starting out can feel overwhelming. That’s why I created a step-by-step course to help you transform your spare room into a high-earning Airbnb listing. From room design tips and direct shopping links to smartphone photography hacks and pricing strategies, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to maximize your profits.
Don’t leave money on the table—learn how to make thousands from your spare room today. To help you get started, I’m giving you the first two lessons completely free. Ready to get started? Let’s start building your Airbnb success story today!