HOUSTON – Chances are, you or someone you know has relied on Airbnb, whether as a guest or host, but exactly how much of that has benefitted the state?
MORE: Houston’s new short-term rental ordinance: What businesses need to know and when it takes effect
Recommended Videos
A new report from the vacation rental property breaks it all down, where researchers found that it has generated more than $90 billion in economic activity across the U.S. This includes parts of the country without hotels.
In Texas alone, Airbnb says it has helped generate about $7.5 billion in 2024. Additionally, the report found:
- An estimated 84,000 jobs were supported by guest spending
- An estimated $4.5 billion was in labor income
- Approximately $1.8 billion in total tax revenue
RELATED: Airbnb has collected nearly $35 million in tourism taxes on behalf of Houston hosts
The report goes on to say how the average guest in the state spent an additional $780 on entertainment, shopping, or at restaurants while on the trip. Thereby generating additional support for tourism and supporting local businesses.
This also comes on the heels of the Houston City Council approving a new ordinance to regulate short-term rentals (STRS) like those on Airbnb.
This ordinance will enable the city to enforce regulations at STRs, such as noise and sound regulations, payment of hotel occupancy taxes, compliance with building and fire codes, and addressing criminal offenses.
Here’s what Airbnb had on the economy, nationwide, in 2024:
- Airbnb guest spending supported more than one million US jobs.
- The typical Airbnb guest spent more than $775 per trip on restaurants, entertainment, shopping, and other local businesses, and nearly 50% of guest spending stayed in the neighborhood of their Airbnb.
- Travel on Airbnb generated over $25 billion in total tax revenue across the US, including $2.4 billion in tourism-related taxes.
To learn more and see the full report,