Mexico emerges as cheapest 2026 World Cup host for accommodations
by Mar Puig · UPIMay 26 (UPI) -- Mexico is positioning itself as the cheapest option for accommodations during the 2026 World Cup, while rates in host cities across the United States and Canada continue to rise as the tournament approaches.
Internal Airbnb data show that staying in Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey could cost up to 60% less than in U.S. and Canadian host cities, a gap that could redirect part of the international tourist flow toward Mexico during the weeks of competition.
The platform estimates that the current average cost per person per night across the three Mexican host cities is about $63.
By contrast, AirROI analyses of Airbnb listings across the 16 host cities show much higher average rates than in the United States and Canada. Vancouver appears with an average of $554 per night, Seattle with $473, Kansas City with $454 and Miami with $438.
Mexico's tourism industry expects the arrival of more than 836,000 additional visitors during the tournament, according to estimates by Deloitte, one of the world's largest consulting and financial analysis firms, in an economic boost that could generate billions of dollars in revenue for sectors such as transportation, restaurants, entertainment and vacation rentals.
Growing demand is also accelerating the expansion of Airbnb and other short-term rental platforms in the country's main host cities.
According to data from specialized firm AirDNA cited by Spanish newspaper El País, the supply of properties on Airbnb and similar platforms grew 30% in Mexico City between 2023 and 2026, rising from 18,000 to nearly 24,000 units.
In Guadalajara, growth reached 50%, to 9,760 properties, while Monterrey's supply doubled to 7,274 units.
Across the three cities, much of the supply is concentrated in companies linked to the real estate sector and urban developers rather than individual hosts.
In Mexico City, firms such as Virtual Homes, Kukun and Mr. W manage hundreds of properties dedicated to temporary tourism stays.
In Guadalajara, companies such as Qüarat Living Rentals and Del Mar Boutique stand out, while in Monterrey, Anfitrip, linked to AG Proyectos de Inversión, controls more than 160 accommodations.
Academics consulted by El País said these corporate structures operate in practice as parallel hotel chains under more flexible regulations than the traditional hotel sector.
The growth of the tourism market has also intensified concerns over housing access and rising rents in central areas of Mexico City.
Neighborhood groups and academics also warned that Airbnb's rapid growth has begun to pressure the housing market in central districts of Mexico City.
According to the book "Airbnificación en Ciudad de México," prepared by academics from the National Autonomous University of Mexico, between 11% and 20% of homes in the Cuauhtémoc borough are currently listed on Airbnb.
Amid the boom in temporary rentals ahead of the World Cup, the Mexico City government tightened regulations on Airbnb and Booking.
Head of government Clara Brugada announced the creation of a mandatory registry for hosts and warned that properties operating outside the system could be blocked.
"We do not want housing prices to increase disproportionately during the World Cup," Brugada said.
Mexico City Tourism Secretary Alejandra Frausto also said the measures seek to prevent the proliferation of "simulated hotels" and curb the mass conversion of residential apartments into tourist accommodations.
"We want more tourism ahead of the 2026 World Cup, but not at any cost," she said.
Historic May moments through the years
Wreathes are seen amongst the statues at the Korean War Veterans Memorial during Memorial Day weekend in Washington on May 27, 2023. Memorial Day, which honors U.S. military personnel who died while in service, is held on the last Monday of May. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo