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US: Short-term rental analytics company Key Data has released data pointing to how the FIFA World Cup is reshaping travel demand across the US.
With the FIFA World Cup approaching this June, Key Data’s latest findings show that STR bookings across US host cities are showing signs of divide.
The data shows that international visitors are concentrating in East Coast cities like New York, Boston and Miami. Meanwhile, West Coast host cities are seeing more regional domestic travel as fans choose matches that are closer to home.
Previous data on major events hosted in the US indicated that fans were travelling across the country to attend.
The data examined cities across the East Coast, showing that cities such as New York, Boston, and Miami benefit from strong international flight connectivity and shorter travel times from Europe and parts of South America.
The company said that the New York City metro area shows particularly strong demand indicators. Weighted year-on-year stays are pacing roughly 15.7 per cent higher, while average daily rates have increased 9.4 per cent and average length of stay has expanded nearly 30 per cent.
On the West Coast, San Francisco stands out with stays pacing 42 per cent higher year over year and average daily rates rising approximately 86 per cent.
East Coast cities appear positioned to capture a larger share of international arrivals thanks to flight connectivity and shorter travel times, while West Coast destinations may rely more heavily on regional domestic travel, the company said.
Melanie Brown, VP of data analytics and insights at Key Data said: “FIFA 2026 is creating a very different travel dynamic from what we typically see with major global sporting events. Normally demand concentrates around one or two cities and pulls visitors from across the country.
“But with matches spread across the United States, many fans now have host cities closer to home. That’s changing how people plan their trips. Instead of one destination attracting long-haul domestic travel, we’re seeing demand spread across regions, with international visitors gravitating toward East Coast gateways while domestic travel to West Coast matches is increasingly being driven by nearby states.”
Highlights:
- FIFA World Cup 2026 is reshaping US short-term rental demand, with East Coast cities attracting more international visitors, according to Key Data.
- New York, Boston and Miami are seeing strong booking growth as international fans prioritise cities with better flight connectivity.
- New York City metro area short-term rental stays are pacing 15.7% higher year on year, with ADR up 9.4% and average length of stay rising nearly 30%.
- San Francisco leads West Coast growth, with stays up 42% year on year and average daily rates increasing 86%.
- Unlike previous US mega-events, World Cup matches spread across the country are driving regional domestic travel, particularly to West Coast host cities.
- The trend suggests international arrivals will concentrate in East Coast gateways, while domestic fans travel shorter distances to nearby host cities.
