World Cup 2026 Buzz Drives New Jersey Rental Prices to Eye-Opening Levels

New Jersey’s short-term rental market is seeing the effects of supporters intending to come to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford on July 19, neighboring accommodations have been in high demand months in advance, driving up summer rates.

Online rental platforms indicate how high demand is. Several North Jersey high-end residences are listed at prices reflecting the event’s global scope. One luxurious mansion near New York City in Essex County costs over $40,000 for a three-night stay with eight bedrooms and a private saltwater pool with a waterfall. Jersey City’s seven-bedroom, five-bathroom home costs approximately $27,000 for the same period.

These postings are at the top of the market, but they show a trend: hosts are changing pricing early as international soccer fans book accommodations near the final match venue. Real estate and travel experts say major sporting events often change local rental markets before kickoff, especially when international tourists arrive.

More affordable accommodations are available for budget travelers, but availability is projected to decrease as the tournament approaches. Vacation rental ads range from $100 per night for a studio in Irvington to several thousand for larger homes near MetLife Stadium. A two-bedroom apartment in Lodi costs under $300 per night, a five-bedroom house in Belleville costs over $1,000, and a four-bedroom Carlstadt home with a private theater costs over $4,000.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be held June 11–July 19 in 16 locations in the US, Canada, and Mexico, featuring 11 matches in NFL stadiums. New Jersey, the final host, is likely to draw the most tournament visitors, especially in the final week.

Match attendance is also growing. As fans book travel, World Cup tickets are emerging on secondary marketplaces. Industry observers say this early activity suggests ticket and lodging prices will rise as the event approaches.

For New Jersey matchgoers, early preparation may offer more options, but the window for affordable lodging is closing quickly. New Jersey is already experiencing the economic impact of the world’s largest soccer event at MetLife Stadium before the game.

Sources:
FIFA
Airbnb
Vrbo