Homeowners near SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California are making some extra money by renting out their driveways for World Cup parking. These parking spots are going for around $50 to $80 apiece, far below the prices at nearby garages. The city has pushed back, saying anyone renting out parking for events needs a commercial parking permit and a business license, the New York Post reported. Officials have warned that residents who skip those steps could face fines.
But it’s an easy case of supply and demand that homeowners are taking advantage of. With huge crowds heading to the stadium, garages and official World Cup lots near SoFi have been charging as much as $250 to $300 per match for parking alone. Homeowners with a driveway or two are deciding to undercut them. That way they stand to make around $150 a day if they rent multiple spots.
Inglewood officials see it differently. The city’s Parking and Traffic Department says renting out private parking spaces for events is a commercial activity that requires both a permit and a business license, NBC Los Angeles reported. Anyone renting out spots could end up being fined.
SoFi Stadium, branded “Los Angeles Stadium” for the tournament, is hosting eight World Cup matches between June and July. There are also U.S. games and a quarterfinal. There are millions of fans traveling to host cities across North America, so the temptation to cash in on parking and lodging is happening far beyond just Inglewood.
How Common Is This at Big Events?
LA homeowners cashing in on the World Cup are given sharp reality check by the city https://t.co/LZUktVr2NA pic.twitter.com/0343RdvASk
— New York Post (@nypost) June 14, 2026
Residents turning their homes and yards into pop-up businesses is a regular feature of major events. The 2026 World Cup alone is being played across 16 host cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, 11 of them in the U.S., with roughly 6.5 million people expected to travel to North America for it. That kind of demand drives prices up fast, and the same pattern shows up around the Super Bowl, large concerts, and the Olympics.
The bigger money is often in lodging. Around SoFi Stadium, short-term rental rates have run far above normal, with some Inglewood listings asking up to ten times their usual nightly price and at least one seeking around $11,000 for a two-night stay. Cities tend to regulate all of this, requiring permits or licenses for paid parking and short-term rentals, and the rules vary widely from one place to the next.
What to Check Before You Rent Out Your Driveway or Home
Before you list a parking spot or a spare room for a big event, you should find out what your city allows. Some cities will make you get a permit or a business license to charge for event parking. Even short-term rentals often need their own registration, so a quick call to your city or a look at its website can keep you from being fined. Check your HOA rules or your lease as well for hidden rules.
It’s also worth a call to your insurance company, since a standard homeowners policy may not cover guests, paid parking, or damage to vehicles. Keep in mind that the income is also taxable, so hold onto records of what you bring in. Be sure to take basic precautions, like using a reputable platform, getting payment up front, and not letting strangers go anywhere they want on your property, and you might be able to pull it off.