Apr 27, 2026
With international travel expected to surge around the FIFA World Cup this summer, some Canadians are looking at a different kind of side income: renting out their personal vehicles.
New data from Turo suggests demand is already building. Bookings in Toronto and Vancouver are up about 25% for June compared to last year, as visitors begin locking in travel plans ahead of the tournament.
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That early demand is translating into promising income projections, with car owners in the two cities expected to earn a combined $1.1 million between June and the end of July.
A genuine income opportunity?
The World Cup is expected to bring a large influx of visitors to Canada this summer, with Toronto and Vancouver being Canada's two host cities.
Alongside the increase in visitor demand, more vehicle owners are listing their cars on peer-to-peer rental platforms such as Turo, which says that listings in Vancouver rose 73% in March compared to a year earlier, while Toronto saw an even sharper increase of 96%.
For many, the appeal is straightforward: Turning a car that sits unused for much of the week into extra income.
And in some cases, that income can be meaningful. For example, a Vancouver-based software engineer who listed a secondary SUV on the platform secured a 25-day booking from an international traveller, expected to bring in about $2,000 — enough to cover the vehicle's payments for the season.
In Toronto, a stay-at-home parent renting out a newer vehicle has already lined up multiple bookings this summer worth roughly $2,500.
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Why more people are trying it — and what to consider
Rising living costs appear to be a key factor behind the growing interest in car-sharing platforms.
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"From groceries to gas to rentals, costs have climbed and stayed there," said Bassem El Rahimy, head of Turo Canada, in a statement. "Renting out your vehicle is an almost passive way to make hundreds of dollars every month."
That pitch is resonating, particularly in cities expecting a surge in tourism. For some owners, longer bookings from international visitors can help offset vehicle expenses, especially during peak periods like the World Cup.
Still, the income potential isn't entirely hands-off. Listing a vehicle comes with ongoing responsibilities, including maintenance, managing bookings and ensuring appropriate insurance coverage. Heavier usage can also lead to added wear and tear, which may eat into profits over time.
Returns can vary widely depending on the vehicle, location and level of demand, meaning not every listing will generate consistent income — particularly once peak travel periods pass.
A (temporary) demand spike
For vehicle owners looking to make some extra income by renting their car, keep in mind that the current surge noted by Turo is closely tied to the World Cup itself, which runs from June 11 until July 19 this year.
As travel peaks during the tournament, demand for short-term rentals — including vehicles — is expected to rise in host cities. But once the event wraps up, activity and demand will likely drop significantly.
For now, the trend highlights how some Canadians are looking for ways to generate additional income — particularly when short-term demand shifts in their favour.
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Steven Brennan is a freelance finance writer based in Vancouver, BC. He holds a BA and an MA from Maynooth University, Ireland. His work regularly appears at Canadian Mortgage Trends, Lowest Rates, Loans Canada and other Canadian and US brands, while also working as a ghostwriter for financial influencers.
