When Duke Mills’ service-connected disabilities made it difficult for him to work, he sought opportunities to supplement his disability compensation. He and his wife, Veronica Steele, decided to become Airbnb hosts and used their VA home loan benefits to purchase a home in Port Huron, Michigan, that was large enough to share with guests.
“Our earnings from hosting not only improve our lives but allow us to improve the lives of others — including people we hire to assist with our home, many of whom are also veterans, and the veteran organizations we donate to,” Mills said. “Hosting has made our dream of financial independence come true when we didn’t think it was possible due to my disabilities.”
Last year, Airbnb reported the number of military-affiliated hosts grew by approximately 14% compared to 2023. The company also reported military-affiliated hosts collectively earned about $58 million from hosting on Airbnb in 2024 — a 17% increase from the previous year. Airbnb also supports veteran service organizations like the USO and the Wounded Warrior Project, having donated close to $250,000 through the Airbnb Community Fund, which was created to support local communities and the people who live in them.
“Hosting on Airbnb offers a flexible and accessible way for people to earn meaningful extra income,” said an Airbnb spokesperson. “We’re proud that every year, thousands of members of the military community turn to Airbnb while they’re deployed or conducting other duties that require time away from home.”
Arizona National Guard Capt. Alex Neighbors recently returned from a seven-month deployment. During that time, his family stayed in his main house to continue operating his Airbnb guesthouse. His advice for any military member considering opening their home to guests while deployed is to have a co-host, or someone local available to assist guests with the little things that come up.
“It’s the perfect opportunity to make anywhere from $3,000 to $4,500 extra each month,” Neighbors said. “But it can be hard to run your Airbnb while you’re in another country with a 10-hour time difference, unless you’re doing a long-term stay where someone is staying in the home the whole time you’re gone.”
If guests will be staying in the primary home while a service member is deployed, Neighbors recommended storing personal items in a locked garage or storage unit. He also suggested researching the rules and regulations around short-term rentals in the local area, as some cities or counties require special tax licenses or registration.
Steele noted that veterans may qualify for exemptions when it comes to business requirements in certain locations.
“Some states offer a property tax exemption for 100% disabled veterans,” she said. “For example, in Michigan where we live, it doesn’t matter if you rent out a room or your entire home on Airbnb while you’re away. The tax exemption still applies as long as it’s the veteran’s primary residence.”
Neighbors added that it’s worth putting in the extra effort to provide hospitality and excellent customer service. He created an informational video for his guests with instructions on where to park, how to reach the guest house in the backyard, and how to adjust the modern shower knobs, then he sends a link to the video after they book a stay.
Military-affiliated hosts are encouraged to join Vets@, an employee resource group (ERG) sponsored by at least two senior Airbnb leaders. According to an Airbnb spokesperson, Vets@ is one of 17 ERG communities — a global network for veterans and allies that fosters a sense of belonging at work. Both Mills and Neighbors said the community Airbnb provides to hosts is one of the company’s most unique and valuable features. The goal is to ensure no host feels like they’re doing it alone and has a network to turn to when they have questions.
“We chose Airbnb because of the community and connections we’ve experienced,” Mills said. “Airbnb is about creating a community. Through hosting and traveling, you’ll create connections that will stay with you for the rest of your life.”
A survey of Airbnb hosts from April 2024 to March 2025 found that 65% said hosting allows them to meet the rising cost of living, while 42% said it has helped them stay in their home.
Visit Airbnb’s website to learn more about hosting opportunities.
