World Cup Fans Face Sticker Shock in New Jersey Lodging Market

New Jersey is preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but the excitement hasn’t matched the steep prices being charged for parking spots and hotel rooms. A recently renovated hotel near MetLife Stadium is asking $450 just to park overnight during the final match while rooms for that night are priced around $2, 300—seven times higher than a typical summer rate. Even with a discounted parking spot included, guests would still pay $383 just to keep their car nearby. This area, usually a quick stop between New York City and Philadelphia, has become an expensive battlefield for travelers. Most visitors aren’t biting. Occupancy at the newly upgraded World of Blue hotel has hovered between 8% and 30% for early games, with only 4% of rooms booked for the final. Just one parking space had been reserved as of this week. Experts point to high ticket prices, expensive flights, and the lack of budget-friendly rooms as reasons for the slow start. Even basic motels are charging $500 to $900 for a single night during the final, while cheaper options nearby have already started lowering their rates.Some travelers are changing plans altogether. Chris Andraka, a manufacturing manager, canceled his stay after seeing his usual hotel jump from $300 to $5, 300 for a single night. While the hotel offers a pool and breakfast, he described it as “nothing to write home about. ” The inflated prices have pushed many to skip the convenience of staying close to the stadium. Even if they do book a room, they’ll still need to rely on shuttles or rideshares since walking isn’t allowed due to safety concerns. New York City hotels aren’t seeing a surge either. By early June, only 28% of rooms were booked for the final night—down from 40% last year. Some believe demand might pick up if popular teams advance further, bringing more dedicated fans. Others wonder if the initial pricing strategy was a miscalculation.