Guest house with home-cooked dinners in an existing house
Starting costs about $23,400 in the United States and 4,070,000 NGN in Nigeria. After 12 months, this business can bring in about $1,790 net per month in the United States and 452,000 NGN in Nigeria. The starting money comes back in about 19 months, with 35 hours of work per week.
Mundyo estimates, data as of 2026-11-02.
See the numbers for my countryFree, no account, in the currency of 250 countries.
The numbers
| Country | To start | Net per month (month 12) |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $23,400 | $1,790 |
| Nigeria | 4,070,000 NGN | 452,000 NGN |
| United Kingdom | £15,800 | £1,170 |
| Kenya | 1,050,000 KES | 58,100 KES |
| India | 519,000 INR | 42,400 INR |
Amounts adjusted to each country's price and income levels.
The problem
Travellers want authentic accommodation and contact with locals, which standardised hotels do not provide.
The solution
Fit out three to five rooms in a house you already have, with breakfast, home-cooked dinners on request and local sightseeing tips.
Your customers
Independent travellers, couples, hikers, business travellers and families away from the main hotel circuits.
How you make money
Night at 50 to 110 € with breakfast depending on the region, dinner at 18 to 30 € per person.
Competition
Hotels, private short-term rentals, hostels, holiday cottages and informal lodgings.
Who has an edge
A welcoming person who owns or inherits a well-located house, enjoys cooking and knows the region well.
The risks
Low off-season occupancy, safety and tax rules, underestimated renovation costs and loss of privacy.
The first 3 steps
- Check tourist accommodation and fire safety rules.
- Cost the fit-out of three rooms precisely.
- Create listings on two platforms and a simple website.
How the numbers are calculated
Example in a high-income eurozone country, at month 12: revenue €2,700 − costs €1,500 = €1,200 net per month. Revenue: 30 nights × €75 + 20 dinners × €22. Costs: breakfasts and meals, linen and cleaning, energy, booking fees, social contributions. For other countries, Mundyo adjusts the starting budget to the price level (World Bank) and the income to prices and customers' purchasing power, then converts at the day's exchange rate.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to start: Guest house?
About $23,400 (United States), 4,070,000 NGN (Nigeria), £15,800 (United Kingdom), depending on the country. Mundyo calculates the amount for 250 countries.
How much can you earn per month?
After 12 months, about $1,790 (United States), 452,000 NGN (Nigeria), £1,170 (United Kingdom) net per month, after costs.
How long until I get my starting money back?
About 19 months, with 35 hours of work per week.
What are the risks?
Low off-season occupancy, safety and tax rules, underestimated renovation costs and loss of privacy.
Where do I start?
1. Check tourist accommodation and fire safety rules. 2. Cost the fit-out of three rooms precisely. 3. Create listings on two platforms and a simple website.
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