Turning Your Parked Car Into Profit: How Calgarians Are Cashing In with Turo

Let’s face it — owning a car in Calgary isn’t cheap. A new report from Turo and Leger shows Canadian car owners now spend about $5,497 a year on ownership costs, up 9% since 2024.

It’s no wonder some locals are ditching car ownership altogether to free up cash for other goals. In fact, 48% of young Canadians say they’d rather pay for a car only when they need one.

The Turo Solution

For many young Calgarians, the answer is simple: let their car pay for itself. Turo, the world’s largest car-sharing marketplace, lets owners rent out their vehicles when they’re not using them — and summer, with its road trips and getaways, is peak earning season.

Since launching in Canada, Turo says its hosts have earned $300 million. On average, a Canadian host can bring in around $3,500 in the summer months alone.

If your car spends most of its day parked, listing it on Turo could turn it into a money-maker.

How It Works

Turo’s mission is to put the world’s 1.5 billion cars to better use. The process is straightforward:

1. List your car on Turo.

2. Rent it out when you’re not using it.

3. Get paid — with comprehensive insurance and protection options included.

Considering the average car sits idle 95% of the time (about 22.5 hours a day), it’s easy to see the potential.

Real Success Stories

The average Turo host in Canada makes about $712 per month year-round — enough to cover plenty of gas. But some take it further.

Take Calgary’s Jason Pfeifer, for example. He started hosting in March 2024 and now earns $20,000 from his Yukon XL — all while working full-time in hotel management.

Why Now Is the Best Time

Summer demand for road trips and weekend escapes makes now the most profitable season for car sharing. Whether you just want a little passive income or you’re ready to grow a mini fleet, the market is hot.

Bottom line: If your car’s sitting in the driveway, it could be paying for your next vacation — or at least your gas bill.