Asheville vs Columbus
North Carolina Restricted | Ohio Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Asheville, North Carolina | Columbus, Ohio |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Restricted | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $200 homestay permit fee | $75/year (primary residence); $150/year (non-primary) |
| Tax Rate | ~16.75% combined (4.75% state sales + 6% county occupancy + 6% city occupancy) | 5.1% Columbus lodging excise tax + 7.5% Ohio sales tax |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $500/day for violations | Up to $250 fine and/or 30 days imprisonment per violation |
| Verdict | Columbus has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
Asheville, North Carolina
Status Restricted
Permit Fee $200 homestay permit fee
Tax Rate ~16.75% combined (4.75% state sales + 6% county occupancy + 6% city occupancy)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500/day for violations
Columbus, Ohio
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $75/year (primary residence); $150/year (non-primary)
Tax Rate 5.1% Columbus lodging excise tax + 7.5% Ohio sales tax
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Up to $250 fine and/or 30 days imprisonment per violation
Columbus has more favorable STR regulations overall.
Asheville Overview
Whole-dwelling STRs banned in most zones since 2018; only allowed in resort zoning districts. Owner-occupied homestays (max 2 guest rooms, host must live on-site) are permitted in residential zones with a permit.
Full Asheville guide →Columbus Overview
Governed by Columbus Code Chapter 598; BCI background check required. Properties must be in eligible zoning district.
Full Columbus guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Asheville or Columbus?
Asheville is classified as "Restricted" while Columbus is "Legal with Permit." Asheville's permit fee is $200 homestay permit fee compared to $75/year (primary residence); $150/year (non-primary) in Columbus.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Asheville or Columbus?
Asheville charges ~16.75% combined (4.75% state sales + 6% county occupancy + 6% city occupancy), while Columbus charges 5.1% Columbus lodging excise tax + 7.5% Ohio sales tax. Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Asheville: $500/day for violations. Columbus: Up to $250 fine and/or 30 days imprisonment per violation.