Asheville vs Milwaukee
North Carolina Restricted | Wisconsin Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Asheville, North Carolina | Milwaukee, Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Restricted | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $200 homestay permit fee | $110 annual license + $300 one-time pre-inspection fee |
| Tax Rate | ~16.75% combined (4.75% state sales + 6% county occupancy + 6% city occupancy) | 5% state sales + 3% county room tax + 7% city room tax (15% combined) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $500/day for violations | $150–$500 first offense; steeper fines and permit revocation for repeat offenses |
| Verdict | Milwaukee 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
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $110 annual license + $300 one-time pre-inspection fee
Tax Rate 5% state sales + 3% county room tax + 7% city room tax (15% combined)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $150–$500 first offense; steeper fines and permit revocation for repeat offenses
Milwaukee 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 →Milwaukee Overview
Tourist Rooming House license required for rentals under one month. Properties must pass safety inspection for building code and fire safety compliance before license is issued.
Full Milwaukee guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Asheville or Milwaukee?
Asheville is classified as "Restricted" while Milwaukee is "Legal with Permit." Asheville's permit fee is $200 homestay permit fee compared to $110 annual license + $300 one-time pre-inspection fee in Milwaukee.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Asheville or Milwaukee?
Asheville charges ~16.75% combined (4.75% state sales + 6% county occupancy + 6% city occupancy), while Milwaukee charges 5% state sales + 3% county room tax + 7% city room tax (15% combined). Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Asheville: $500/day for violations. Milwaukee: $150–$500 first offense; steeper fines and permit revocation for repeat offenses.