Asheville vs Phoenix
North Carolina Restricted | Arizona Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Asheville, North Carolina | Phoenix, Arizona |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Restricted | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $200 homestay permit fee | $250/year (non-refundable) |
| Tax Rate | ~16.75% combined (4.75% state sales + 6% county occupancy + 6% city occupancy) | ~12.57% combined transient lodging tax (state + county + city) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $500/day for violations | $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; 12-month suspension after 3 violations |
| Verdict | Phoenix 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
Phoenix, Arizona
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $250/year (non-refundable)
Tax Rate ~12.57% combined transient lodging tax (state + county + city)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; 12-month suspension after 3 violations
Phoenix 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 →Phoenix Overview
Arizona SB 1168 (2022) grants cities enhanced enforcement while SB 1350 (2016) preempts outright bans. Phoenix requires STR permit, $500K liability insurance, neighbor notification, and prohibits STR use of accessory dwelling units.
Full Phoenix guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Asheville or Phoenix?
Asheville is classified as "Restricted" while Phoenix is "Legal with Permit." Asheville's permit fee is $200 homestay permit fee compared to $250/year (non-refundable) in Phoenix.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Asheville or Phoenix?
Asheville charges ~16.75% combined (4.75% state sales + 6% county occupancy + 6% city occupancy), while Phoenix charges ~12.57% combined transient lodging tax (state + county + city). Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Asheville: $500/day for violations. Phoenix: $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; 12-month suspension after 3 violations.