Boston vs Denver

Massachusetts Legal but Limited | Colorado Legal with Permit

Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.

Boston, Massachusetts
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $25 registration fee
Tax Rate 6.5% state excise + 6% city convention center tax
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $300/day for unregistered listing
Denver, Colorado
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $100 license fee
Tax Rate 10.75% Lodger's Tax (combined city/county/state)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Every 2 years
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $999/day for unlicensed operation

Denver has more favorable STR regulations overall.

Permits & Licensing

Boston charges $25 registration fee for STR licensing, while Denver charges $100 license fee. Boston renewal is annual, and Denver renewal is every 2 years. Overall, Denver has a more permissive regulatory environment (Legal with Permit) compared to Boston (Legal but Limited).

Tax Obligations

In Boston, hosts pay 6.5% state excise + 6% city convention center tax. In Denver, hosts pay 10.75% Lodger's Tax (combined city/county/state). Both cities benefit from automatic platform tax collection through Airbnb and similar services, simplifying compliance for hosts.

Day Limits & Restrictions

Neither city imposes an annual day limit on short-term rentals, giving hosts year-round flexibility.

Fines & Enforcement

Hosts operating without a permit in Boston face penalties including $300/day for unregistered listing. In Denver, violations can result in $999/day for unlicensed operation. Both cities actively enforce their STR regulations, so securing proper licensing before listing is essential in either market.

Boston Overview

Only primary-residence units may be listed as STRs. Investor-owned (non-owner-occupied) short-term rentals are prohibited. Must register with the city and carry $1M liability insurance.

Contact: Boston Inspectional Services — (617) 635-5300

Full Boston guide →

Denver Overview

Only primary residences may be used as STRs. Hosts must obtain a Short-Term Rental license. No cap on rental days. Accessory dwelling units on the same lot are also eligible.

Contact: Denver Excise & Licenses — (720) 913-1311

Full Denver guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easier to Airbnb in Boston or Denver?
Boston is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Denver is "Legal with Permit." Boston's permit fee is $25 registration fee compared to $100 license fee in Denver. Overall, Denver has a more host-friendly regulatory environment.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Boston or Denver?
Boston charges 6.5% state excise + 6% city convention center tax, while Denver charges 10.75% Lodger's Tax (combined city/county/state).
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Boston: $300/day for unregistered listing. Denver: $999/day for unlicensed operation. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Boston and Denver have day limits for Airbnb?
Boston has no annual day limit. Denver has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Boston or Denver?
For new hosts, consider the total cost of entry: Boston charges $25 registration fee for permits with 6.5% state excise + 6% city convention center tax in taxes. Denver charges $100 license fee with 10.75% Lodger's Tax (combined city/county/state). Automatic tax collection in Boston and Denver makes compliance easier for beginners.