Boston vs Las Vegas
Massachusetts Legal but Limited | Nevada Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Boston, Massachusetts | Las Vegas, Nevada |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | $25 registration fee | $500/year (business license + Conditional Use Verification) |
| Tax Rate | 6.5% state excise + 6% city convention center tax | 13% Transient Occupancy Tax (Clark County) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $300/day for unregistered listing | $1,000–$10,000 for unlicensed operation |
| Verdict | Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments. | |
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
Las Vegas, Nevada
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $500/year (business license + Conditional Use Verification)
Tax Rate 13% Transient Occupancy Tax (Clark County)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $1,000–$10,000 for unlicensed operation
Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.
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.
Full Boston guide →Las Vegas Overview
Only owner-occupied (hosted) rentals are permitted; the owner must reside on-site during each rental day. Properties must be at least 660 feet from another STR and 2,500 feet from a resort hotel. Limited to 3 bedrooms max. Requires $500,000 liability insurance.
Full Las Vegas guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Boston or Las Vegas?
Boston is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Las Vegas is "Legal but Limited." Boston's permit fee is $25 registration fee compared to $500/year (business license + Conditional Use Verification) in Las Vegas.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Boston or Las Vegas?
Boston charges 6.5% state excise + 6% city convention center tax, while Las Vegas charges 13% Transient Occupancy Tax (Clark County). Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Boston: $300/day for unregistered listing. Las Vegas: $1,000–$10,000 for unlicensed operation.