Boston vs Los Angeles
Massachusetts Legal but Limited | California Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Boston, Massachusetts | Los Angeles, California |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | $25 registration fee | $89 registration fee + $850 annual platform fee |
| Tax Rate | 6.5% state excise + 6% city convention center tax | 14% Transient Occupancy Tax |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | 120 days/year |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $300/day for unregistered listing | $2,000–$5,000/violation (up to triple for repeat offenses) |
| 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
Los Angeles, California
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $89 registration fee + $850 annual platform fee
Tax Rate 14% Transient Occupancy Tax
Day Limit 120 days/year
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $2,000–$5,000/violation (up to triple for repeat offenses)
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 →Los Angeles Overview
Home-Sharing Ordinance limits STRs to primary residences with a 120-day annual cap (extendable with Enhanced Plan). Registration required. RSO (rent-stabilized) units generally prohibited.
Full Los Angeles guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Boston or Los Angeles?
Boston is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Los Angeles is "Legal but Limited." Boston's permit fee is $25 registration fee compared to $89 registration fee + $850 annual platform fee in Los Angeles.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Boston or Los Angeles?
Boston charges 6.5% state excise + 6% city convention center tax, while Los Angeles charges 14% Transient Occupancy Tax. Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Boston: $300/day for unregistered listing. Los Angeles: $2,000–$5,000/violation (up to triple for repeat offenses).