Boston vs Minneapolis

Massachusetts Legal but Limited | Minnesota 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
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $64 short-term rental registration fee
Tax Rate 6.875% state sales tax + up to 3% Minneapolis entertainment tax (~10% combined)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Up to $2,000 per violation; license revocation for repeated offenses

Minneapolis has more favorable STR regulations overall.

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 →

Minneapolis Overview

Owners limited to one STR property plus their homesteaded residence; buildings with 20+ units capped at 10% STR units. $300,000 liability insurance and neighbor notification required.

Full Minneapolis guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easier to Airbnb in Boston or Minneapolis?
Boston is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Minneapolis is "Legal with Permit." Boston's permit fee is $25 registration fee compared to $64 short-term rental registration fee in Minneapolis.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Boston or Minneapolis?
Boston charges 6.5% state excise + 6% city convention center tax, while Minneapolis charges 6.875% state sales tax + up to 3% Minneapolis entertainment tax (~10% combined). Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Boston: $300/day for unregistered listing. Minneapolis: Up to $2,000 per violation; license revocation for repeated offenses.