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.

Permits & Licensing

Boston charges $25 registration fee for STR licensing, while Minneapolis charges $64 short-term rental registration fee. Boston renewal is annual, and Minneapolis renewal is annual. Overall, Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis, hosts pay 6.875% state sales tax + up to 3% Minneapolis entertainment tax (~10% combined). 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 Minneapolis, violations can result in Up to $2,000 per violation; license revocation for repeated offenses. 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 →

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.

Contact: Inspections Services Division — (612) 673-3000

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. Overall, Minneapolis has a more host-friendly regulatory environment.
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).
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. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Boston and Minneapolis have day limits for Airbnb?
Boston has no annual day limit. Minneapolis has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Boston or Minneapolis?
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. Minneapolis charges $64 short-term rental registration fee with 6.875% state sales tax + up to 3% Minneapolis entertainment tax (~10% combined). Automatic tax collection in Boston and Minneapolis makes compliance easier for beginners.