Boston vs Park City

Massachusetts Legal but Limited | Utah 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
Park City, Utah
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $149 administrative fee + $28.74/bedroom (annual)
Tax Rate ~8.6% combined (state + local sales + 1% municipal TRT + 0.32% state TRT)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Daily fines per violation; license revocation for repeat offenses

Park City has more favorable STR regulations overall.

Permits & Licensing

Boston charges $25 registration fee for STR licensing, while Park City charges $149 administrative fee + $28.74/bedroom (annual). Boston renewal is annual, and Park City renewal is annual. Overall, Park City 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 Park City, hosts pay ~8.6% combined (state + local sales + 1% municipal TRT + 0.32% state TRT). 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 Park City, violations can result in Daily fines per violation; license revocation for repeat 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 →

Park City Overview

Nightly Rental License required; only certain zones allow STRs (e.g., Old Town, Canyons Village). Areas like Prospector and Meadows Estates prohibit nightly rentals. Must pass building inspection and designate 24/7 local contact.

Contact: Park City Finance Department — (435) 615-5231

Full Park City guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easier to Airbnb in Boston or Park City?
Boston is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Park City is "Legal with Permit." Boston's permit fee is $25 registration fee compared to $149 administrative fee + $28.74/bedroom (annual) in Park City. Overall, Park City has a more host-friendly regulatory environment.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Boston or Park City?
Boston charges 6.5% state excise + 6% city convention center tax, while Park City charges ~8.6% combined (state + local sales + 1% municipal TRT + 0.32% state TRT).
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Boston: $300/day for unregistered listing. Park City: Daily fines per violation; license revocation for repeat offenses. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Boston and Park City have day limits for Airbnb?
Boston has no annual day limit. Park City has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Boston or Park City?
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. Park City charges $149 administrative fee + $28.74/bedroom (annual) with ~8.6% combined (state + local sales + 1% municipal TRT + 0.32% state TRT). Automatic tax collection in Boston and Park City makes compliance easier for beginners.