Boston vs Salt Lake City

Massachusetts Legal but Limited | Utah Effectively Banned

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
Salt Lake City, Utah
Status Effectively Banned
Permit Fee Contact city for current details
Tax Rate ~12.17% combined (state + local sales + county TRT + municipal TRT)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Contact city for current details; violations may incur daily fines

Boston has more favorable STR regulations overall.

Permits & Licensing

Boston charges $25 registration fee for STR licensing, while Salt Lake City charges Contact city for current details. Boston renewal is annual, and Salt Lake City renewal is annual. Overall, Boston has a more permissive regulatory environment (Legal but Limited) compared to Salt Lake City (Effectively Banned).

Tax Obligations

In Boston, hosts pay 6.5% state excise + 6% city convention center tax. In Salt Lake City, hosts pay ~12.17% combined (state + local sales + county TRT + municipal 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 Salt Lake City, violations can result in Contact city for current details; violations may incur daily fines. 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 →

Salt Lake City Overview

Traditional STRs (Airbnb-style) are prohibited in all residential zones. Short-term lodging is only permitted in downtown and mixed-use zoning districts, where operators must meet hotel/motel-class licensing and building standards.

Contact: Salt Lake City Planning Division — (801) 535-7700

Full Salt Lake City guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easier to Airbnb in Boston or Salt Lake City?
Boston is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Salt Lake City is "Effectively Banned." Boston's permit fee is $25 registration fee compared to Contact city for current details in Salt Lake City. Overall, Boston has a more host-friendly regulatory environment.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Boston or Salt Lake City?
Boston charges 6.5% state excise + 6% city convention center tax, while Salt Lake City charges ~12.17% combined (state + local sales + county TRT + municipal TRT).
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Boston: $300/day for unregistered listing. Salt Lake City: Contact city for current details; violations may incur daily fines. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Boston and Salt Lake City have day limits for Airbnb?
Boston has no annual day limit. Salt Lake City has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Boston or Salt Lake 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. Salt Lake City charges Contact city for current details with ~12.17% combined (state + local sales + county TRT + municipal TRT). Automatic tax collection in Boston and Salt Lake City makes compliance easier for beginners.