Boston vs Sedona
Massachusetts Legal but Limited | Arizona Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Boston, Massachusetts | Sedona, Arizona |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $25 registration fee | $210/year |
| Tax Rate | 6.5% state excise + 6% city convention center tax | 13.3%–13.9% combined (varies by county portion — Yavapai vs Coconino) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $300/day for unregistered listing | $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; up to $1,000/month without permit |
| Verdict | Sedona has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
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
Sedona, Arizona
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $210/year
Tax Rate 13.3%–13.9% combined (varies by county portion — Yavapai vs Coconino)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; up to $1,000/month without permit
Sedona 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 →Sedona Overview
Sedona straddles Yavapai and Coconino counties, so tax rates vary. Each unit needs its own permit. Special events (weddings, retreats) strictly prohibited. 24/7 complaint hotline: (928) 203-5110.
Full Sedona guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Boston or Sedona?
Boston is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Sedona is "Legal with Permit." Boston's permit fee is $25 registration fee compared to $210/year in Sedona.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Boston or Sedona?
Boston charges 6.5% state excise + 6% city convention center tax, while Sedona charges 13.3%–13.9% combined (varies by county portion — Yavapai vs Coconino). Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Boston: $300/day for unregistered listing. Sedona: $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; up to $1,000/month without permit.