Charleston vs Denver
South Carolina Restricted | Colorado Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Charleston, South Carolina | Denver, Colorado |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Restricted | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $250 (24–72 nights/yr) or $1,500 (72+ nights/yr) + $200 zoning review fee | $100 license fee |
| Tax Rate | ~14% combined (5% state sales + 2% state accommodations + 2% county + 2% city + local option taxes) | 10.75% Lodger's Tax (combined city/county/state) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Every 2 years |
| Platform Remits Taxes | No — host must remit | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | Up to $1,087/day or 30 days jail; criminal prosecution possible | $999/day for unlicensed operation |
| Verdict | Denver has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
Charleston, South Carolina
Status Restricted
Permit Fee $250 (24–72 nights/yr) or $1,500 (72+ nights/yr) + $200 zoning review fee
Tax Rate ~14% combined (5% state sales + 2% state accommodations + 2% county + 2% city + local option taxes)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax No
Max Fine Up to $1,087/day or 30 days jail; criminal prosecution possible
Denver, Colorado
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $100 license fee
Tax Rate 10.75% Lodger's Tax (combined city/county/state)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Every 2 years
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $999/day for unlicensed operation
Denver has more favorable STR regulations overall.
Charleston Overview
Whole-house STRs are effectively banned; at least one full-time resident must sleep on-site each night. Max 4 adult guests. Charleston is one of the few U.S. cities that criminally prosecutes illegal STR operators. $1M liability insurance required.
Full Charleston guide →Denver Overview
Only primary residences may be used as STRs. Hosts must obtain a Short-Term Rental license. No cap on rental days. Accessory dwelling units on the same lot are also eligible.
Full Denver guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Charleston or Denver?
Charleston is classified as "Restricted" while Denver is "Legal with Permit." Charleston's permit fee is $250 (24–72 nights/yr) or $1,500 (72+ nights/yr) + $200 zoning review fee compared to $100 license fee in Denver.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Charleston or Denver?
Charleston charges ~14% combined (5% state sales + 2% state accommodations + 2% county + 2% city + local option taxes), while Denver charges 10.75% Lodger's Tax (combined city/county/state). Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Charleston: Up to $1,087/day or 30 days jail; criminal prosecution possible. Denver: $999/day for unlicensed operation.