Charlotte vs Columbus
North Carolina Legal with Permit | Ohio Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Charlotte, North Carolina | Columbus, Ohio |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | Business license required; contact city for current fee | $75/year (primary residence); $150/year (non-primary) |
| Tax Rate | ~15.25% combined (7.25% state+local sales + 8% Mecklenburg County room occupancy tax) | 5.1% Columbus lodging excise tax + 7.5% Ohio sales tax |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $500/day for continued non-compliance | Up to $250 fine and/or 30 days imprisonment per violation |
| Verdict | Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments. | |
Charlotte, North Carolina
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee Business license required; contact city for current fee
Tax Rate ~15.25% combined (7.25% state+local sales + 8% Mecklenburg County room occupancy tax)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500/day for continued non-compliance
Columbus, Ohio
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $75/year (primary residence); $150/year (non-primary)
Tax Rate 5.1% Columbus lodging excise tax + 7.5% Ohio sales tax
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Up to $250 fine and/or 30 days imprisonment per violation
Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.
Charlotte Overview
Charlotte removed STR-specific zoning regulations from its UDO in April 2022, making it one of NC's most permissive markets. Hosts must still obtain a business license and register for Mecklenburg County room occupancy tax.
Full Charlotte guide →Columbus Overview
Governed by Columbus Code Chapter 598; BCI background check required. Properties must be in eligible zoning district.
Full Columbus guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Charlotte or Columbus?
Charlotte is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Columbus is "Legal with Permit." Charlotte's permit fee is Business license required; contact city for current fee compared to $75/year (primary residence); $150/year (non-primary) in Columbus.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Charlotte or Columbus?
Charlotte charges ~15.25% combined (7.25% state+local sales + 8% Mecklenburg County room occupancy tax), while Columbus charges 5.1% Columbus lodging excise tax + 7.5% Ohio sales tax. Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Charlotte: $500/day for continued non-compliance. Columbus: Up to $250 fine and/or 30 days imprisonment per violation.