Charlotte vs Raleigh
North Carolina Legal with Permit | North Carolina Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Charlotte, North Carolina | Raleigh, North Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | Business license required; contact city for current fee | ~$194 initial zoning permit; ~$86 annual renewal |
| Tax Rate | ~15.25% combined (7.25% state+local sales + 8% Mecklenburg County room occupancy tax) | ~13% combined (7% state+local sales + 6% Wake County room occupancy tax) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | 120 days/year |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $500/day for continued non-compliance | $100–$500/day for violations; permit revocation possible |
| 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
Raleigh, North Carolina
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee ~$194 initial zoning permit; ~$86 annual renewal
Tax Rate ~13% combined (7% state+local sales + 6% Wake County room occupancy tax)
Day Limit 120 days/year
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $100–$500/day for violations; permit revocation possible
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 →Raleigh Overview
STRs allowed as limited use in residential and mixed-use zones. Standard permit limits hosting to 120 days/year; Extended Home-Sharing permit allows 365 days. Zoning permit number must be displayed on all advertisements.
Full Raleigh guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Charlotte or Raleigh?
Charlotte is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Raleigh is "Legal with Permit." Charlotte's permit fee is Business license required; contact city for current fee compared to ~$194 initial zoning permit; ~$86 annual renewal in Raleigh.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Charlotte or Raleigh?
Charlotte charges ~15.25% combined (7.25% state+local sales + 8% Mecklenburg County room occupancy tax), while Raleigh charges ~13% combined (7% state+local sales + 6% Wake County room occupancy 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. Raleigh: $100–$500/day for violations; permit revocation possible.