Charlotte vs San Francisco
North Carolina Legal with Permit | California Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Charlotte, North Carolina | San Francisco, California |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | Business license required; contact city for current fee | $450 registration fee |
| Tax Rate | ~15.25% combined (7.25% state+local sales + 8% Mecklenburg County room occupancy tax) | 14% Transient Occupancy Tax |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | 90 days/year |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Every 2 years |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $500/day for continued non-compliance | $1,000/day for illegal hosting |
| Verdict | Charlotte has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
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
San Francisco, California
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $450 registration fee
Tax Rate 14% Transient Occupancy Tax
Day Limit 90 days/year
Renewal Every 2 years
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $1,000/day for illegal hosting
Charlotte has more favorable STR regulations overall.
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 →San Francisco Overview
Primary residence only, with a 90-day cap on unhosted stays (unlimited for hosted stays). Hosts must register, carry $500K liability insurance, and pass a fire/safety inspection. Rent-controlled units face additional restrictions.
Full San Francisco guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Charlotte or San Francisco?
Charlotte is classified as "Legal with Permit" while San Francisco is "Legal but Limited." Charlotte's permit fee is Business license required; contact city for current fee compared to $450 registration fee in San Francisco.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Charlotte or San Francisco?
Charlotte charges ~15.25% combined (7.25% state+local sales + 8% Mecklenburg County room occupancy tax), while San Francisco charges 14% Transient 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. San Francisco: $1,000/day for illegal hosting.