Charlotte vs Seattle
North Carolina Legal with Permit | Washington Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Charlotte, North Carolina | Seattle, Washington |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | Business license required; contact city for current fee | $75/year short-term rental operator license |
| Tax Rate | ~15.25% combined (7.25% state+local sales + 8% Mecklenburg County room occupancy tax) | 15.6% combined lodging tax (state + county + city) |
| 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 | $500/day for operating without a license |
| 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
Seattle, Washington
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $75/year short-term rental operator license
Tax Rate 15.6% combined lodging tax (state + county + city)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500/day for operating without a license
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 →Seattle Overview
Both owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied units may be licensed. Operators may list up to 2 units. A platform license is also required for listing sites. Must collect and remit all applicable lodging taxes.
Full Seattle guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Charlotte or Seattle?
Charlotte is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Seattle is "Legal with Permit." Charlotte's permit fee is Business license required; contact city for current fee compared to $75/year short-term rental operator license in Seattle.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Charlotte or Seattle?
Charlotte charges ~15.25% combined (7.25% state+local sales + 8% Mecklenburg County room occupancy tax), while Seattle charges 15.6% combined lodging tax (state + county + city). 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. Seattle: $500/day for operating without a license.