Chicago vs Columbus

Illinois Legal but Limited | Ohio Legal with Permit

Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.

Chicago, Illinois
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $250 annual registration fee
Tax Rate 10.5% combined city tax (4.5% Hotel Accommodations + 6% Shared Housing Surcharge) + 1% Cook County
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $1,500–$5,000 per offense; each day is a separate offense
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

Columbus has more favorable STR regulations overall.

Permits & Licensing

Chicago charges $250 annual registration fee for STR licensing, while Columbus charges $75/year (primary residence); $150/year (non-primary). Chicago renewal is annual, and Columbus renewal is annual. Overall, Columbus has a more permissive regulatory environment (Legal with Permit) compared to Chicago (Legal but Limited).

Tax Obligations

In Chicago, hosts pay 10.5% combined city tax (4.5% Hotel Accommodations + 6% Shared Housing Surcharge) + 1% Cook County. In Columbus, hosts pay 5.1% Columbus lodging excise tax + 7.5% Ohio sales tax. Both cities benefit from automatic platform tax collection through Airbnb and similar services, simplifying compliance for hosts.

Day Limits & Restrictions

Neither city imposes an annual day limit on short-term rentals, giving hosts year-round flexibility.

Fines & Enforcement

Hosts operating without a permit in Chicago face penalties including $1,500–$5,000 per offense; each day is a separate offense. In Columbus, violations can result in Up to $250 fine and/or 30 days imprisonment per violation. Both cities actively enforce their STR regulations, so securing proper licensing before listing is essential in either market.

Chicago Overview

Must be host's primary residence; buildings with 5+ units limited to no more than 6 STR units; Restricted Residential Zones and Prohibited Buildings List apply. $1M commercial general liability insurance required.

Contact: Dept. of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection — (312) 744-6060

Full Chicago guide →

Columbus Overview

Governed by Columbus Code Chapter 598; BCI background check required. Properties must be in eligible zoning district.

Contact: Dept. of Building and Zoning Services — (614) 645-8366

Full Columbus guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easier to Airbnb in Chicago or Columbus?
Chicago is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Columbus is "Legal with Permit." Chicago's permit fee is $250 annual registration fee compared to $75/year (primary residence); $150/year (non-primary) in Columbus. Overall, Columbus has a more host-friendly regulatory environment.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Chicago or Columbus?
Chicago charges 10.5% combined city tax (4.5% Hotel Accommodations + 6% Shared Housing Surcharge) + 1% Cook County, while Columbus charges 5.1% Columbus lodging excise tax + 7.5% Ohio sales tax.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Chicago: $1,500–$5,000 per offense; each day is a separate offense. Columbus: Up to $250 fine and/or 30 days imprisonment per violation. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Chicago and Columbus have day limits for Airbnb?
Chicago has no annual day limit. Columbus has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Chicago or Columbus?
For new hosts, consider the total cost of entry: Chicago charges $250 annual registration fee for permits with 10.5% combined city tax (4.5% Hotel Accommodations + 6% Shared Housing Surcharge) + 1% Cook County in taxes. Columbus charges $75/year (primary residence); $150/year (non-primary) with 5.1% Columbus lodging excise tax + 7.5% Ohio sales tax. Automatic tax collection in Chicago and Columbus makes compliance easier for beginners.