Chicago vs Denver
Illinois Legal but Limited | Colorado Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Chicago, Illinois | Denver, Colorado |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $250 annual registration fee | $100 license fee |
| Tax Rate | 10.5% combined city tax (4.5% Hotel Accommodations + 6% Shared Housing Surcharge) + 1% Cook County | 10.75% Lodger's Tax (combined city/county/state) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Every 2 years |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $1,500–$5,000 per offense; each day is a separate offense | $999/day for unlicensed operation |
| Verdict | Denver has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
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
Denver, Colorado
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $100 license fee
Tax Rate 10.75% Lodger's Tax (combined city/county/state)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Every 2 years
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $999/day for unlicensed operation
Denver has more favorable STR regulations overall.
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.
Full Chicago guide →Denver Overview
Only primary residences may be used as STRs. Hosts must obtain a Short-Term Rental license. No cap on rental days. Accessory dwelling units on the same lot are also eligible.
Full Denver guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Chicago or Denver?
Chicago is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Denver is "Legal with Permit." Chicago's permit fee is $250 annual registration fee compared to $100 license fee in Denver.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Chicago or Denver?
Chicago charges 10.5% combined city tax (4.5% Hotel Accommodations + 6% Shared Housing Surcharge) + 1% Cook County, while Denver charges 10.75% Lodger's Tax (combined city/county/state). Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Chicago: $1,500–$5,000 per offense; each day is a separate offense. Denver: $999/day for unlicensed operation.