Chicago vs Las Vegas
Illinois Legal but Limited | Nevada Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Chicago, Illinois | Las Vegas, Nevada |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | $250 annual registration fee | $500/year (business license + Conditional Use Verification) |
| Tax Rate | 10.5% combined city tax (4.5% Hotel Accommodations + 6% Shared Housing Surcharge) + 1% Cook County | 13% Transient Occupancy Tax (Clark County) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $1,500–$5,000 per offense; each day is a separate offense | $1,000–$10,000 for unlicensed operation |
| Verdict | Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments. | |
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
Las Vegas, Nevada
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $500/year (business license + Conditional Use Verification)
Tax Rate 13% Transient Occupancy Tax (Clark County)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $1,000–$10,000 for unlicensed operation
Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.
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 →Las Vegas Overview
Only owner-occupied (hosted) rentals are permitted; the owner must reside on-site during each rental day. Properties must be at least 660 feet from another STR and 2,500 feet from a resort hotel. Limited to 3 bedrooms max. Requires $500,000 liability insurance.
Full Las Vegas guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Chicago or Las Vegas?
Chicago is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Las Vegas is "Legal but Limited." Chicago's permit fee is $250 annual registration fee compared to $500/year (business license + Conditional Use Verification) in Las Vegas.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Chicago or Las Vegas?
Chicago charges 10.5% combined city tax (4.5% Hotel Accommodations + 6% Shared Housing Surcharge) + 1% Cook County, while Las Vegas charges 13% Transient Occupancy Tax (Clark County). 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. Las Vegas: $1,000–$10,000 for unlicensed operation.