Chicago vs Park City
Illinois Legal but Limited | Utah Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Chicago, Illinois | Park City, Utah |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $250 annual registration fee | $149 administrative fee + $28.74/bedroom (annual) |
| Tax Rate | 10.5% combined city tax (4.5% Hotel Accommodations + 6% Shared Housing Surcharge) + 1% Cook County | ~8.6% combined (state + local sales + 1% municipal TRT + 0.32% state TRT) |
| 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 | Daily fines per violation; license revocation for repeat offenses |
| Verdict | Park City 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
Park City, Utah
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $149 administrative fee + $28.74/bedroom (annual)
Tax Rate ~8.6% combined (state + local sales + 1% municipal TRT + 0.32% state TRT)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Daily fines per violation; license revocation for repeat offenses
Park City 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 →Park City Overview
Nightly Rental License required; only certain zones allow STRs (e.g., Old Town, Canyons Village). Areas like Prospector and Meadows Estates prohibit nightly rentals. Must pass building inspection and designate 24/7 local contact.
Full Park City guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Chicago or Park City?
Chicago is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Park City is "Legal with Permit." Chicago's permit fee is $250 annual registration fee compared to $149 administrative fee + $28.74/bedroom (annual) in Park City.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Chicago or Park City?
Chicago charges 10.5% combined city tax (4.5% Hotel Accommodations + 6% Shared Housing Surcharge) + 1% Cook County, while Park City charges ~8.6% combined (state + local sales + 1% municipal TRT + 0.32% state TRT). 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. Park City: Daily fines per violation; license revocation for repeat offenses.