Chicago vs Raleigh
Illinois Legal but Limited | North Carolina Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Chicago, Illinois | Raleigh, North Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $250 annual registration fee | ~$194 initial zoning permit; ~$86 annual renewal |
| Tax Rate | 10.5% combined city tax (4.5% Hotel Accommodations + 6% Shared Housing Surcharge) + 1% Cook County | ~13% combined (7% state+local sales + 6% Wake County room occupancy tax) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | 120 days/year |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $1,500–$5,000 per offense; each day is a separate offense | $100–$500/day for violations; permit revocation possible |
| Verdict | Raleigh 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
Raleigh, North Carolina
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee ~$194 initial zoning permit; ~$86 annual renewal
Tax Rate ~13% combined (7% state+local sales + 6% Wake County room occupancy tax)
Day Limit 120 days/year
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $100–$500/day for violations; permit revocation possible
Raleigh 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 →Raleigh Overview
STRs allowed as limited use in residential and mixed-use zones. Standard permit limits hosting to 120 days/year; Extended Home-Sharing permit allows 365 days. Zoning permit number must be displayed on all advertisements.
Full Raleigh guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Chicago or Raleigh?
Chicago is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Raleigh is "Legal with Permit." Chicago's permit fee is $250 annual registration fee compared to ~$194 initial zoning permit; ~$86 annual renewal in Raleigh.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Chicago or Raleigh?
Chicago charges 10.5% combined city tax (4.5% Hotel Accommodations + 6% Shared Housing Surcharge) + 1% Cook County, while Raleigh charges ~13% combined (7% state+local sales + 6% Wake County room occupancy tax). 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. Raleigh: $100–$500/day for violations; permit revocation possible.