Chicago vs Seattle
Illinois Legal but Limited | Washington Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Chicago, Illinois | Seattle, Washington |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $250 annual registration fee | $75/year short-term rental operator license |
| Tax Rate | 10.5% combined city tax (4.5% Hotel Accommodations + 6% Shared Housing Surcharge) + 1% Cook County | 15.6% combined lodging tax (state + county + city) |
| 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 | $500/day for operating without a license |
| Verdict | Seattle 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
Seattle, Washington
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $75/year short-term rental operator license
Tax Rate 15.6% combined lodging tax (state + county + city)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500/day for operating without a license
Seattle 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 →Seattle Overview
Both owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied units may be licensed. Operators may list up to 2 units. A platform license is also required for listing sites. Must collect and remit all applicable lodging taxes.
Full Seattle guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Chicago or Seattle?
Chicago is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Seattle is "Legal with Permit." Chicago's permit fee is $250 annual registration fee compared to $75/year short-term rental operator license in Seattle.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Chicago or Seattle?
Chicago charges 10.5% combined city tax (4.5% Hotel Accommodations + 6% Shared Housing Surcharge) + 1% Cook County, while Seattle charges 15.6% combined lodging tax (state + county + city). 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. Seattle: $500/day for operating without a license.