Columbus vs Denver

Ohio Legal with Permit | Colorado Legal with Permit

Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.

Columbus, Ohio
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $75/year (primary residence); $150/year (non-primary)
Tax Rate 5.1% Columbus lodging excise tax + 7.5% Ohio sales tax
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Up to $250 fine and/or 30 days imprisonment per violation
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

Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.

Permits & Licensing

Columbus charges $75/year (primary residence); $150/year (non-primary) for STR licensing, while Denver charges $100 license fee. Columbus renewal is annual, and Denver renewal is every 2 years. Both cities share a similar regulatory stance, classified as "Legal with Permit."

Tax Obligations

In Columbus, hosts pay 5.1% Columbus lodging excise tax + 7.5% Ohio sales tax. In Denver, hosts pay 10.75% Lodger's Tax (combined city/county/state). Both cities benefit from automatic platform tax collection through Airbnb and similar services, simplifying compliance for hosts.

Day Limits & Restrictions

Neither city imposes an annual day limit on short-term rentals, giving hosts year-round flexibility.

Fines & Enforcement

Hosts operating without a permit in Columbus face penalties including Up to $250 fine and/or 30 days imprisonment per violation. In Denver, violations can result in $999/day for unlicensed operation. Both cities actively enforce their STR regulations, so securing proper licensing before listing is essential in either market.

Columbus Overview

Governed by Columbus Code Chapter 598; BCI background check required. Properties must be in eligible zoning district.

Contact: Dept. of Building and Zoning Services — (614) 645-8366

Full Columbus 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.

Contact: Denver Excise & Licenses — (720) 913-1311

Full Denver guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easier to Airbnb in Columbus or Denver?
Columbus is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Denver is "Legal with Permit." Columbus's permit fee is $75/year (primary residence); $150/year (non-primary) compared to $100 license fee in Denver. Both cities have comparable regulatory frameworks.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Columbus or Denver?
Columbus charges 5.1% Columbus lodging excise tax + 7.5% Ohio sales tax, while Denver charges 10.75% Lodger's Tax (combined city/county/state).
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Columbus: Up to $250 fine and/or 30 days imprisonment per violation. Denver: $999/day for unlicensed operation. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Columbus and Denver have day limits for Airbnb?
Columbus has no annual day limit. Denver has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Columbus or Denver?
For new hosts, consider the total cost of entry: Columbus charges $75/year (primary residence); $150/year (non-primary) for permits with 5.1% Columbus lodging excise tax + 7.5% Ohio sales tax in taxes. Denver charges $100 license fee with 10.75% Lodger's Tax (combined city/county/state). Automatic tax collection in Columbus and Denver makes compliance easier for beginners.