Columbus vs Detroit
Ohio Legal with Permit | Michigan Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Columbus, Ohio | Detroit, Michigan |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | $75/year (primary residence); $150/year (non-primary) | $500 annual license fee |
| Tax Rate | 5.1% Columbus lodging excise tax + 7.5% Ohio sales tax | 6% Michigan use tax + 6% Detroit Accommodations Tax (12% combined) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | 90 days/year |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | Up to $250 fine and/or 30 days imprisonment per violation | Up to $1,000–$1,200 per violation for unlicensed operation |
| Verdict | Columbus has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
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
Detroit, Michigan
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $500 annual license fee
Tax Rate 6% Michigan use tax + 6% Detroit Accommodations Tax (12% combined)
Day Limit 90 days/year
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Up to $1,000–$1,200 per violation for unlicensed operation
Columbus has more favorable STR regulations overall.
Columbus Overview
Governed by Columbus Code Chapter 598; BCI background check required. Properties must be in eligible zoning district.
Full Columbus guide →Detroit Overview
90-day annual rental cap; max 10 guests at any time; principal residence requirement. Liability insurance required and properties must pass safety inspection.
Full Detroit guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Columbus or Detroit?
Columbus is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Detroit is "Legal but Limited." Columbus's permit fee is $75/year (primary residence); $150/year (non-primary) compared to $500 annual license fee in Detroit.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Columbus or Detroit?
Columbus charges 5.1% Columbus lodging excise tax + 7.5% Ohio sales tax, while Detroit charges 6% Michigan use tax + 6% Detroit Accommodations Tax (12% combined). Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Columbus: Up to $250 fine and/or 30 days imprisonment per violation. Detroit: Up to $1,000–$1,200 per violation for unlicensed operation.