Columbus vs Indianapolis
Ohio Legal with Permit | Indiana Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Columbus, Ohio | Indianapolis, Indiana |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $75/year (primary residence); $150/year (non-primary) | $150 one-time registration fee per property |
| Tax Rate | 5.1% Columbus lodging excise tax + 7.5% Ohio sales tax | 7% Indiana sales tax + 10% Marion County innkeeper's tax (17% combined) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| 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 $500 per violation; permit revocation after three violations |
| Verdict | Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments. | |
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
Indianapolis, Indiana
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $150 one-time registration fee per property
Tax Rate 7% Indiana sales tax + 10% Marion County innkeeper's tax (17% combined)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Up to $500 per violation; permit revocation after three violations
Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.
Columbus Overview
Governed by Columbus Code Chapter 598; BCI background check required. Properties must be in eligible zoning district.
Full Columbus guide →Indianapolis Overview
Indiana state law prevents municipalities from banning STRs but allows permitting. Hosts must collect and remit gross retail tax and Marion County innkeeper's tax.
Full Indianapolis guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Columbus or Indianapolis?
Columbus is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Indianapolis is "Legal with Permit." Columbus's permit fee is $75/year (primary residence); $150/year (non-primary) compared to $150 one-time registration fee per property in Indianapolis.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Columbus or Indianapolis?
Columbus charges 5.1% Columbus lodging excise tax + 7.5% Ohio sales tax, while Indianapolis charges 7% Indiana sales tax + 10% Marion County innkeeper's tax (17% 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. Indianapolis: Up to $500 per violation; permit revocation after three violations.