Columbus vs Indianapolis

Ohio Legal with Permit | Indiana 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
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.

Permits & Licensing

Columbus charges $75/year (primary residence); $150/year (non-primary) for STR licensing, while Indianapolis charges $150 one-time registration fee per property. Columbus renewal is annual, and Indianapolis renewal is annual. 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 Indianapolis, hosts pay 7% Indiana sales tax + 10% Marion County innkeeper's tax (17% combined). 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 Indianapolis, violations can result in Up to $500 per violation; permit revocation after three violations. 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 →

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.

Contact: Dept. of Business and Neighborhood Services — (317) 327-8700

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. Both cities have comparable regulatory frameworks.
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).
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. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Columbus and Indianapolis have day limits for Airbnb?
Columbus has no annual day limit. Indianapolis has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Columbus or Indianapolis?
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. Indianapolis charges $150 one-time registration fee per property with 7% Indiana sales tax + 10% Marion County innkeeper's tax (17% combined). Automatic tax collection in Columbus and Indianapolis makes compliance easier for beginners.