Columbus vs Las Vegas
Ohio Legal with Permit | Nevada Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Columbus, Ohio | Las Vegas, Nevada |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | $75/year (primary residence); $150/year (non-primary) | $500/year (business license + Conditional Use Verification) |
| Tax Rate | 5.1% Columbus lodging excise tax + 7.5% Ohio sales tax | 13% Transient Occupancy Tax (Clark County) |
| 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 | $1,000–$10,000 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
Las Vegas, Nevada
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $500/year (business license + Conditional Use Verification)
Tax Rate 13% Transient Occupancy Tax (Clark County)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $1,000–$10,000 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 →Las Vegas Overview
Only owner-occupied (hosted) rentals are permitted; the owner must reside on-site during each rental day. Properties must be at least 660 feet from another STR and 2,500 feet from a resort hotel. Limited to 3 bedrooms max. Requires $500,000 liability insurance.
Full Las Vegas guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Columbus or Las Vegas?
Columbus is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Las Vegas is "Legal but Limited." Columbus's permit fee is $75/year (primary residence); $150/year (non-primary) compared to $500/year (business license + Conditional Use Verification) in Las Vegas.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Columbus or Las Vegas?
Columbus charges 5.1% Columbus lodging excise tax + 7.5% Ohio sales tax, while Las Vegas charges 13% Transient Occupancy Tax (Clark County). 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. Las Vegas: $1,000–$10,000 for unlicensed operation.