Columbus vs Los Angeles
Ohio Legal with Permit | California Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Columbus, Ohio | Los Angeles, California |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | $75/year (primary residence); $150/year (non-primary) | $89 registration fee + $850 annual platform fee |
| Tax Rate | 5.1% Columbus lodging excise tax + 7.5% Ohio sales tax | 14% Transient Occupancy Tax |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | 120 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 | $2,000–$5,000/violation (up to triple for repeat offenses) |
| 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
Los Angeles, California
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $89 registration fee + $850 annual platform fee
Tax Rate 14% Transient Occupancy Tax
Day Limit 120 days/year
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $2,000–$5,000/violation (up to triple for repeat offenses)
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 →Los Angeles Overview
Home-Sharing Ordinance limits STRs to primary residences with a 120-day annual cap (extendable with Enhanced Plan). Registration required. RSO (rent-stabilized) units generally prohibited.
Full Los Angeles guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Columbus or Los Angeles?
Columbus is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Los Angeles is "Legal but Limited." Columbus's permit fee is $75/year (primary residence); $150/year (non-primary) compared to $89 registration fee + $850 annual platform fee in Los Angeles.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Columbus or Los Angeles?
Columbus charges 5.1% Columbus lodging excise tax + 7.5% Ohio sales tax, while Los Angeles charges 14% Transient Occupancy Tax. 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. Los Angeles: $2,000–$5,000/violation (up to triple for repeat offenses).