Columbus vs Milwaukee
Ohio Legal with Permit | Wisconsin Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Columbus, Ohio | Milwaukee, Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $75/year (primary residence); $150/year (non-primary) | $110 annual license + $300 one-time pre-inspection fee |
| Tax Rate | 5.1% Columbus lodging excise tax + 7.5% Ohio sales tax | 5% state sales + 3% county room tax + 7% city room tax (15% 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 | $150–$500 first offense; steeper fines and permit revocation for repeat offenses |
| 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
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $110 annual license + $300 one-time pre-inspection fee
Tax Rate 5% state sales + 3% county room tax + 7% city room tax (15% combined)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $150–$500 first offense; steeper fines and permit revocation for repeat offenses
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 →Milwaukee Overview
Tourist Rooming House license required for rentals under one month. Properties must pass safety inspection for building code and fire safety compliance before license is issued.
Full Milwaukee guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Columbus or Milwaukee?
Columbus is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Milwaukee is "Legal with Permit." Columbus's permit fee is $75/year (primary residence); $150/year (non-primary) compared to $110 annual license + $300 one-time pre-inspection fee in Milwaukee.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Columbus or Milwaukee?
Columbus charges 5.1% Columbus lodging excise tax + 7.5% Ohio sales tax, while Milwaukee charges 5% state sales + 3% county room tax + 7% city room tax (15% 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. Milwaukee: $150–$500 first offense; steeper fines and permit revocation for repeat offenses.