Columbus vs Minneapolis

Ohio Legal with Permit | Minnesota 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
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $64 short-term rental registration fee
Tax Rate 6.875% state sales tax + up to 3% Minneapolis entertainment tax (~10% combined)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Up to $2,000 per violation; license revocation for repeated offenses

Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.

Permits & Licensing

Columbus charges $75/year (primary residence); $150/year (non-primary) for STR licensing, while Minneapolis charges $64 short-term rental registration fee. Columbus renewal is annual, and Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis, hosts pay 6.875% state sales tax + up to 3% Minneapolis entertainment tax (~10% 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 Minneapolis, violations can result in Up to $2,000 per violation; license revocation for repeated offenses. 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 →

Minneapolis Overview

Owners limited to one STR property plus their homesteaded residence; buildings with 20+ units capped at 10% STR units. $300,000 liability insurance and neighbor notification required.

Contact: Inspections Services Division — (612) 673-3000

Full Minneapolis guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easier to Airbnb in Columbus or Minneapolis?
Columbus is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Minneapolis is "Legal with Permit." Columbus's permit fee is $75/year (primary residence); $150/year (non-primary) compared to $64 short-term rental registration fee in Minneapolis. Both cities have comparable regulatory frameworks.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Columbus or Minneapolis?
Columbus charges 5.1% Columbus lodging excise tax + 7.5% Ohio sales tax, while Minneapolis charges 6.875% state sales tax + up to 3% Minneapolis entertainment tax (~10% combined).
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Columbus: Up to $250 fine and/or 30 days imprisonment per violation. Minneapolis: Up to $2,000 per violation; license revocation for repeated offenses. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Columbus and Minneapolis have day limits for Airbnb?
Columbus has no annual day limit. Minneapolis has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Columbus or Minneapolis?
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. Minneapolis charges $64 short-term rental registration fee with 6.875% state sales tax + up to 3% Minneapolis entertainment tax (~10% combined). Automatic tax collection in Columbus and Minneapolis makes compliance easier for beginners.