Columbus vs New York City
Ohio Legal with Permit | New York Effectively Banned
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Columbus, Ohio | New York City, New York |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Effectively Banned |
| Permit Fee | $75/year (primary residence); $150/year (non-primary) | $145 registration fee (OSE) |
| Tax Rate | 5.1% Columbus lodging excise tax + 7.5% Ohio sales tax | 5.875% hotel room occupancy tax + state/city sales tax |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Every 2 years |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | Up to $250 fine and/or 30 days imprisonment per violation | $5,000 first offense; up to $7,500 for subsequent violations |
| 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
New York City, New York
Status Effectively Banned
Permit Fee $145 registration fee (OSE)
Tax Rate 5.875% hotel room occupancy tax + state/city sales tax
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Every 2 years
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $5,000 first offense; up to $7,500 for subsequent violations
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 →New York City Overview
Local Law 18 (2023) requires hosts to register with OSE, be present during stays, and limits guests to 2. Entire-apartment rentals under 30 days are effectively banned. Only hosted stays with the owner present are permitted.
Full New York City guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Columbus or New York City?
Columbus is classified as "Legal with Permit" while New York City is "Effectively Banned." Columbus's permit fee is $75/year (primary residence); $150/year (non-primary) compared to $145 registration fee (OSE) in New York City.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Columbus or New York City?
Columbus charges 5.1% Columbus lodging excise tax + 7.5% Ohio sales tax, while New York City charges 5.875% hotel room occupancy tax + state/city sales 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. New York City: $5,000 first offense; up to $7,500 for subsequent violations.