Columbus vs Phoenix
Ohio Legal with Permit | Arizona Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Columbus, Ohio | Phoenix, Arizona |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $75/year (primary residence); $150/year (non-primary) | $250/year (non-refundable) |
| Tax Rate | 5.1% Columbus lodging excise tax + 7.5% Ohio sales tax | ~12.57% combined transient lodging tax (state + county + city) |
| 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 | $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; 12-month suspension after 3 violations |
| 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
Phoenix, Arizona
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $250/year (non-refundable)
Tax Rate ~12.57% combined transient lodging tax (state + county + city)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; 12-month suspension after 3 violations
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 →Phoenix Overview
Arizona SB 1168 (2022) grants cities enhanced enforcement while SB 1350 (2016) preempts outright bans. Phoenix requires STR permit, $500K liability insurance, neighbor notification, and prohibits STR use of accessory dwelling units.
Full Phoenix guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Columbus or Phoenix?
Columbus is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Phoenix is "Legal with Permit." Columbus's permit fee is $75/year (primary residence); $150/year (non-primary) compared to $250/year (non-refundable) in Phoenix.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Columbus or Phoenix?
Columbus charges 5.1% Columbus lodging excise tax + 7.5% Ohio sales tax, while Phoenix charges ~12.57% combined transient lodging tax (state + county + city). 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. Phoenix: $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; 12-month suspension after 3 violations.