Columbus vs Phoenix

Ohio Legal with Permit | Arizona 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
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.

Permits & Licensing

Columbus charges $75/year (primary residence); $150/year (non-primary) for STR licensing, while Phoenix charges $250/year (non-refundable). Columbus renewal is annual, and Phoenix 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 Phoenix, hosts pay ~12.57% combined transient lodging tax (state + county + city). 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 Phoenix, violations can result in $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; 12-month suspension after 3 violations. 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 →

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.

Contact: Phoenix Planning & Development — (602) 534-9723

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. Both cities have comparable regulatory frameworks.
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).
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. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Columbus and Phoenix have day limits for Airbnb?
Columbus has no annual day limit. Phoenix has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Columbus or Phoenix?
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. Phoenix charges $250/year (non-refundable) with ~12.57% combined transient lodging tax (state + county + city). Automatic tax collection in Columbus and Phoenix makes compliance easier for beginners.