Columbus vs Portland
Ohio Legal with Permit | Oregon Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Columbus, Ohio | Portland, Oregon |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | $75/year (primary residence); $150/year (non-primary) | $65 (Type A single dwelling); $105 (Type A multi-dwelling) |
| Tax Rate | 5.1% Columbus lodging excise tax + 7.5% Ohio sales tax | 11.5% Transient Lodging Tax (6% city + 5.5% county) + 3% TID + 1.5% state |
| 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 | Up to $26,201 across five violation types; permit revocation with 2-year ban |
| 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
Portland, Oregon
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $65 (Type A single dwelling); $105 (Type A multi-dwelling)
Tax Rate 11.5% Transient Lodging Tax (6% city + 5.5% county) + 3% TID + 1.5% state
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Every 2 years
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Up to $26,201 across five violation types; permit revocation with 2-year ban
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 →Portland Overview
Only accessory (hosted) short-term rentals allowed; resident must occupy the dwelling at least 270 days/year. Type A permits allow up to 2 bedrooms and 5 guests. Whole-home unhosted rentals are prohibited.
Full Portland guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Columbus or Portland?
Columbus is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Portland is "Legal but Limited." Columbus's permit fee is $75/year (primary residence); $150/year (non-primary) compared to $65 (Type A single dwelling); $105 (Type A multi-dwelling) in Portland.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Columbus or Portland?
Columbus charges 5.1% Columbus lodging excise tax + 7.5% Ohio sales tax, while Portland charges 11.5% Transient Lodging Tax (6% city + 5.5% county) + 3% TID + 1.5% state. 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. Portland: Up to $26,201 across five violation types; permit revocation with 2-year ban.