Columbus vs Portland

Ohio Legal with Permit | Oregon Legal but Limited

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
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.

Permits & Licensing

Columbus charges $75/year (primary residence); $150/year (non-primary) for STR licensing, while Portland charges $65 (Type A single dwelling); $105 (Type A multi-dwelling). Columbus renewal is annual, and Portland renewal is every 2 years. Overall, Columbus has a more permissive regulatory environment (Legal with Permit) compared to Portland (Legal but Limited).

Tax Obligations

In Columbus, hosts pay 5.1% Columbus lodging excise tax + 7.5% Ohio sales tax. In Portland, hosts pay 11.5% Transient Lodging Tax (6% city + 5.5% county) + 3% TID + 1.5% state. 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 Portland, violations can result in Up to $26,201 across five violation types; permit revocation with 2-year ban. 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 →

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.

Contact: Portland Permitting & Development — (503) 823-2633

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. Overall, Columbus has a more host-friendly regulatory environment.
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.
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. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Columbus and Portland have day limits for Airbnb?
Columbus has no annual day limit. Portland has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Columbus or Portland?
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. Portland charges $65 (Type A single dwelling); $105 (Type A multi-dwelling) with 11.5% Transient Lodging Tax (6% city + 5.5% county) + 3% TID + 1.5% state. Automatic tax collection in Columbus and Portland makes compliance easier for beginners.