Columbus vs San Diego

Ohio Legal with Permit | California 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
San Diego, California
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee Tier 1: $226; Tier 2: $317; Tier 3/4: $1,170 (includes application + license)
Tax Rate 11.75%–13.75% TOT (varies by zone proximity to Convention Center)
Day Limit 20 days/year
Renewal Biennial
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $1,000 per violation; criminal misdemeanor charges for continued violations

Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.

Permits & Licensing

Columbus charges $75/year (primary residence); $150/year (non-primary) for STR licensing, while San Diego charges Tier 1: $226; Tier 2: $317; Tier 3/4: $1,170 (includes application + license). Columbus renewal is annual, and San Diego renewal is biennial. 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 San Diego, hosts pay 11.75%–13.75% TOT (varies by zone proximity to Convention Center). Both cities benefit from automatic platform tax collection through Airbnb and similar services, simplifying compliance for hosts.

Day Limits & Restrictions

San Diego imposes a 20-night annual limit, while Columbus has no annual cap — a significant advantage for high-volume hosts.

Fines & Enforcement

Hosts operating without a permit in Columbus face penalties including Up to $250 fine and/or 30 days imprisonment per violation. In San Diego, violations can result in $1,000 per violation; criminal misdemeanor charges for continued 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 →

San Diego Overview

Four-tier license system with caps: Tier 3 limited to 1% of housing units; Tier 4 (Mission Beach) capped at 30% and at capacity. Only one license per host; licenses are non-transferable.

Contact: STRO Administration, City Treasurer — (619) 615-6120

Full San Diego guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easier to Airbnb in Columbus or San Diego?
Columbus is classified as "Legal with Permit" while San Diego is "Legal with Permit." Columbus's permit fee is $75/year (primary residence); $150/year (non-primary) compared to Tier 1: $226; Tier 2: $317; Tier 3/4: $1,170 (includes application + license) in San Diego. Both cities have comparable regulatory frameworks.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Columbus or San Diego?
Columbus charges 5.1% Columbus lodging excise tax + 7.5% Ohio sales tax, while San Diego charges 11.75%–13.75% TOT (varies by zone proximity to Convention Center).
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Columbus: Up to $250 fine and/or 30 days imprisonment per violation. San Diego: $1,000 per violation; criminal misdemeanor charges for continued violations. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Columbus and San Diego have day limits for Airbnb?
Columbus has no annual day limit. San Diego limits STRs to 20 nights per year.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Columbus or San Diego?
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. San Diego charges Tier 1: $226; Tier 2: $317; Tier 3/4: $1,170 (includes application + license) with 11.75%–13.75% TOT (varies by zone proximity to Convention Center). Automatic tax collection in Columbus and San Diego makes compliance easier for beginners.