Denver vs Kansas City
Colorado Legal with Permit | Missouri Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Denver, Colorado | Kansas City, Missouri |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $100 license fee | $250/year permit fee |
| Tax Rate | 10.75% Lodger's Tax (combined city/county/state) | 7.5% Transient Guest Tax + sales tax |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Every 2 years | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | No — host must remit |
| Max Fine Example | $999/day for unlicensed operation | $500/offense for operating without permit |
| Verdict | Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments. | |
Denver, Colorado
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $100 license fee
Tax Rate 10.75% Lodger's Tax (combined city/county/state)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Every 2 years
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $999/day for unlicensed operation
Kansas City, Missouri
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $250/year permit fee
Tax Rate 7.5% Transient Guest Tax + sales tax
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax No
Max Fine $500/offense for operating without permit
Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.
Denver Overview
Only primary residences may be used as STRs. Hosts must obtain a Short-Term Rental license. No cap on rental days. Accessory dwelling units on the same lot are also eligible.
Full Denver guide →Kansas City Overview
Short-term rental permits required for all listings. Both owner-occupied and investor-owned properties are eligible. Must maintain guest registry and provide local emergency contact within 30 minutes.
Full Kansas City guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Denver or Kansas City?
Denver is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Kansas City is "Legal with Permit." Denver's permit fee is $100 license fee compared to $250/year permit fee in Kansas City.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Denver or Kansas City?
Denver charges 10.75% Lodger's Tax (combined city/county/state), while Kansas City charges 7.5% Transient Guest Tax + sales tax. Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Denver: $999/day for unlicensed operation. Kansas City: $500/offense for operating without permit.