Denver vs Minneapolis

Colorado Legal with Permit | Minnesota Legal with Permit

Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.

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
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $64 short-term rental registration fee
Tax Rate 6.875% state sales tax + up to 3% Minneapolis entertainment tax (~10% combined)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Up to $2,000 per violation; license revocation for repeated offenses

Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.

Permits & Licensing

Denver charges $100 license fee for STR licensing, while Minneapolis charges $64 short-term rental registration fee. Denver renewal is every 2 years, and Minneapolis renewal is annual. Both cities share a similar regulatory stance, classified as "Legal with Permit."

Tax Obligations

In Denver, hosts pay 10.75% Lodger's Tax (combined city/county/state). In Minneapolis, hosts pay 6.875% state sales tax + up to 3% Minneapolis entertainment tax (~10% combined). 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 Denver face penalties including $999/day for unlicensed operation. In Minneapolis, violations can result in Up to $2,000 per violation; license revocation for repeated offenses. Both cities actively enforce their STR regulations, so securing proper licensing before listing is essential in either market.

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.

Contact: Denver Excise & Licenses — (720) 913-1311

Full Denver guide →

Minneapolis Overview

Owners limited to one STR property plus their homesteaded residence; buildings with 20+ units capped at 10% STR units. $300,000 liability insurance and neighbor notification required.

Contact: Inspections Services Division — (612) 673-3000

Full Minneapolis guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easier to Airbnb in Denver or Minneapolis?
Denver is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Minneapolis is "Legal with Permit." Denver's permit fee is $100 license fee compared to $64 short-term rental registration fee in Minneapolis. Both cities have comparable regulatory frameworks.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Denver or Minneapolis?
Denver charges 10.75% Lodger's Tax (combined city/county/state), while Minneapolis charges 6.875% state sales tax + up to 3% Minneapolis entertainment tax (~10% combined).
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Denver: $999/day for unlicensed operation. Minneapolis: Up to $2,000 per violation; license revocation for repeated offenses. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Denver and Minneapolis have day limits for Airbnb?
Denver has no annual day limit. Minneapolis has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Denver or Minneapolis?
For new hosts, consider the total cost of entry: Denver charges $100 license fee for permits with 10.75% Lodger's Tax (combined city/county/state) in taxes. Minneapolis charges $64 short-term rental registration fee with 6.875% state sales tax + up to 3% Minneapolis entertainment tax (~10% combined). Automatic tax collection in Denver and Minneapolis makes compliance easier for beginners.