Denver vs New York City
Colorado Legal with Permit | New York Effectively Banned
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Denver, Colorado | New York City, New York |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Effectively Banned |
| Permit Fee | $100 license fee | $145 registration fee (OSE) |
| Tax Rate | 10.75% Lodger's Tax (combined city/county/state) | 5.875% hotel room occupancy tax + state/city sales tax |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Every 2 years | Every 2 years |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $999/day for unlicensed operation | $5,000 first offense; up to $7,500 for subsequent violations |
| Verdict | Denver has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
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
New York City, New York
Status Effectively Banned
Permit Fee $145 registration fee (OSE)
Tax Rate 5.875% hotel room occupancy tax + state/city sales tax
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Every 2 years
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $5,000 first offense; up to $7,500 for subsequent violations
Denver has more favorable STR regulations overall.
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 →New York City Overview
Local Law 18 (2023) requires hosts to register with OSE, be present during stays, and limits guests to 2. Entire-apartment rentals under 30 days are effectively banned. Only hosted stays with the owner present are permitted.
Full New York City guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Denver or New York City?
Denver is classified as "Legal with Permit" while New York City is "Effectively Banned." Denver's permit fee is $100 license fee compared to $145 registration fee (OSE) in New York City.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Denver or New York City?
Denver charges 10.75% Lodger's Tax (combined city/county/state), while New York City charges 5.875% hotel room occupancy tax + state/city 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. New York City: $5,000 first offense; up to $7,500 for subsequent violations.