Denver vs Portland
Colorado Legal with Permit | Oregon Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Denver, Colorado | Portland, Oregon |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | $100 license fee | $65 (Type A single dwelling); $105 (Type A multi-dwelling) |
| Tax Rate | 10.75% Lodger's Tax (combined city/county/state) | 11.5% Transient Lodging Tax (6% city + 5.5% county) + 3% TID + 1.5% state |
| 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 | Up to $26,201 across five violation types; permit revocation with 2-year ban |
| 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
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
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 →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.
Full Portland guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Denver or Portland?
Denver is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Portland is "Legal but Limited." Denver's permit fee is $100 license fee compared to $65 (Type A single dwelling); $105 (Type A multi-dwelling) in Portland.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Denver or Portland?
Denver charges 10.75% Lodger's Tax (combined city/county/state), while Portland charges 11.5% Transient Lodging Tax (6% city + 5.5% county) + 3% TID + 1.5% state. Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Denver: $999/day for unlicensed operation. Portland: Up to $26,201 across five violation types; permit revocation with 2-year ban.