Denver vs Salt Lake City

Colorado Legal with Permit | Utah Effectively Banned

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
Salt Lake City, Utah
Status Effectively Banned
Permit Fee Contact city for current details
Tax Rate ~12.17% combined (state + local sales + county TRT + municipal TRT)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Contact city for current details; violations may incur daily fines

Denver has more favorable STR regulations overall.

Permits & Licensing

Denver charges $100 license fee for STR licensing, while Salt Lake City charges Contact city for current details. Denver renewal is every 2 years, and Salt Lake City renewal is annual. Overall, Denver has a more permissive regulatory environment (Legal with Permit) compared to Salt Lake City (Effectively Banned).

Tax Obligations

In Denver, hosts pay 10.75% Lodger's Tax (combined city/county/state). In Salt Lake City, hosts pay ~12.17% combined (state + local sales + county TRT + municipal TRT). 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 Salt Lake City, violations can result in Contact city for current details; violations may incur daily fines. 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 →

Salt Lake City Overview

Traditional STRs (Airbnb-style) are prohibited in all residential zones. Short-term lodging is only permitted in downtown and mixed-use zoning districts, where operators must meet hotel/motel-class licensing and building standards.

Contact: Salt Lake City Planning Division — (801) 535-7700

Full Salt Lake City guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easier to Airbnb in Denver or Salt Lake City?
Denver is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Salt Lake City is "Effectively Banned." Denver's permit fee is $100 license fee compared to Contact city for current details in Salt Lake City. Overall, Denver has a more host-friendly regulatory environment.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Denver or Salt Lake City?
Denver charges 10.75% Lodger's Tax (combined city/county/state), while Salt Lake City charges ~12.17% combined (state + local sales + county TRT + municipal TRT).
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Denver: $999/day for unlicensed operation. Salt Lake City: Contact city for current details; violations may incur daily fines. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Denver and Salt Lake City have day limits for Airbnb?
Denver has no annual day limit. Salt Lake City has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Denver or Salt Lake City?
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. Salt Lake City charges Contact city for current details with ~12.17% combined (state + local sales + county TRT + municipal TRT). Automatic tax collection in Denver and Salt Lake City makes compliance easier for beginners.