Denver vs San Diego
Colorado Legal with Permit | California Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Denver, Colorado | San Diego, California |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $100 license fee | Tier 1: $226; Tier 2: $317; Tier 3/4: $1,170 (includes application + license) |
| Tax Rate | 10.75% Lodger's Tax (combined city/county/state) | 11.75%–13.75% TOT (varies by zone proximity to Convention Center) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | 20 days/year |
| Renewal Interval | Every 2 years | Biennial |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $999/day for unlicensed operation | $1,000 per violation; criminal misdemeanor charges for continued violations |
| 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
San Diego, California
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee Tier 1: $226; Tier 2: $317; Tier 3/4: $1,170 (includes application + license)
Tax Rate 11.75%–13.75% TOT (varies by zone proximity to Convention Center)
Day Limit 20 days/year
Renewal Biennial
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $1,000 per violation; criminal misdemeanor charges for continued violations
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 →San Diego Overview
Four-tier license system with caps: Tier 3 limited to 1% of housing units; Tier 4 (Mission Beach) capped at 30% and at capacity. Only one license per host; licenses are non-transferable.
Full San Diego guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Denver or San Diego?
Denver is classified as "Legal with Permit" while San Diego is "Legal with Permit." Denver's permit fee is $100 license fee compared to Tier 1: $226; Tier 2: $317; Tier 3/4: $1,170 (includes application + license) in San Diego.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Denver or San Diego?
Denver charges 10.75% Lodger's Tax (combined city/county/state), while San Diego charges 11.75%–13.75% TOT (varies by zone proximity to Convention Center). Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Denver: $999/day for unlicensed operation. San Diego: $1,000 per violation; criminal misdemeanor charges for continued violations.