Detroit vs Kansas City
Michigan Legal but Limited | Missouri Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Detroit, Michigan | Kansas City, Missouri |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $500 annual license fee | $250/year permit fee |
| Tax Rate | 6% Michigan use tax + 6% Detroit Accommodations Tax (12% combined) | 7.5% Transient Guest Tax + sales tax |
| Annual Day Limit | 90 days/year | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | No — host must remit |
| Max Fine Example | Up to $1,000–$1,200 per violation for unlicensed operation | $500/offense for operating without permit |
| Verdict | Kansas City has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
Detroit, Michigan
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $500 annual license fee
Tax Rate 6% Michigan use tax + 6% Detroit Accommodations Tax (12% combined)
Day Limit 90 days/year
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Up to $1,000–$1,200 per violation for unlicensed operation
Kansas City, Missouri
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $250/year permit fee
Tax Rate 7.5% Transient Guest Tax + sales tax
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax No
Max Fine $500/offense for operating without permit
Kansas City has more favorable STR regulations overall.
Detroit Overview
90-day annual rental cap; max 10 guests at any time; principal residence requirement. Liability insurance required and properties must pass safety inspection.
Full Detroit guide →Kansas City Overview
Short-term rental permits required for all listings. Both owner-occupied and investor-owned properties are eligible. Must maintain guest registry and provide local emergency contact within 30 minutes.
Full Kansas City guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Detroit or Kansas City?
Detroit is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Kansas City is "Legal with Permit." Detroit's permit fee is $500 annual license fee compared to $250/year permit fee in Kansas City.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Detroit or Kansas City?
Detroit charges 6% Michigan use tax + 6% Detroit Accommodations Tax (12% combined), while Kansas City charges 7.5% Transient Guest Tax + sales tax. Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Detroit: Up to $1,000–$1,200 per violation for unlicensed operation. Kansas City: $500/offense for operating without permit.