Detroit vs Milwaukee
Michigan Legal but Limited | Wisconsin Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Detroit, Michigan | Milwaukee, Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $500 annual license fee | $110 annual license + $300 one-time pre-inspection fee |
| Tax Rate | 6% Michigan use tax + 6% Detroit Accommodations Tax (12% combined) | 5% state sales + 3% county room tax + 7% city room tax (15% combined) |
| Annual Day Limit | 90 days/year | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | Up to $1,000–$1,200 per violation for unlicensed operation | $150–$500 first offense; steeper fines and permit revocation for repeat offenses |
| Verdict | Milwaukee 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
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $110 annual license + $300 one-time pre-inspection fee
Tax Rate 5% state sales + 3% county room tax + 7% city room tax (15% combined)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $150–$500 first offense; steeper fines and permit revocation for repeat offenses
Milwaukee 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 →Milwaukee Overview
Tourist Rooming House license required for rentals under one month. Properties must pass safety inspection for building code and fire safety compliance before license is issued.
Full Milwaukee guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Detroit or Milwaukee?
Detroit is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Milwaukee is "Legal with Permit." Detroit's permit fee is $500 annual license fee compared to $110 annual license + $300 one-time pre-inspection fee in Milwaukee.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Detroit or Milwaukee?
Detroit charges 6% Michigan use tax + 6% Detroit Accommodations Tax (12% combined), while Milwaukee charges 5% state sales + 3% county room tax + 7% city room tax (15% combined). 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. Milwaukee: $150–$500 first offense; steeper fines and permit revocation for repeat offenses.