Detroit vs Palm Springs
Michigan Legal but Limited | California Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Detroit, Michigan | Palm Springs, California |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | $500 annual license fee | $1,072/year Vacation Rental Certificate; $642/year Junior Certificate |
| Tax Rate | 6% Michigan use tax + 6% Detroit Accommodations Tax (12% combined) | 12.5% combined (11.5% TOT + 1% TBID) |
| 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 | $5,000 for operating without certificate + permanent ineligibility; 3 violations = 2-year suspension |
| Verdict | Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments. | |
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
Palm Springs, California
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $1,072/year Vacation Rental Certificate; $642/year Junior Certificate
Tax Rate 12.5% combined (11.5% TOT + 1% TBID)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $5,000 for operating without certificate + permanent ineligibility; 3 violations = 2-year suspension
Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.
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 →Palm Springs Overview
Limited to 26 rental contracts per year (28 nights or shorter each). Neighborhood density cap of 20% — multiple neighborhoods already at capacity. One permit per owner; occupancy based on bedroom count. $500,000 liability insurance required.
Full Palm Springs guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Detroit or Palm Springs?
Detroit is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Palm Springs is "Legal but Limited." Detroit's permit fee is $500 annual license fee compared to $1,072/year Vacation Rental Certificate; $642/year Junior Certificate in Palm Springs.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Detroit or Palm Springs?
Detroit charges 6% Michigan use tax + 6% Detroit Accommodations Tax (12% combined), while Palm Springs charges 12.5% combined (11.5% TOT + 1% TBID). 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. Palm Springs: $5,000 for operating without certificate + permanent ineligibility; 3 violations = 2-year suspension.