Detroit vs Sacramento
Michigan Legal but Limited | California Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Detroit, Michigan | Sacramento, California |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $500 annual license fee | $230 initial application; $160 annual renewal; $54 annual Business Operations Tax |
| Tax Rate | 6% Michigan use tax + 6% Detroit Accommodations Tax (12% combined) | 12% TOT + 1.15%–3.45% Tourism Marketing/Infrastructure District assessments |
| Annual Day Limit | 90 days/year | 90 days/year |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | Up to $1,000–$1,200 per violation for unlicensed operation | Contact city for current details |
| Verdict | Sacramento 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
Sacramento, California
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $230 initial application; $160 annual renewal; $54 annual Business Operations Tax
Tax Rate 12% TOT + 1.15%–3.45% Tourism Marketing/Infrastructure District assessments
Day Limit 90 days/year
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Contact city for current details
Sacramento 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 →Sacramento Overview
Host must reside in the property at least 184 nights/year (primary residence requirement); non-primary-residence rentals capped at 90 days/year. Maximum 6 guests at any time.
Full Sacramento guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Detroit or Sacramento?
Detroit is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Sacramento is "Legal with Permit." Detroit's permit fee is $500 annual license fee compared to $230 initial application; $160 annual renewal; $54 annual Business Operations Tax in Sacramento.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Detroit or Sacramento?
Detroit charges 6% Michigan use tax + 6% Detroit Accommodations Tax (12% combined), while Sacramento charges 12% TOT + 1.15%–3.45% Tourism Marketing/Infrastructure District assessments. 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. Sacramento: Contact city for current details.