Detroit vs San Francisco
Michigan Legal but Limited | California Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Detroit, Michigan | San Francisco, California |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | $500 annual license fee | $450 registration fee |
| Tax Rate | 6% Michigan use tax + 6% Detroit Accommodations Tax (12% combined) | 14% Transient Occupancy Tax |
| Annual Day Limit | 90 days/year | 90 days/year |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Every 2 years |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | Up to $1,000–$1,200 per violation for unlicensed operation | $1,000/day for illegal hosting |
| 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
San Francisco, California
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $450 registration fee
Tax Rate 14% Transient Occupancy Tax
Day Limit 90 days/year
Renewal Every 2 years
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $1,000/day for illegal hosting
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 →San Francisco Overview
Primary residence only, with a 90-day cap on unhosted stays (unlimited for hosted stays). Hosts must register, carry $500K liability insurance, and pass a fire/safety inspection. Rent-controlled units face additional restrictions.
Full San Francisco guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Detroit or San Francisco?
Detroit is classified as "Legal but Limited" while San Francisco is "Legal but Limited." Detroit's permit fee is $500 annual license fee compared to $450 registration fee in San Francisco.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Detroit or San Francisco?
Detroit charges 6% Michigan use tax + 6% Detroit Accommodations Tax (12% combined), while San Francisco charges 14% Transient Occupancy 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. San Francisco: $1,000/day for illegal hosting.