Gatlinburg vs Indianapolis
Tennessee Legal with Permit | Indiana Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Gatlinburg, Tennessee | Indianapolis, Indiana |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $200 (2-bedroom or fewer); $75 per additional bedroom | $150 one-time registration fee per property |
| Tax Rate | 12.75% combined (7% state sales + 2.75% local sales + 3% hotel/motel tax) + 3% Sevier County lodging tax | 7% Indiana sales tax + 10% Marion County innkeeper's tax (17% combined) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $50/day per violation; permit suspension/revocation possible | Up to $500 per violation; permit revocation after three violations |
| Verdict | Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments. | |
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $200 (2-bedroom or fewer); $75 per additional bedroom
Tax Rate 12.75% combined (7% state sales + 2.75% local sales + 3% hotel/motel tax) + 3% Sevier County lodging tax
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $50/day per violation; permit suspension/revocation possible
Indianapolis, Indiana
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $150 one-time registration fee per property
Tax Rate 7% Indiana sales tax + 10% Marion County innkeeper's tax (17% combined)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Up to $500 per violation; permit revocation after three violations
Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.
Gatlinburg Overview
Tourist Residency Permit required with annual inspection. STRs prohibited in R-1A and R-2A zones. Properties over 3 stories or 12+ occupants require sprinkler systems.
Full Gatlinburg guide →Indianapolis Overview
Indiana state law prevents municipalities from banning STRs but allows permitting. Hosts must collect and remit gross retail tax and Marion County innkeeper's tax.
Full Indianapolis guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Gatlinburg or Indianapolis?
Gatlinburg is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Indianapolis is "Legal with Permit." Gatlinburg's permit fee is $200 (2-bedroom or fewer); $75 per additional bedroom compared to $150 one-time registration fee per property in Indianapolis.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Gatlinburg or Indianapolis?
Gatlinburg charges 12.75% combined (7% state sales + 2.75% local sales + 3% hotel/motel tax) + 3% Sevier County lodging tax, while Indianapolis charges 7% Indiana sales tax + 10% Marion County innkeeper's tax (17% combined). Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Gatlinburg: $50/day per violation; permit suspension/revocation possible. Indianapolis: Up to $500 per violation; permit revocation after three violations.