Indianapolis vs Los Angeles
Indiana Legal with Permit | California Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Indianapolis, Indiana | Los Angeles, California |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | $150 one-time registration fee per property | $89 registration fee + $850 annual platform fee |
| Tax Rate | 7% Indiana sales tax + 10% Marion County innkeeper's tax (17% combined) | 14% Transient Occupancy Tax |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | 120 days/year |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | Up to $500 per violation; permit revocation after three violations | $2,000–$5,000/violation (up to triple for repeat offenses) |
| Verdict | Indianapolis has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
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
Los Angeles, California
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $89 registration fee + $850 annual platform fee
Tax Rate 14% Transient Occupancy Tax
Day Limit 120 days/year
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $2,000–$5,000/violation (up to triple for repeat offenses)
Indianapolis has more favorable STR regulations overall.
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 →Los Angeles Overview
Home-Sharing Ordinance limits STRs to primary residences with a 120-day annual cap (extendable with Enhanced Plan). Registration required. RSO (rent-stabilized) units generally prohibited.
Full Los Angeles guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Indianapolis or Los Angeles?
Indianapolis is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Los Angeles is "Legal but Limited." Indianapolis's permit fee is $150 one-time registration fee per property compared to $89 registration fee + $850 annual platform fee in Los Angeles.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Indianapolis or Los Angeles?
Indianapolis charges 7% Indiana sales tax + 10% Marion County innkeeper's tax (17% combined), while Los Angeles charges 14% Transient Occupancy Tax. Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Indianapolis: Up to $500 per violation; permit revocation after three violations. Los Angeles: $2,000–$5,000/violation (up to triple for repeat offenses).