Indianapolis vs Milwaukee
Indiana Legal with Permit | Wisconsin Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Indianapolis, Indiana | Milwaukee, Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $150 one-time registration fee per property | $110 annual license + $300 one-time pre-inspection fee |
| Tax Rate | 7% Indiana sales tax + 10% Marion County innkeeper's tax (17% combined) | 5% state sales + 3% county room tax + 7% city room tax (15% combined) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | Up to $500 per violation; permit revocation after three violations | $150–$500 first offense; steeper fines and permit revocation for repeat offenses |
| Verdict | Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments. | |
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
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $110 annual license + $300 one-time pre-inspection fee
Tax Rate 5% state sales + 3% county room tax + 7% city room tax (15% combined)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $150–$500 first offense; steeper fines and permit revocation for repeat offenses
Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.
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 →Milwaukee Overview
Tourist Rooming House license required for rentals under one month. Properties must pass safety inspection for building code and fire safety compliance before license is issued.
Full Milwaukee guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Indianapolis or Milwaukee?
Indianapolis is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Milwaukee is "Legal with Permit." Indianapolis's permit fee is $150 one-time registration fee per property compared to $110 annual license + $300 one-time pre-inspection fee in Milwaukee.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Indianapolis or Milwaukee?
Indianapolis charges 7% Indiana sales tax + 10% Marion County innkeeper's tax (17% combined), while Milwaukee charges 5% state sales + 3% county room tax + 7% city room tax (15% combined). 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. Milwaukee: $150–$500 first offense; steeper fines and permit revocation for repeat offenses.