Indianapolis vs Portland

Indiana Legal with Permit | Oregon Legal but Limited

Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.

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
Portland, Oregon
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $65 (Type A single dwelling); $105 (Type A multi-dwelling)
Tax Rate 11.5% Transient Lodging Tax (6% city + 5.5% county) + 3% TID + 1.5% state
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Every 2 years
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Up to $26,201 across five violation types; permit revocation with 2-year ban

Indianapolis has more favorable STR regulations overall.

Permits & Licensing

Indianapolis charges $150 one-time registration fee per property for STR licensing, while Portland charges $65 (Type A single dwelling); $105 (Type A multi-dwelling). Indianapolis renewal is annual, and Portland renewal is every 2 years. Overall, Indianapolis has a more permissive regulatory environment (Legal with Permit) compared to Portland (Legal but Limited).

Tax Obligations

In Indianapolis, hosts pay 7% Indiana sales tax + 10% Marion County innkeeper's tax (17% combined). In Portland, hosts pay 11.5% Transient Lodging Tax (6% city + 5.5% county) + 3% TID + 1.5% state. Both cities benefit from automatic platform tax collection through Airbnb and similar services, simplifying compliance for hosts.

Day Limits & Restrictions

Neither city imposes an annual day limit on short-term rentals, giving hosts year-round flexibility.

Fines & Enforcement

Hosts operating without a permit in Indianapolis face penalties including Up to $500 per violation; permit revocation after three violations. In Portland, violations can result in Up to $26,201 across five violation types; permit revocation with 2-year ban. Both cities actively enforce their STR regulations, so securing proper licensing before listing is essential in either market.

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.

Contact: Dept. of Business and Neighborhood Services — (317) 327-8700

Full Indianapolis guide →

Portland Overview

Only accessory (hosted) short-term rentals allowed; resident must occupy the dwelling at least 270 days/year. Type A permits allow up to 2 bedrooms and 5 guests. Whole-home unhosted rentals are prohibited.

Contact: Portland Permitting & Development — (503) 823-2633

Full Portland guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easier to Airbnb in Indianapolis or Portland?
Indianapolis is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Portland is "Legal but Limited." Indianapolis's permit fee is $150 one-time registration fee per property compared to $65 (Type A single dwelling); $105 (Type A multi-dwelling) in Portland. Overall, Indianapolis has a more host-friendly regulatory environment.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Indianapolis or Portland?
Indianapolis charges 7% Indiana sales tax + 10% Marion County innkeeper's tax (17% combined), while Portland charges 11.5% Transient Lodging Tax (6% city + 5.5% county) + 3% TID + 1.5% state.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Indianapolis: Up to $500 per violation; permit revocation after three violations. Portland: Up to $26,201 across five violation types; permit revocation with 2-year ban. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Indianapolis and Portland have day limits for Airbnb?
Indianapolis has no annual day limit. Portland has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Indianapolis or Portland?
For new hosts, consider the total cost of entry: Indianapolis charges $150 one-time registration fee per property for permits with 7% Indiana sales tax + 10% Marion County innkeeper's tax (17% combined) in taxes. Portland charges $65 (Type A single dwelling); $105 (Type A multi-dwelling) with 11.5% Transient Lodging Tax (6% city + 5.5% county) + 3% TID + 1.5% state. Automatic tax collection in Indianapolis and Portland makes compliance easier for beginners.